Blue Ridge Parkway - Books

Bicycling the Blue Ridge: A Guide to the Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway Elizabeth Skinner From the Publisher: There is no ribbon of highway more ideal for cycling than the Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway--they both entice the senses and physically challenge the body. The new edition of Bicycling the Blue Ridge continues as the definitive guide to this cyclist’s dream road, offering completely updated information on lodging, bike shops, campgrounds, road crossings, points of interest, bed and breakfasts, panoramic views, groceries, and more. Written with racers, touring cyclists, and recreational cyclists in mind, this milepost-by-milepost guide covers every inch of the 574-mile path between Front Royal, Virginia and Cherokee, North Carolina.Bicycling the Blue Ridge offers information on:*Key road intersections*On-and-off-route facilities*Optimum routes to and from towns*Appropriate gear and clothing*Terrain and geography*WeatherWith standardized elevation profiles and a change in content organization that combines sections around significant destinations or major highway intersections, Bicycling the Blue Ridge helps readers keep track of the ever-changing Skyline-Blue Ridge region. If they ever leave the road, they will know exactly what to expect. With this book as their guide, they can expect an incredible ride. List Price: $$13.95 Our Price: $12.55

50 Hikes in the Mountains of North Carolina Robert Leonard Williams From the Publisher: This revised edition of one of Backcountry’s bestselling hiking guides features several new trails and new and improved maps. The Great Smokies and Blue Ridge mountains are the most visited natural areas in the United States. The mountain ranges of North Carolina—from the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains to the southern foothills—offer an abundant variety of terrain, scenery, and wildlife to those who explore them. Distinguished by steep gorges, spectacular waterfalls, lush forests of rhododendron and laurel, and the blue haze that hangs over distant views, North Carolina’s mountains are a popular hiking destination in every season of the year. The authors of this guide have explored more than 350 miles of trails through the mountains of their home state to choose 50 of their favorite day hikes, ranging from 1 to 15 miles. The hikes vary in difficulty and offer something for hikers of all abilities. Many trails are conveniently accessed from the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, and several are handicapped-accessible. Each hike description includes directions to the trailhead, hiking distance, and estimated hiking time; detailed trail descriptions, safety precautions, and topographical maps; options for longer and shorter hikes on adjacent trails; and folk stories, historical anecdotes, and natural history information. 50 black and white photographs, 51 maps. Our Price: $16.95

Guide to the Blue Ridge Parkway Victoria Logue From the Publisher: A national treasure designed to be enjoyed from the seat of a car, the Blue Ridge Parkway reveals the beauty and splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you are planning a visit or are already on your way, you’ll want a copy of the Guide to the Blue Ridge Parkway to discover all that the Parkway has to offer. This milepost guide highlights important attractions and destinations on the 469-mile Parkway, including cultural parks, remnants of historical Appalachia, as well as trailheads and campgrounds. Sidebars throughout the guidebook cover diverse subjects, such as the preservation of view sheds and the habits of animals that frequent the Parkway. And wildflower enthusiasts will benefit from the bloom calendar, which notes peak bloom times and general locations of the flowers. Whether you explore only a few miles or tour the entire length of the Parkway, the Guide to the Blue Ridge Parkway will guarantee you get miles of enjoyment out of this national treasure. Our Price: $13.95

