African Rhythms
Establishment of Community
One of the nation’s most prosperous African-American commercial districts after the Civil War was right here in Asheville, which has always been ahead of its time when it comes to cultural acceptance. Recognizing the need for a social hub to serve the flourishing community, George Vanderbilt commissioned in 1892 the construction of an 18,000 square foot Tudor-style building, originally named the Young Men’s Institute. Today it is the YMI Cultural Center, offering enlightening programs, events, and exhibitions.
YMI Executive Director Harry Harrison notes the challenges it faced at the end of the 19th century: “Support for a free-standing African-American community center was rare 30 years after the Civil War… What is so unique about this center is that it had rental or lease 
The Block
YMI’s location made it a permanent fixture on Eagle Street, also known as “The Block” because it was the center of African-American commerce and culture in Asheville. Each year the YMI Cultural Center presents Goombay, an annual celebration of cultural expression that originated in Bermuda during the days of slave trade.
To explore other sites of cultural significance, take a walk along Asheville’s Urban Trail, a self-guided tour of the stories that compose our community.
There are 6 Things To Do in Asheville listed on this page.
Asheville Art Museum
 | Be inspired by world-class special exhibitions and the Asheville Art Museum's outstanding collection, showcasing the very best of 20th and 21st century American art and the cultural heritage and contemporary art of Western North Carolina. This award-winning Museum presents 14 exhibitions and hundreds of public programs annually and welcomes visitors of all ages. |  828-253-3227 2 South Pack Square |
Asheville Drum Circle
| The Asheville Drum Circle is an 8-year tradition and the coming-together of local citizens to dance and play music. Bring a percussive instrument, and you can play too! | Patton Avenue |
Asheville Historic Tours
| Explore the history of Asheville through its fascinating stories and architecture. Comprehensive and entertaining, the walking tours capture the past that shaped Asheville. Step back in time to glimpse the visible remnants of Asheville's past. Come along on a walking architecture/history tour of Montford, Asheville's first historic district, or learn about the diverse architecture and shopkeepers who were the foundation of downtown Asheville's development. You can stroll or drive the winding paths of a Victorian "rural" garden cemetery on a visit to Riverside Cemetery. A self guided tour of Riverside Cemetery is available at the Asheville Visitors Center on CD or can be downloaded from www.history-at-hand.com. All tours are by appointment to allow the greatest flexibility in scheduling. | 828-777-1014 333 Montford Avenue |
Asheville Urban Trail
| The Asheville Urban Trail has often been called Asheville's "museum without walls." Started by a small group of citizens interested in helping revitalize downtown, the Urban Trail consists of thirty stations of bronze sculpture around downtown. Each station has a plaque illuminating some of the very interesting history of downtown's development and the various notable people who once lived here. Mostly local artists helped to create the whimsical bronze sculptures and other art works that are found at each station. The tour is a 1.7 mile walk that begins and ends at Pack Place and takes about two hours to complete in its entirety. | 828-259-5815 Downtown Asheville |
LaZoom Comedy Tour
| Definitely not your mamma's typical tour bus experience, LaZoom is Asheville's only rolling comedy tour bus. One of WNC's most unique things to do, LaZoom's 90-minute odyssey through Asheville spells quirky fun for both first-time visitors and long-time residents. Each tour takes you to Asheville's favorite neighborhoods and landmarks and features a knowledgeable and witty tour guide, a heavy dose of corny jokes, and slapstick characters all along the way. So, prepare to laugh your socks off and Get on the Bus! Voted Asheville's #1 attraction by previous LaZoom bus riders on TripAdvisor.com. | 828-225-6932 90 Biltmore Avenue, starting location |
YMI Cultural Center
| One of Asheville's national historic landmarks commissioned by George Vanderbilt in 1893. Today the refurbished center houses art galleries, classes and performances in African-American cultural art and history. | 828-252-4614 39 South Market Street |