ASHEVILLE -- A multitude of people have been introduced to a new perspective of Asheville thanks to Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours, which celebrates its five-year anniversary this month. Guests not only report enjoying the scenic views and ambiance of Asheville’s rooftop bars, but also the snippets of the city’s history, architecture, and culture experienced while on the tours.

And it all started with a dream from a recently retired U.S. Postal Service employee.

“If there were two things I learned in 38 years as a rural mail carrier, it was the beauty of connection with other people, and the importance of taking time to appreciate the magic that surrounds us in these Blue Ridge Mountains,” said Bentley.

Sharing the rich history of Asheville while showcasing handcrafted drinks from the rooftops was a captivating idea for Bentley. And she knew that Asheville’s warm hospitality and thriving small business community would provide a welcoming and memorable setting for such an endeavor. She also wanted the tours to provide artisanal non-alcoholic options.

It was such a captivating idea that Bentley bought a website domain name for the business, figuring that someone else would be eager to pursue it. But the dream never left her, and over time she realized that that person ought to be her.

Since that pivotal moment, countless numbers of guests have made connections with one another and the community while enjoying expertly crafted cocktails (and mocktails!) and incredible views at eight rooftop restaurants and bars throughout the city as part of her tours. More rooftop establishments will be added to the tour’s itinerary this year.

Bentley has since been recognized as the Carolina Small Business Development Fund Entrepreneur of the Year, a Western Women’s Business Center’s Creativity in Business award recipient, and a KNOW Asheville “Woman to Watch.” The company has also received accolades from the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce (Small Business of the Month), Asheville Media Group’s Best of Asheville (Best Tour - Silver), and TripAdvisor (Travelers’ Choice Award for Top 10% of Attractions Worldwide).

With a dedicated team of seven knowledgeable locals passionate about their city, Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours not only takes pride in introducing visitors to the community and deepening local’s knowledge of the place they call home, but also actively engages with and contributes to it. As a certified Just Economics WNC Living Wage Certified employer, the company ensures fair compensation, fostering an average staff tenure of four years.

“I owe so much of our success to the support and love of this remarkable community and to our dedicated and hardworking team,” said Bentley, “that I feel like shouting it from the rooftops!”