Fugitive King Sarah R. Shaber From the Publisher: "University of North Carolina history professor Simon Shaw doesn’t spend all of his time in the classroom or grading term papers. In fact, he has been making headlines for his role in investigating murders that occurred over the last century. Various newspapers and magazines have even dubbed him a "forensic historian." Simon is just starting to warm up to this title when another mystery presents itself." "A forest ranger has discovered the remains of a young woman below the Blue Ridge Parkway in Boone, North Carolina. It’s the corpse of Eva Potter, who disappeared in 1958. A man she was dating, Roy Freedman, confessed to her murder. Now Freedman, serving a life term, claims his confession was false and wants Simon’s help in discovering the real killer." "Although Simon can’t decide whether or not the man really is innocent, he reluctantly agrees to take the case. His inquiries take him to Boone, the mountain town where he grew up and where many of his relatives still live. Even if nothing comes of the trip, Simon sees it as an opportunity to get away from the unrelenting heat of Raleigh and his current quarrel with his girlfriend, Julia; Simon, deep in his research, had forgotten their date and left her stranded on his front steps. It will also give him the chance to catch up with his aunts and uncles and cousins." An old map of Watauga County leads Simon to believe that the key to the solution of Eva’s murder can be found near the spot where she died. When a man who seemed to have some long-hidden information about the woman’s disappearance is killed, Simon realizes that there is someone in Boone who will stop at nothing to keep him from learning the truth. From The Critics: Publishers WeeklyIn his third winning cozy (Simon Says; Snipe Hunt), history professor Simon Shaw’s journey to "the homeplace" in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains is interrupted by an escaped convict, Roy Freedman, who at gunpoint asks his help in finding evidence to support Freedman’s claim of innocence for a murder committed decades before. Once home, the obliging prof taps into the local collective memory, gossiping with his kin and acquaintances at the sheriff’s department. What he finds is unsettling. Why was so little evidence recorded at the time of the murder? What motive would drive Freedman to plead guilty to a crime he didn’t commit and serve 40 years in prison? Learning the answers to these questions may prove more dangerous than Simon bargained for. Shaber excels at depicting local color, from Appalachian geology and native flora, to evocative glimpses of postwar rural America. With his migraines, tenure worries and wounded feelings after a spat with his girlfriend, the 30-something Simon comes across as likable and all too human-we understand why his relations are glad to see him. Minor characters also have their appealing foibles, especially Simon’s uncle and aunt, Mel and Rae, who are separated because Mel looks forward to retirement and Rae would "die if she stopped working." A chatty style is perfectly suited to an investigation that depends so much on conversation and characters’ reminiscences. (Sept. 16) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information. Library JournalShortly after authorities discover a female skeleton just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, Professor Simon Shaw (Simon Says) is taken hostage by an escaped convict in Raleigh. Said convict confessed to killing the woman back in 1958, though her body was never found, but now he wants Shaw, a forensic historian, to prove him innocent. The convict returns to prison, and Shaw finally decides to investigate, putting a huge glitch in his love life. Forensic research details, historical facts about ethnic Melungeons and Appalachia, and frequent reminders of North Carolina academia provide plot cement. Solid, middle-of-the-road prose recommends this cozy to larger collections. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information. Our Price: $5.99

Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway: The Ultimate Travel Guide to America’s Most Popular Scenic Roadway Randy Johnson From the Publisher: Stop your car, lace up your boots, and experience the best trails in the national forests, state parks, and private preserves that line the Blue Ridge Parkway. From the southern end of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, this single-volume solution for the serious explorer points the way to the best of the 469-mile Parkway’s outdoor experiences. Author and trail designer Randy Johnson leads you past historic homesteads and landmark sites, through multiday explorations of isolated wilderness enclaves, and up to some of the East’s highest peaks, offering insights into Southern Appalachia’s unique cultural heritage and showcasing the natural beauty that makes this scenic roadway a historical and national treasure.Inside you’ll find: in-depth descriptions with difficulty ratings and detailed directions; detailed topographic trail maps; complete Parkway mileage log to all overlooks and waysides, entrances and exits, interpretive sites, visitor centers, craft shops, and easy "leg-stretcher" trails.No matter what your skill level or abilities, Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway is an indispensable resource to the most heavily visited unit of the National Park system and a portal to the Southern Appalachian experience. Our Price: $16.95

