LaZoom Tours

LaZoom Tours presents itself not as a conventional tour company, but as a mobile theater experience rolling through the streets of Asheville. With its unmistakable, brightly-colored purple bus, this establishment has carved out a niche that merges comedy, street performance, and local history into a singular package. The consistent 4.8-star rating, aggregated from over 2,000 user reviews, suggests a high level of customer satisfaction for those seeking an alternative to standard sightseeing tours. The core of the LaZoom experience is its live, unscripted-feeling entertainment. Passengers are not passive observers; they are an audience for a vaudeville-style show on wheels, complete with outlandish guides, recurring characters who appear on the streets, and a healthy dose of audience participation.

Theatrical Offerings on Wheels

LaZoom has diversified its services to cater to various interests and age groups, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. This strategic variety is a significant strength, allowing the company to function as a versatile tour operator for different demographics. Each tour is a distinct, scripted production, ensuring that returning customers can have a new experience.

Key Tour Options:

• Hey Asheville! City Comedy Tour: This is often considered the flagship tour. It's a 90-minute ride that provides a comedic overview of the city's history, architecture, and unique culture. Performers engage in skits both on the bus and on the sidewalks, interacting with the city as a stage. The tour is generally rated PG-13 and includes a brief 10-minute stop at a local brewery.
• Ghosted: A Bus Tour of Asheville's Spooky Past: This adults-only tour (17+) delves into the darker, more sordid tales of Asheville's history. While the subject matter is ghostly, the delivery remains firmly rooted in comedy, blending spooky stories with laughs. The content is explicitly adult-oriented and not intended for those who are easily offended.
• Fender Bender: A Brewery & Comedy Tour: Aimed at the 21+ crowd, this tour focuses on Asheville's renowned craft beer scene. It features live music on the bus and makes extended stops at two or three local breweries. The emphasis here is more on creating a fun, party-like atmosphere than on intensive comedy, distinguishing it from the other offerings.
• Lil' Boogers: Kids' Comedy Tour: Recognizing the need for family-friendly entertainment, LaZoom also offers a tour specifically designed for children aged 5-12. This tour maintains the company's signature comedic style but with content appropriate for a younger audience.

The consistent praise across all these options points to the talent of the performers. Reviews frequently describe the guides and actors—with names like Cookie and Andrew mentioned fondly—as "hilarious," "incredible," and professional, even when managing unexpected situations with passengers. This focus on performance quality is a primary reason for the company's strong reputation in the local tourism landscape.

Points of Consideration and Drawbacks

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, there are critical factors potential customers must consider. The most significant limitation of LaZoom Tours is its lack of accessibility. The company's website and provided data explicitly state that the bus is not wheelchair accessible due to the vintage nature of the vehicle. While staff may assist passengers with mobility challenges and can store wheelchairs, the physical steps required to board present a definitive barrier, excluding a segment of potential tourists.

Another crucial aspect is the immense popularity of the tours. Multiple customer reviews highlight that buses are often completely full. This reality makes spontaneous travel planning difficult. It is highly recommended, and almost necessary, to book tickets well in advance, especially for larger parties or for popular time slots like weekends and evenings. The Ghosted tour, in particular, is noted for selling out quickly. Failure to book ahead will likely lead to disappointment.

Furthermore, the style of humor is a subjective element. The comedy is described as loud, raucous, and interactive. For the adult-themed tours, the humor can be risqué and edgy. One reviewer aptly noted that the tour is perfect "unless you have no sense of humor whatsoever." This implies that travelers seeking a quiet, contemplative tour of Asheville's history should look elsewhere. The experience is designed for an audience that enjoys boisterous, theatrical comedy and is prepared for a lively, sometimes rambunctious crowd, which can include bachelor and bachelorette parties. This makes it an interesting choice for group travel, but potentially less so for those seeking a tranquil outing.

Logistical Information for Potential Customers

All tours depart from the LaZoom Room located at 76 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801. This location also serves as a bar for ticket holders, allowing guests to purchase local beer and wine to enjoy before and during the ride. The business operates extensive hours, particularly from Thursday through the weekend, to accommodate the high demand. Seating is first-come, first-served, so arriving early is advisable.

Conclusion

LaZoom Tours has successfully established itself as more than just a travel agency; it is a landmark Asheville attraction. It offers a truly unique and entertaining way to experience the city, blending historical facts with high-energy comedy and street theater. The variety of themed tours ensures that different types of travelers, from families to adult groups, can find an experience tailored to them. However, the decision to book should be made with full awareness of its limitations. The lack of wheelchair accessibility is a significant drawback, and the necessity of advance booking cannot be overstated. The boisterous, comedic nature of the tours is a core feature, but it may not appeal to all visitors. For those who fit its target audience, LaZoom offers an unforgettable component to their vacation packages and a compelling reason why Asheville's tourism scene is celebrated for its unique character.