Move over, Tour De France, we have a new (walking) tour in Knoxville that will compete with your history and European beauty. I may be overstating it just a smidge, but a new and exciting female-owned, history-rich, locally-focused business just opened downtown, and I’m excited. I sat down with the passionate and creative Ace Preston to hear about her latest adventure.
After Knox Brew Tours wrapped up its final outing in September 2024, Ace, formerly assistant GM, guide and a distinct voice at Knox Brew Stories and Knox Brew Radio, just had the feeling she wasn’t quite done giving the people of Knoxville a fun and different way to view our fair city. After lots of consultation and some key blessings, Ace launched her own business, ACE Tours Knox (Adventurous Curated Experiences).
Ace grew up in Green Bay, Wis., dreaming of a career in broadcast journalism or criminal profiling. Instead, she found her calling in craft beer, working in production, packaging, serving and brewing. She landed in Knoxville on a leap of faith and found her stride as assistant GM and guide at Knox Brew Tours. Being a tour guide married her love of storytelling, beer and public speaking, and now she brings that to ACE Tours Knox.
When Knox Brew Tours, founded by Zack Roskop of Knox Brew Hub and Fred Beans and Rice, announced its closure after a decade and its 2,000th tour, many in Knoxville’s craft beverage community felt a gap. Ace, a central figure in the company’s rise, was well-positioned to carry on its mission in a reimagined way that holds true to Knoxville’s rich history and vibrant craft drink scene.
She launched ACE Tours Knox on Memorial Day weekend, explaining on social media: “ACE Tours is my love letter to Knoxville, its rich history, and its incredible craft beverage scene. Think urban exploration meets edutainment! Whether you’re a local or it’s your first time in town, there is so much to learn and appreciate about our amazing city.” Building upon the “Brew Tours” foundation, she’s looking to launch “Hidden Gems” in August and “Java Jaunts” in October.
Ace brings a decade of craft-beer expertise, storyteller’s flair and deep community ties to every tour. She says tours are more than sipping samples. They’re about understanding the people, histories and senses of place in Knoxville. To make sure she got it right, Ace met with famed local historian and author Jack Neeley for a walkaround town and history lesson. Based on her past roles and firsthand brewing background, guests can expect rich anecdotes, lots of dad jokes, insider access and genuine hospitality.
ACE Tours Knox represents more than a business—it’s the next chapter, built on Ace’s craft beer roots and personal connection to Knoxville. With ACE Tours Knox, she’s creating a place where community, flavor and local story telling intersect with slapstick humor and a local brew.
Playing off her nickname “Ace,” her mission was created:
Adventurous
Encounter Knoxville from a new perspective—where edutainment and urban exploration collide! You’ll get a bird’s eye view of this historic yet up-and-coming city on a guided walking tour with a seasoned local tour guide.
From discovering hidden art off the beaten path to your new favorite beverage, an ACE Tour will push you outside of your comfort zone and introduce you to another side of Knoxville.
Curated
If you don’t know where to begin, you’re in the right place!
Get a hands-on, up close and personal look into the creation processes, origin stories and eclectic history of craft beverages through storytelling and a tailored tasting experience.
Experience
Every ACE Tour is a one-of-a-kind occurrence!
Here’s your chance to discover Knoxville from a local’s perspective. Our city is filled with exciting events happening year round—jump on a tour and be a part of the magic.
Visit her site to choose your adventure, check availability and reserve your spot. Tours are intimate, limited in size, and designed for those eager to see Knoxville through Ace’s expert, enthusiastic lens. They are 2.5-3 hours and all-weather. Drinking (21+, ID required), non-alcoholic drinking, and non-drinking tickets are available. On July 27th, she is partnering with Sober in Knoxville for a Nonalcoholic Brew Tour! You can get more information HERE.
She is currently booking HERE for:
North Knox Brew Tours: Barrelhouse by Gypsy Circus Cider, Crafty Bastard Brewery, Last Days of Autumn Brewing, Next Level Brewing Co, Xül Beer Co, Yee-Haw Brewing Co.
South Knox Brew Tours: Alliance Brewing Co., Hi-Wire Brewing, Printshop Beer Co.
Hidden Gems Tours (coming in August 2025): Explore some of the best hidden gems of Downtown Knoxville! From speakeasies and historic haunts to award-winning venues and themed bar spaces, your Hidden Gems Tour delivers a true VIP experience.
Java Jaunts (coming in October 2025): Learn about the culture of coffee on this daytime excursion! We will dive into the science, art and history of java—ranging from roasting techniques to origin stories and more! Enjoy multiple tastings as well as local art and history along the way.
You can reach out to Ace at acetoursknox@gmail.com. Check out the website, and follow along on Instagram and Facebook for all the latest updates!
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