Backroad Bicycling in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains: 27 Rides for Touring and Mountain Bikes from North Georgia to Southwest Virginia Hiram Rogers From the Publisher: An all-new cycling guide to scenic back roads in the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains region of Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Southern Virginia.This all new cycling guide uncovers scenic back roads for both touring and mountain bikes through the heart of the Southern Appalachians: from North Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina to Southwest Virginia. Encompassing the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the region offers scenic and historic tours along valley floors, exhilarating ridgetop rides, and challenging treks through rugged mountains. Rogers describes road bike rides at Georgia’s historic Chickamauga National Battlefield; high, wild vistas from the transmountain Cherohala Skyway; and a new greenway system spanning Maryville and Alcoa, Tennessee. Mountain bikers will love the classic tours on the Tsali and Bent Creek trails systems, as well as two new trail systems along Tennessee’s Ocoee River. Also included are Virginia’s popular Virginia Creeper and New River Trails. Routes range from the little known to the well traveled, from level road rides to challenging mountain trails. Each ride description will include mile-by-mile directions; a detailed map and mileage cue sheet; information on difficulty and terrain; and notes on the natural and historic features you’ll encounter along the way. 35 black and white photographs. About the Author:: Hiram Rogers has written about outdoor recreation and land conservation issues for Backpacker and Blue Ridge Country and for web sites such as Gorp.com and Backpacker.com. He is also the author of Exploring the Black Hills and Badlands and 50 Hikes in Kentucky. He lives in Knoxville, Tennessee. Our Price: $17.95

Blue Ridge Parkway Guide: Grandfather Mountain to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 291.9-469 Miles, Vol. 2 William G. Lord From the Publisher: The Parkway extends 469 miles from its terminus in Rockfish Gap, Virginia, to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Cherokee, North Carolina. Each mile brings new surprises, as the traveler encounters forests, barrens, and breath-taking panoramas. Ranger and naturalist William Lord takes the interested reader through the Blue Ridge, mile by mile, mountain by mountain, as he describes the wonders of wildlife that abound in this National Park. From the Shenandoah Valley to the spectacular whitewater gorge of the Nantahala, this guide gives both the novice traveler and the experienced explorer another reason to travel the Blue Ridge Parkway once again. (4 3-4 x 9, 152 pages, bandw photos, illustrations) Our Price: $8.95

Blue Ridge Parkway Guide Volume 1: Rockfish Gap to Grandfather Mountain William G. Lord From the Publisher: The Parkway extends 469 miles from its terminus in Rockfish Gap, Virginia, to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Cherokee, North Carolina. Each mile brings new surprises, as the traveler encounters forests, barrens, and breath-taking panoramas. Ranger and naturalist William Lord takes the interested reader through the Blue Ridge, mile by mile, mountain by mountain, as he describes the wonders of wildlife that abound in this National Park. From the Shenandoah Valley to the spectacular whitewater gorge of the Nantahala, this guide gives both the novice traveler and the experienced explorer another reason to travel the Blue Ridge Parkway once again. (4 3-4 x 9, 152 pages, bandw photos, illustrations) Our Price: $8.95

Birds of the Blue Ridge Mountains: A Guide for the Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah National Park, and Neighboring Areas Marcus B. Simpson From the Publisher: More than 300 species of birds have been reported from the Blue Ridge Mountain province, an area stretching from south-central Pennsylvania to northern Georgia. This book describes the region’s birds and tells birdwatchers where to go to find them. It is a valuable resource for vacationers and casual birders as well as for serious birdwatchers and professional zoologists. At the heart of the book is a detailed guide to the best birding localities in the region. Marc Simpson describes more than 300 sites, including recreation areas, overlooks, campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails. For each site, he lists the species most likely to be seen there as well as rare or unusual birds that the persistent birder might find. He includes notes on the geography and plant life of each site and provides information on highway access and accommodations. Simpson also supplies a special list of sites accessible to those with handicaps. Finally, the book includes an annotated checklist describing in detail the seasonal occurrence, habitat selection, relative abundance, elevation ranges, and relevant history for each bird species reported from the region. Additional resources include a suggested reading and reference list, organized by state, and a list of phone numbers and addresses for the Blue Ridge Parkway districts, for National Forest offices, and for state and national parks. The book is illustrated with drawings by noted bird artist H. Douglas Pratt, and it includes detailed maps for most of the major birding sites. Our Price: $22.50

