Land Adventures: Asheville Literary Map Tour by The Adventure Collective
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; comfortable walking required
Overview
Discover Asheville’s rich literary history through an interactive multimedia tour. Walk the streets, engage with historical readings, and see the city through the eyes of its famed authors—an experience perfect for book lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Asheville Literary Map Tour
90-120 minutes | Asheville's Only Tour that Helps You Get Lost!
Select participants and date
Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on Asheville's only multimedia literary tour, where you'll explore the city's rich writing history. Stroll through Downtown, discovering the inspirations behind renowned authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway. Engage with captivating readings and historical images, creating a deeper appreciation for Asheville's literary legacy in this unique adventure.
Asheville’s Only Multimedia Tour Exclusively Designed for Literary Travelers!
Rates
Tour Rate (up to 3 people): $75 Each Additional Person: $20 Exclusive Tour Rate (up to 3 people): $100 Each Additional Person: $25
Duration
90-120 minutes of casual walking, with one or two moderate hills up and one staircase down
Saturday 10:00am or 4:00pm
About
Think of this tour as an interactive, bookish guide to Downtown Asheville. It’s a glimpse of some of our widely known writing stars, best sellers, literary journeys, and yes, tragedies.
Asheville offers many things: The mountains, the views, award-winning food, great music, and beer. Lots and lots of beer. But there is another version of Asheville—one that gets overlooked far too often. And that is the history of the written and spoken word in these mountains. This town has excited and incited many authors to pick up pens and scratch out brilliant work.
Visit the literary destinations of Downtown Asheville. See them and touch them. Spend some time and let them sink in. These places have inspired words, employed authors, sold their books, or just coincidentally became entangled into writers’ lives.
Enjoy our readings and marvel at images of Asheville gone by. Hopefully, woven together, they will begin to paint a mosaic—a deeper understanding of our wonderful city beyond the surface, bound in ink and paper. Take in the sights and sounds and tastes, and for the love of all that is literary, make it an adventure!
Among the many authors covered on the tour, you will hear about:
- Wilma Dykeman
- John Ehle
- F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald
- Ernest Hemingway
- O. Henry
- James Patterson
- Carl Sandburg
- Thomas Wolfe
- and many more!
Tickets must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance in order to secure your spot on the tour. Tickets are refundable up to 48 hours before your tour.
Adventure Tips
Bring comfortable shoes
Wear walking shoes to comfortably explore downtown Asheville on this engaging tour.
Plan for multimedia interactions
Be prepared for readings and visual displays that enhance the storytelling experience.
Visit during daylight hours
Schedule your tour during the day to enjoy the full outdoor and indoor stops safely.
Book in advance
Reserve your spot early, as this popular tour fills quickly, especially in peak season.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Common city pigeons
- Urban squirrels
History
Asheville’s status as a literary hub dates back to the early 20th century, attracting writers seeking inspiration in its vibrant streets and mountain surroundings.
Conservation
The tour emphasizes appreciation for Asheville’s historic districts, promoting preservation of local landmarks and fostering sustainable tourism.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Asheville
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Key for navigating Asheville's downtown comfortably.
Camera or smartphone
Capture the vibrant street scenes and historic sites.
Notebook and pen
Take notes or jot down favorite literary quotes.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during the walking tour.