THROUGH THE GREEN SWAMP
Everyone is familiar with the Venus flytrap. Schoolchildren throughout the world recognize the famous plant. It’s a favorite among plant collectors. It has been the inspiration for everything from …
The Land of Waterfalls
U.S. HIGHWAY 64 FROM ROSMAN TO FRANKLIN Transylvania County has laid claim to the nickname Land of Waterfalls, so it might be stepping on a few toes to call …
THE UWHARRIES
The casual tourist driving through the middle of the Uwharrie Mountains might be forgiven for asking where they are. At a maximum elevation of just over one thousand feet …
North on The Scenic
THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY FROM VIRGINIA TO ASHEVILLE The mountain folk had never seen anything like the Blue Ridge Parkway. They knew the mountains well, because they had traveled …
LINN COVE VIADUCT
IT TOOK FIFTY-TWO YEARS to build the Blue Ridge Parkway. Construction began in 1935, and by 1967, the 469-mile road was completed except for a short section around Grandfather …
Mysteries and Maritime Heritage
A TOUR OF ROANOKE ISLAND At fifteen miles, this is the shortest route in the book. But those miles are packed with enough beauty, history, and maritime heritage to …
History and Prehistory
BATH, AURORA, ORIENTAL North Carolina’s first town makes a fitting start for this historical tour. Incorporated in 1705 on a grid drawn by early explorer John Lawson, Bath sits …
Old Trees and Grand Scenery
JOYCE KILMER MEMORIAL FOREST AND CHEROHALA SKYWAY Blue Ridge Parkway and Newfound Gap Road are arguably the most scenic drives in the southern Appalachians. But tucked back in the …