Waterfalls of the Blue Ridge: A Hiking Guide to the Cascades of the Blue Ridge Nicole Blouin From the Publisher: Waterfalls are magical places -- places of solitude, of serenity, of subtle power. Surrounding these swirling drops you’ll find lush summer oaks, resplendent autumn colors, shiny winter icicles, and abundant spring wild-flowers. The thoroughly revised third edition of Waterfalls of the Blue Ridge shows you where to find these enchanting jewels. From the Smokies to Shenandoah National Park, follow the authors as they guide you to nearly 100 of the best waterfalls in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Some are a stone’s throw from the road; others hide in the backcountry. Directions, hike distance and difficulty, and a brief history of the area accompany each description. So get out of your chair and into the woods. And don’t forget your camera; you’ll want to capture the elusive beauty found at Waterfalls of the Blue Ridge. Our Price: $16.95

Blue Ridge Parkway: Best Easy Day Hikes Randy Johnson From the Publisher: Spanning the border between Virginia and North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the most heavily visited unit of the National Park system. These short, easy hikes will entice the more than twenty million annual visitors to stretch their legs and hit the trail. At-a-glance information and maps will help readers determine which hikes are the best for them. Our Price: $9.95

Blue Ridge Parkway Pat Blackley, Pat (Photographer) Our Price: $9.95

Insiders’ Guide to North Carolina’s Mountains, 6th Constance E. Richards From the Publisher: Insiders’ Guide to North Carolina’s Mountains offers travelers, newcomers, and locals the best, most comprehensive information on what’s happening in Western North Carolina. From the Biltmore Estate’s architectural grandeur and Asheville’s nightlife, to vast national forests and the Cherokee Indian Reservation, this region has much to offer. Use this guide to discover the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of America’s most scenic drives, as well as limitless opportunities for fun, dining, recreation, and adventure. Our Price: $17.95

Field Guide to the Trees and Shrubs of the Southern Appalachians Robert E. Swanson From the Publisher: Extending through the Carolinas, Georgia, and eastern Tennessee, the southern Appalachian Mountains are home to a rich diversity of plant life. This convenient and comprhensive field guide contains detailed information on 130 genera and 280 species of trees, shrubs, and woody vines-- all but thevery rarest species-- including those found along the popular Blue Ridge Parkway and in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From The Critics: BooknewsA comprehensive field guide with detailed information on 130 genera and 280 species of trees, shrubs, and woody vines--all but the rarest species--including those found along the popular Blue Ridge Parkway and in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In addition to the plant descriptions, the guide contains illustrated keys to both summer and winter traits--i.e., twigs, bark, and winter buds as well as leaves--so that readers can collect and identify specimens at any time of year. Paper edition (unseen), $18.95. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) List Price: $$22.95 Our Price: $21.80

The Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains: An Explorer’s Guide Jim Hargan From the Publisher: This newest addition to the Explorer’s Guide series showcases the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains regions of North Carolina and Tennessee, one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States. Professional travel writer and photographer Jim Hargan, a longtime resident of western North Carolina, is your guide to the hills and back roads of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains region of North Carolina and Tennessee. Hargan reveals where to find local produce, crafts, and music, and leads you to the region’s many historic homes and museums. He recommends scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway and gentle walks in the mountains; outdoor activities from whitewater rafting to bicycling to hiking the Appalachian Trail; and distinctive dining, lodging, and shopping opportunities. Features include: • Hundreds of dining and lodging reviews, from barbecue joints to four-star cuisine • Opinionated listings of inns, BandBs, hotels, and vacation cottages • 22 up-to-date regional maps • Handy icons point out places that offer best value, cater to families, welcome pets, and provide handicapped access. • 75 black and white photographs € 15 maps € Index Author Biography: Jim Hargan is a professional travel writer and photographer whose work has appeared in dozens of books and periodicals, including The New York Times, Blue Ridge Country, The Atlanta Journal, Field and Stream, and Midwest Express Inflight. His numbered and signed art prints are purchased by businesses and private collectors. He is also the photographer for North Carolina: Compass American Guide (Fodor’s). He lives in Burnsville, North Carolina. Our Price: $19.95

