Ashevilles Historic Smart Phone Guided App (GPS) Walking Tour

Asheville’s historic smartphone-guided app walking tour offers a unique way to explore the city’s rich past. Using GPS technology, the self-paced tour takes visitors on a 0.5-mile journey, starting at the Crossroads Monument and ending at the iconic Jackson Building. Along the way, travelers can learn about the area’s captivating history while enjoying the flexibility to stop, shop, or dine as they please. With an affordable price of just $7.75 per person, this tour caters to a wide range of visitors, making the city’s heritage accessible and engaging. What’s more, the seamless navigation ensures travelers won’t get lost, leaving them free to enjoy Asheville’s remarkable story.

This experience made our list of the 13 Best Guided Tours In Asheville.

Good To Know

• Self-paced, smartphone-guided walking tour of Asheville’s historic sights, operated by WalknTours and priced at $7.75 per person.
• Utilizes a GPS-enabled app to provide flexible navigation and minimize the risk of getting lost.
• Highlights key landmarks like the Crossroads Monument, Jackson Building, Asheville City Hall, Battery Park Hotel, and Pack Memorial Library.
• Can be completed at a leisurely pace, with no expiration, making it suitable for families, older adults, and solo travelers.
• Conveniently located near public transportation, but not wheelchair accessible, with no included food or entrance tickets.

Overview of the Tour

Asheville’s Historic Smartphone Guided App Walking Tour is a self-paced exploration of the city’s rich past.

Operated by WalknTours, this tour allows visitors to discover Asheville’s historic landmarks at their own convenience. Priced at $7.75 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Participants can download the app and embark on the journey, which starts at the Crossroads Monument in North Pack Square and ends at the iconic Jackson Building.

With over 7 reviews and a 4.5/5 rating, this tour provides an engaging, informative, and flexible way to experience Asheville’s captivating history.

Navigating the Tour

The self-guided smartphone app allows users to navigate the tour at their own pace.

Thanks to the GPS feature, getting lost is unlikely. However, as one reviewer noted, occasional signal drops can make following directions tricky.

To ensure a seamless experience:

1. Download the app and tour content before starting.
2. Keep the volume up to clearly hear the audio guide.
3. Follow the provided walking directions closely.
4. Stop for breaks or detours as needed – the tour never expires.

With a little preparation, travelers can enjoy Asheville’s historic sights at their convenience through this engaging smartphone-guided walking tour.

Highlights Along the Route

As you navigate the tour, you’ll encounter a variety of historic highlights that bring Asheville’s rich past to life.

You’ll stop at the Crossroads Monument, where four roads converge in the heart of the city. Nearby, the Jackson Building, with its distinctive green copper roof, stands as a testament to the city’s architectural legacy.

Further along, you’ll discover the opulent renaissance-style Asheville City Hall, a striking example of late 19th-century civic design.

The tour also features the Battery Park Hotel, once a hub of high society, and the picturesque Pack Memorial Library, a beloved local landmark.

Each location offers a glimpse into Asheville’s storied history, enriching your understanding of this vibrant North Carolina city.

Timing and Pacing

Travelers can complete the self-guided tour at their own leisurely pace, taking as much or as little time as desired.

The tour never expires, allowing visitors to go at their own schedule. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for:

1. Families with young children who may need breaks.
2. Older adults who prefer a slower-paced exploration.
3. Visitors seeking to pause for shopping, dining, or rest.
4. Solo travelers who can tailor the experience to their preferences.

The app’s GPS feature helps keep travelers on track, even if they occasionally get momentarily lost.

With no time constraints, guests can enjoy Asheville’s historic landmarks at their convenience.

Meeting and End Points

The tour’s starting point is the corner of N Pack Square and SW Pack Square at the Crossroads Monument in downtown Asheville, North Carolina.

From there, the self-guided walking tour will lead you through the historic city, ending at The Jackson Building on S Pack Square.

The entire tour route is approximately 0.5 miles long and takes roughly 1-2 hours to complete, depending on your pace and interest in stopping along the way.

The end point is conveniently located near other popular attractions, allowing you to continue exploring Asheville’s vibrant downtown after your tour.

Accessibility and Amenities

This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed. The tour is located near public transportation, making it convenient for most travelers to participate.

Noteworthy aspects of the tour include:

1. The self-guided nature of the experience, allowing participants to go at their own pace and schedule.

2. The tour never expires, providing flexibility for visitors.

3. The absence of any included food, drink, or entrance tickets, keeping the focus on the historic walking experience.

4. The private nature of the tour, ensuring only your group will be participating.

Traveler Experiences

Several travelers have shared their experiences with the Asheville’s Historic Smartphone Guided App Walking Tour.

Velvet_F found the connection difficult, but noted it’s better for solo travelers due to challenges in hearing and navigating.

Angela_M appreciated the good price and clear host, though the GPS feature caused her to get lost occasionally.

LindaMoraski_m found the tour entertaining and informative, commending the excellent walking directions.

Elizabeth_M enjoyed the easy-to-follow audio guide and valued the ability to pause for shopping or refreshments.

Sum Up

Asheville’s historic smartphone-guided walking tour offers a captivating self-paced exploration of the city’s rich past. With seamless GPS navigation and the flexibility to take breaks, this 0.5-mile tour caters to diverse travelers, making history accessible and enjoyable for all. At just $7.75 per person, it’s an engaging way to discover Asheville’s iconic landmarks and uncover the stories that shaped this vibrant city.