Asheville’s Historic Smart Phone Guided App (GPS) Walking Tour

Explore Asheville’s vibrant downtown with the Asheville’s Historic Smart Phone Guided App (GPS) Walking Tour, offering an affordable and flexible way to discover the city’s past. Priced at $7.75 per person, this tour provides an engaging experience lasting approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes. It departs from outside the Asheville Art Museum at Pack Square, where the tour begins with a brief introduction to Asheville’s founding. The tour’s standout feature is its self-paced format, allowing visitors to pause, explore, and continue at their convenience—the tour never expires. This flexibility makes it ideal for those who enjoy spontaneous stops for shopping, dining, or simply soaking up the atmosphere. However, it’s important to note that no physical guide, food, or entrance fees are included, making this a budget-friendly option that complements independent exploration.

While the professional narration and musical backdrop enhance the experience, some reviews highlight the challenges of sharing the device in busy traffic areas, so this tour suits solo travelers or small groups comfortable with using their own smartphones. This tour offers a practical, informative, and adaptable way to uncover Asheville’s historic charm at an unbeatable price.

Key Points

• Self-paced and flexible GPS-guided walking tour of Asheville’s historic center
• Price of $7.75 per person, with no expiration on the tour
• Multiple stops highlighting landmarks like O. Henry’s Office, Woolworth Walk, and Thomas Wolfe Memorial
• Professional narration with music to set the mood
• Departure point: outside Asheville Art Museum at Pack Square
• Suitable for most travelers, service animals allowed, near public transportation
• No included food, drinks, or entrance tickets, offering budget-friendly exploration

Starting Point: Outside Asheville Art Museum at Pack Square

The tour kicks off just outside the Asheville Art Museum, with a welcoming guide meeting point marked by a blue orb. From this central starting spot, the tour sets the tone for a deep dive into Asheville’s history, culture, and architecture. The self-guided nature allows travelers to enjoy a relaxed pace, with the freedom to pause at any of the notable stops or explore nearby shops and cafes. The departure location is accessible and convenient, making it easy to begin your exploration without fuss.

Exploring Asheville’s Founding at North and Southwest Pack Square

The journey begins at North Pack Square and Southwest Pack Square, where you hear about the founding of Asheville. This area provides context about the city’s origins and sets the stage for the sights ahead. The first stop is brief, about five minutes, giving an overview of Asheville’s early days. It’s an ideal spot to get your bearings and prepare for the walk ahead.

Discovering O. Henry’s Connection to Asheville

The tour next visits the plaque marking O. Henry’s Office, where the famous author’s story unfolds. This stop offers insight into Asheville’s literary connections and notable residents. With a five-minute duration, it’s a good chance to learn about the city’s cultural history and perhaps snap a few photos of the plaque.

Exploring the S&W Building and Woolworth Walk

Outside the S&W Building, the tour pauses for about five minutes so visitors can explore more or take in the architecture. The building’s exterior is a key highlight, and the flexibility here encourages spontaneous curiosity.

The next stop takes you to Woolworth Walk, a historic storefront with a compelling story and the chance to browse local art galleries. This site, also around five minutes, combines history with a touch of modern creativity, making it a favorite for those interested in Asheville’s artistic scene.

Notable Landmarks: Iron Sculpture and Wall Street Steps

The tour features a giant iron sculpture outside the Iron Building, presenting a striking visual symbol of Asheville’s industrial past. Just a short five-minute stop, it invites photos and admiration.

A unique feature is the Wall Street Steps, covered with a colorful waterfall mural. Here, visitors learn about the story behind the hidden steps and their artistic transformation, making it a memorable snapshot of Asheville’s inventive spirit.

Passing the Grove Arcade and Visiting the Basilica

While walking past the historic Grove Arcade, the guide provides a brief history, with an opportunity to pause and explore the arcade’s shops and eateries on your own. This landmark offers a mix of commerce and architecture that captures Asheville’s downtown vibrancy.