On the Road Andrew Montgomery From the Publisher: From the grinding rims of the covered wagon, via the gleaming tracks of the railroad to the glittering chrome of Detroit’s finest, it is mobility that has created the unique character and culture of the United States. American highways do not follow the footsteps of imperial armies, or foreign traders and explorers; they have been created by Americans for Americans. Their names make our hearts quicken and our feet itch, Daniel Boone, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. The uniquely American road lifestyle has been created by the need to provide food and lodging for the highway traveler, and fuel for his car. Competition for the passing trade has raised the diner, motel and humble gas station to the level of art form, celebrated by artists and architects from Norman Rockwell and Edward Hopper to Frank Lloyd Wright. Our Price: $29.95

Insiders’ Guide to Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mary Alice Alice Blackwell From the Publisher: Insiders’ Guide to Virginia’s Blue Ridge offers travelers, newcomers, and locals the best, most comprehensive information on what’s happening along one of the country’s most scenic routes. The Blue Ridge and its surroundings cover more than a third of the state from Jonesville to Winchester. While famed for its scenery and history, the region also boasts lively nightclubs and a thriving theater community. Whether you live here or are just driving through, use this guide to discover great skiing, serious horse country, state parks that were voted the best in America, as well as limitless opportunities for fun, dining, and adventure. Our Price: $18.95

Along the Blue Ridge Parkway George Humphries (Photographer) From the Publisher: Topping mountain crests, dipping into river valleys, and rambling through farmlands and national forests, the Blue Ridge Parkway winds 470 miles through Virginia and North Carolina--the heart of Southern Appalachia. Images by noted nature photographer George Humphries show the splendor of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the text tells the story of the Parkway and the Southern Appalachians, a region rich in music, crafts, and human and natural history. 66 color photos. Our Price: $19.95

Early Tourism in Western North Carolina (Images of America Series) Steve C. Compton From the Publisher: At the beginning of the 20th century, many Americans moved from farm to town, changing from agricultural employment to jobs in factories and retail shops. Along with these new occupations came a new idea called "vacation." Ready access to automobiles made leisure travel, once reserved for affluent citizens, increasingly feasible and affordable for working class people. With its cool climate and outstanding scenery, the mountain region of North Carolina became a welcome refuge and ideal tourist destination for weary workers and their families. Western North Carolina, often touted in promotional materials as the "land of the sky," hosts Mount Mitchell -- the highest mountain east of the Mississippi River -- hundreds of waterfalls, some of the world’s oldest mountains and rivers, and abundant wildlife. The well-known Blue Ridge Parkway, numerous inns, loges, hotels, campgrounds, and restaurants were constructed to serve the region’s growing number of visitors. Early Tourism in Western North Carolina celebrates the rise of tourism from 1900 to 1950 in the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains of North Carolina. Sites featured include the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountain, Blowing Rock, Asheville, Mount Mitchell, Chimney Rock, the Biltmore Estate, and the Cherokee Indian Reservation. The author, Stephen C. Compton, is an eighth-generation North Carolinian and a student of Western North Carolina history. He is an avid collector of North Carolina pottery, handicrafts, folk art, photographs, and ephemera. Mr. Compton is executive director of the Office of Congregational Development for the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. Our Price: $19.99

