Discover Asheville's rich history and delicious cuisine on this engaging food tour led by local expert Stu Helm. Perfect for foodies and culture lovers alike, it's a memorable way to spend a day in town.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; moderate walking involved
Wildlife
History
Asheville grew rapidly in the early 20th century with the rise of the textile industry, which influenced much of its architecture and culture.
Conservation
The tour promotes local sustainable practices by supporting businesses that prioritize eco-friendly initiatives and local sourcing.
Asheville Food Tours
Discover Asheville's rich history and delicious cuisine on this engaging food tour led by local expert Stu Helm. Perfect for foodies and culture lovers alike, it's a memorable way to spend a day in town.
Asheville Food Tours offers guided walking food tours in downtown Asheville that showcase the city's culinary scene and local history. The company runs three signature experiences: The Food Fan Tour, led by renowned local food writer Stu Helm (“The Food Fan”), which mixes curated tastings with stories about Asheville’s restaurants and culture; The Brunch Tour, a family-friendly three-and-a-half-hour walk with up to seven stops that pairs brunch dishes and cocktails with architectural highlights; and The Downtown Tour, the original Asheville downtown food tour featuring seven tastings from carefully selected restaurants and food shops over a three-and-a-half-hour route.
Each tour focuses on curated tastings, local ingredients, and conversations with passionate restaurateurs. Tours depart from central downtown meeting points and are conducted on foot, offering an accessible way to explore Asheville’s neighborhoods. Guides include local food experts and storytellers who provide context on regional flavors, culinary traditions, and the city’s evolving food economy.
Asheville Food Tours emphasizes transparent descriptions and reliable booking information to help guests choose the right experience. With clearly stated durations, stop counts, and themed itineraries, the company aims to set accurate expectations for visitors. The inclusion of a named guide—Stu Helm—adds a recognizable voice to the lineup. For travelers seeking a combination of food, history, and neighborhood discovery in downtown Asheville, Asheville Food Tours provides structured, guide-led tastings that highlight the city’s culinary character. Tours are suitable for visitors of varied ages and interests, with options that emphasize brunch, downtown tastings, and guided storytelling through Asheville's food scene.
Location
Downtown Asheville
Central meeting points
Guides
Includes Stu Helm
Local food writer leads a tour
Typical Length
3.5 hours
Brunch and Downtown tours
Tours Offered
3 tours
Three distinct experiences
Choose The Food Fan Tour, The Brunch Tour, or The Downtown Tour and reserve a guided tasting experience in downtown Asheville.
Book in advance
Secure your spot early, as tours often fill up quickly during peak seasons.
Wear comfortable shoes
Expect to walk and stand for periods; comfortable footwear is recommended.
Bring an open mind
Prepare to taste a variety of dishes and hear stories about Asheville’s history.
Hydrate during the tour
Drink plenty of water as you sample different beverages and walk around downtown.
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive footwear for walking between stops and exploring downtown.
Small backpack or bag
Convenient for carrying personal items and any souvenirs.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during the walking tour.
Sun protection
Sunscreen or hat, especially in sunny weather.