Hood Huggers International Tours: Asheville History Walks & Drives

Asheville, North Carolina, is well known for its vibrant arts scene, mountain vistas, and historic architecture. Yet its complex social history, particularly the African American experience, often remains untold in the typical tour circuit. Hood Huggers International offers a grounded, immersive set of walking and driving tours that bring Asheville’s overlooked Black heritage into clear focus. Operating primarily in East End and Burton Street neighborhoods, these guided experiences shed light on the contributions, struggles, and resilience of Asheville’s Black communities. Participants receive more than just historical facts—they witness a living narrative told through neighborhoods shaped by decades of policies, art, and activism.

The walking tours cover thoroughfares such as Valley Street and Burton Street, where guests hear stories about Black artisans, educators, and community leaders who helped mold Asheville’s cultural identity. Each turn of the street reveals layers of history not always found in guidebooks. The driving tours expand the scope, providing a broader context of Asheville’s geography and how systemic factors influenced urban development and racial dynamics.

Guides like Dewayne bring deep knowledge and a personal connection, incorporating music, dance, and local voices to make history tangible and relevant. These tours transcend a passive sightseeing experience—participants gain a respectful understanding of both hardship and hope within Asheville’s neighborhoods.

Hood Huggers International stands out in the outdoor recreation scene of Western North Carolina by coupling cultural education with pedestrian and vehicular access to authentic communities. Their trips pair well with other outdoor activities familiar to Asheville visitors, offering a meaningful counterpoint to the area's mountain trails and nature excursions. For those wanting to appreciate Asheville’s full story and support local heritage, Hood Huggers provides an invaluable, eye-opening journey through time and terrain.