Wildflowers of the Blue Ridge Parkway J. Anthony Alderman From the Publisher: More than just a traditional field guide, Wildflowers of the Blue Ridge Parkway will help visitors to the Parkway and its environs locate and identify over 275 varieties of wildflowers, pointing readers to the best overlooks and recreation areas for enjoying each season’s blooms. More than 200 stunning close-up photographs of wildflowers, organized by color, shape, and blooming season; clearly written descriptions of each species, including tips on identification and notes on plant usage by Native Americans and early settlers; and tour guide to 75 of the best, most easily accessible sites along the Parkway for viewing wildflowers in spring, summer, and fall. Our Price: $11.95

North Carolina on My Mind Falcon Press From the Publisher: The natural splendor, historic cities, and warmhearted people of North Carolina come alive in this outstanding collection of color photographs. With the turn of a page, you can feel the tension as you witness a Civil War reenactment. You can smell the sea breeze as you stroll the beach at Cape Hatteras. You can hear the old-time fiddlers as they entertain crowds at a folk festival. And you can glimpse the vivid hues of autumn foliage as you drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. The photographs are complemented by the words and wisdom of perspective North Carolinians. Our Price: $32.95

Scenic Driving North Carolina Laurence E. Parent From the Publisher: North Carolina, from east to west, offers diverse scenery. This guidebook presents a thoughtful selection of 30 drives. Choose from a mountain drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a peaceful pastoral excursion, or a sun-drenched cruise down the Outer Banks. From The Critics: Library JournalGrab this guide, hop in the car, and tour the beautiful sights of North Carolina, from Kitty Hawk to Linville Gorge, from the Smoky Mountains to Ocracoke Island. Parent, who has contributed other volumes in the "Scenic Driving" series, as well as photographs for nature magazines, details 30 driving tours through the rural delights North Carolina has to offer. The state abounds in forests, national historic sites, and parks. Each tour includes a map with the recommended time of year to appreciate the scenery (some drives should not be tackled in the winter). While addresses and phone numbers for local tourist bureaus are provided, no information regarding accommodations or restaurants is given. Still, this is an excellent addition to regional travel collections.--Linda M. Kaufmann, Massachusetts Coll. of Liberal Arts Lib., North Adams Our Price: $15.95

Blue Ridge Parkway: A Postcard Book Designed by Casey Shain From the Publisher: The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic delight--rolling hills and mountains, fields of wildflowers, rustic log cabins from pioneer days. Extending 469 miles through Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, the Parkway offers spectacular vistas and abundant opportunities for hiking and camping. The 20 postcards in this book, perforated for easy removal and use, capture the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge. Our Price: $7.95

A Naturalist’s Blue Ridge Parkway David T. Catlin From the Publisher: Winding over the crests and through the valleys of the southern Appalachian highlands between Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers the traveler a natural spectacle unsurpassed for complexity and grandeur. This book is a lively and compact on-the-spot guide to the region’s features, geological history, and natural inhabitants--from its plants, insects, and fish to its reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals. Our Price: $15.95

Bicycling the Blue Ridge, 3rd Elizabeth and Charlie Skinner From the Publisher: The Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway are arguably the two most quintessential scenic roads east of the Mississippi. This 575-mile strip of continuous road flows between Front Royal, Virginia, and Cherokee, North Carolina, traverses the Shenandoah National Park, and connects to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park along the eastern rampart of the Appalachian Mountains. Bicycling the Blue Ridge is the definitive guide to this ribbon of highway and is ready to help you plan the perfect trip. Open these pages and you will find detailed, mile-by-mile descriptions that provide information on restaurants, stores, lodging, and bike shops on or near these united roads, Newly designed maps and elevation profiles are also included. Whether your interest is recreational cycling, touring, or racing, or whether you are out for the day or a month, Bicycling the Blue Ridge is an indispensable tool for anyone interested in bicycling this incredible highway. (6 x 9, 176 pages, bandw photos, charts, maps) Our Price: $12.95