The Basilica of Saint Lawrence is another highlight, with the tour stopping outside for about five minutes. Visitors are encouraged to peek inside if open, enjoying the architecture and spiritual ambiance of this renowned church.

Learning About Thomas Wolfe at the Memorial and House

The Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site is a key stop, where the footprints of Wolfe’s shoes mark his connection to Asheville. Visitors get a sense of Wolfe’s life and influence in the city during this five-minute visit.

Close by, the Thomas Wolfe house provides additional context about the author’s childhood and the city’s 20th-century literary scene. This pairing offers a well-rounded glimpse into Wolfe’s relationship with Asheville.

Historic Pubs and the End at Pack Square

The tour continues outside Packs Tavern, once known for its prohibition-era history. It’s a five-minute stop rich with stories about Asheville’s nightlife and history during Prohibition.

The journey concludes at the Jackson Building in Pack Square, wrapping up the sightseeing experience with a final dose of Asheville’s historic architecture. The tour’s flexible design means you can linger here or explore the surrounding area.

Logistics and Practical Info

The tour is entirely digital, delivered via a smartphone app with professional narration and music. It is accessible most days from 12:00 AM to 11:30 PM and is suited for most travelers, including those with service animals. The self-guided format means no human guide or entrance fees are included, making this an economical option for independent explorers.

Starting and ending at prominent locations in downtown Asheville, the tour is easy to access via public transportation and walkable for most visitors. The tour’s flexibility and permanent availability make it a convenient choice for spontaneous or scheduled visits.

The Benefits of a Self-Paced Tour in Asheville

This tour’s greatest strength lies in its autonomy. Travelers can pause for shopping in art galleries, sip drinks at local cafes, or just relax under Asheville’s charming architecture. The professional narration ensures the story remains engaging even when taking breaks, and the seamless integration with your phone makes navigation straightforward.

However, some reviews note that sharing the device in busy areas can be challenging, particularly when walking through traffic or in crowded streets. This aspect is worth considering if traveling alone or with a small, tech-savvy group. The low price point and ability to re-listen add substantial value.

Final Thoughts on Asheville’s Historic GPS Walking Tour

This $7.75 self-guided tour offers a flexible, informative way to explore Asheville’s historic core at your own pace. Its stops cover key landmarks like O. Henry’s landmark, Woolworth Walk, and the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, giving a well-rounded picture of the city’s cultural and architectural heritage.

The professional narration and music create an immersive atmosphere, while the ability to pause and explore makes it ideal for spontaneous discovery. Although some users find sharing the device can be tricky in busy streets, overall, it provides excellent value for those looking for an affordable, independent way to learn Asheville’s story.

This tour suits most travelers, especially those who prefer a personalized schedule and enjoy wandering at will. It’s particularly appealing for budget-conscious visitors who want a rundown without the hassle of group tours or added costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes, but since it never expires, you can take your time and explore at your own speed.

What is included in this tour?
The smartphone-guided tour delivered via a GPS-enabled app is included. It features professional narration, music, and multiple landmark stops.

Are there any additional costs?
No, entrance tickets, food, drinks, or human guides are not included. You may choose to visit attractions separately if they charge admission.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins just outside the Asheville Art Museum at Pack Square and ends at the Jackson Building in Pack Square.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. However, parents should consider the walking pace and device sharing in busy areas.

Can I do this tour at night?
Yes, the tour is available any time from 12:00 AM to 11:30 PM, so it can be scheduled for daytime or evening exploration.

What if I get lost or want to stop?
The tour’s self-paced nature makes it easy to pause and resume. You can stop anytime for shopping, dining, or sightseeing without losing your place.

Is the tour accessible via public transportation?
Yes, the starting point is near public transportation, making it easy to reach downtown Asheville.

What are the main highlights of the tour?
Highlights include O. Henry’s Office, Woolworth Walk, the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, and the Basilica of Saint Lawrence. These sites reveal Asheville’s literary, artistic, religious, and industrial past.

Would you recommend this tour?
Yes, especially for budget-conscious travelers who enjoy customizing their sightseeing experience and exploring at their own pace.