Trolleys and the Changing face of Asheville

Over the past five years of living in Ashville North Carolina I have experienced the change in the look and feel of the City. One of my favorite ways to see the city is to take the trolly tour around the city. It only takes a little over an hour and the amount of sightseeing during that time gives one a good over all impression of what’s happening throughout the city.

I like to take a ride around downtown ever now and then to get a new look at my town and I find it quite relaxing and educational. The are different places you can catch the trolly but I usually get on the one that just goes the down town loop I like to hear the driver tell the history of the buildings and what inspired their development.

As I have be one my leisurely trolly tours around town I have seen new building come up and more and more of the skyline has been filled in with high rises and condos. One of my favorite changes that I have seen happening downtown is locates between Pack Place and the local courthouse, which by the way is an amazing example of art-deco architecture, there is a large green way park and amphitheater being built. I have been watching it happen from the window of my trolly rides for the past two years. The project is scheduled to take another year but when it’s done I think it will be a wonderful asset to the city’s downtown environment.

Another interesting development occurring is a potential project going on just down the street from the Haywood Road Hotel at the Groove Arcade. The trolley tour stops at the spot all the time because it is a wonderful example of the diverse architecture in Asheville. The proposed project is the completion of the Groove Arcade. When it was designed the architect had originally planned for a high rise to build in the center of the mall. But as the building was being erected situations arose and the construction of the high rise never occurred as can be observed by its present state. However, there are now plans to build the high-rise using a modified version of the original plans. I think this is another good development for the look and economy of the area.

One of my favorite stops the trolly tour makes is to the river arts district. Talk about seeing the look and feel of a place change, wow, this area of town has gone from being a collection of empty beat down warehouses to a hoping creative center. In the early days of my trolly rides, the tour didn’t go down to the river district. For that matter, nobody really went down there. Now away days, the arts river district is filled with several kinds of art studios and galleries. And, during the summer there are art walks were all the studios and galleries open up for tours during the evening. This has to be one of my favorite parts of my sightseeing tour of my home town. Every time I go down there is new art on the streets in front of the studios and galleries have new art up on their walls all the time.

Over the years the Face of my town has changed a lot. I feel most of it is for the better and has really added to the over all environment has enrichened. And, it is always a nice enjoyable way to see it through the window of the trolly.

Group Trolley Tours of Asheville, NC

Asheville, North Carolina has become one of the most popular destinations for travelers and tourists from all across the globe. Quickly becoming recognized one of the cultural and creative capitals of the nation, Asheville offers something for every personality and walk of life. The beautiful architecture of the city set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Appalachian Mountains is truly a sight to behold. The residents of the area are as diverse as the restaurants, boutiques and art galleries that line the city streets.

One of the best ways to get to know the city that everyone is talking about is to take the Gray Line Asheville Trolley Tour. This guided tour runs to all the most attractive destinations in Asheville, including Pack Place, The Grove Park Inn and The Asheville River Arts District. With unlimited hop-on, hop-off privileges, it’s the best form of ground transportation in Asheville. No parking, traffic or getting lost…you get just to relax and enjoy everything this lovely mountain town has to offer.

Gray Line Asheville also offers event and wedding charters. This is a great way to entertain a group of people for any occasion such as weddings, corporate retreats and family reunions. No need to coordinate multiple cars, no need to worry about getting separated from the group and no worries about planning a fun event that everyone can enjoy.

Asheville is a dream destination for any group of artists, whether it’s an architecture or painting class, a community art foundation or a writers group. The Historic Biltmore Village area is rich with the cultural history of the city. The up and coming Asheville River Arts District is now home to some of the most eclectic and accomplished artists in the area.

Gray Line Asheville is the perfect way to organize a family reunion or gathering of friends. Keeping everyone together is easy, as the trolley makes a continuous circuit of the best sightseeing in Asheville. With unlimited hop-on and hop-off privileges, folks with different interests can explore different areas of the city without fear of losing track of each other. A few can hop off in pack place and walk around the shops while others explore the beautiful Grove Park Inn.

An excellent day to plan for a corporate retreat is a historic bus tour of Asheville on a Gray Line Trolley. The Renaissance Hotel, Grove Park Inn and Haywood Park Hotel are all stops on the Gray Line Asheville route. Take the whole trip or get on and off at any of the stops all day and plan events and workshops in different parts of the city.

Wedding charters are a dream come true for any wedding planner. Easy ground transportation to all the best places in town including a stop minutes from The St. Lawrence Basilica, with no hassles about finding a place for everyone to park and keeping the group together. It’s a fun and easy way to move everyone from the wedding to the reception or anywhere in between.

A complete listing of rates, routes and schedules can be found at www.graylineasheville.com. Working out arrangements is easy and hassle-free, and the pleasant folks at Gray Line Asheville take great pleasure in being a part of your vacation and travel experience. For sightseeing in Asheville, bus transportation in asheville and a historical perspective on the area, there really is nothing better than a Gray Line Asheville Trolley Tour.