Fun with the Family in North Carolina, 4th Edition: Hundreds of Ideas for Day Trips with the Kids James L. Hoffman From the Publisher: A guide to hundreds of fabulous places for families to enjoy together in the Tar Heel State, from cruising the Blue Ridge Parkway to rooting for the Durham Bulls. Our Price: $12.95

Blue Ridge Parkway Harley E. Jolley Our Price: $14.00

Blue Ridge Parkway: The Story Behind the Scenery Margaret Rose Rives Our Price: $9.95

Country Roads of Virginia (1994) W. Lynn Seldon Annotation: A new addition to this popular series, this book features rural treasures of Virginia, from dunes and wild ponies to the Blue Ridge Parkway, water-powered Mabry Mill, and lovely historic homes. Includes 13 day-long and weekend drives, described by the author’s personal narrative. Illustrations. Index. List Price: $$9.95 Our Price: $3.98

Design with Culture: Claiming America’s Landscape Heritage Charles A. Birnbaum (Editor) From the Publisher: Often viewed as nostalgic and inauthentic, the work of early preservationists has frequently been underrated by modern practitioners. Rather than considering early preservation within its historical context, many modern preservationists judge their predecessors’ work by contemporary standards, ultimately negating their legacy. In Design with Culture: Claiming America’s Landscape Heritage, Charles A. Birnbaum and Mary V. Hughes present an introduction along with eight essays by well-known landscape historians that effectively argue against this diminution. By revisiting planning studies, executed works, and critical writings from the years 1890-1950, these authors uncover the holistic stewardship ethic that drove pioneering landscape preservation advocates, revealing their goal to be the imaginative transformation, as much as the conservation, of material culture. The essays, which range from accounts of the professional contribution made by such figures as Charles Sprague Sargent and Frederick Law Olmsted to consideration of the roles played by women’s clubs and New Deal government programs, portray the spirit and tenacity of the early preservationists. In their focus on the transformation of entities such as Mount Vernon and the White House, as well as the rural countryside along the Blue Ridge Parkway, early preservationists anticipated several key issues-such as tourism, ecological concerns, and vehicle access-that confront practitioners today. Birnbaum and Hughes illustrate not only the similarity of experience between early and modern landscape preservationists but also the immense impact that their decisions had and still have on our daily lives. landscapearchitects, architects, planners, amateur and professional gardeners, conservationists, preservationists, and anyone with an interest in history, travel, and national parks, Design with Culture will prove an indispensable resource for understanding the history of landscape preservation. Contributors: Charles A. Birnbaum, Mary V. Hughes, Catherine Howett, Phyllis Andersen, Thomas E. Beaman Jr., Elizabeth Hope Cushing, David C. Streatfield, Cynthia Zaitzevsky, Ethan Carr, and Ian Firth Author Biography: Charles A. Birnbaum is coordinator of the National Park Service Historic Landscape Initiative in Washington, D.C., and the founder of the Cultural Landscape Foundation. He is the coeditor of Pioneers of American Landscape Design and Preserving Modern Landscape Architecture I and II. Mary V. Hughes is University Landscape Architect for the University of Virginia, where she also serves as a lecturer in the Department of Landscape Architecture. In addition, with Peter Hatch of Monticello, she is codirector of the Historic Landscape Institute. Our Price: $49.50

Our North Carolina Kevin Adams From the Publisher: What is it about North Carolina that makes our state so special? See for yourself in "Our North Carolina", a stunning pictorial tour through every beautiful corner of our popular state-a tour that captures our unique character and landscape. From the Great Smoky Mountains to the sandy Atlantic beaches and the Outer Banks; from Civil War battle sites and vivid hues of autumn foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway to cities, farmland, and much more, renowned local photographer Kevin Adams showcases the people and places that make North Carolina such a splendid state in which to live and visit. Kevin Adams is the photographer of "North Carolina Waterfalls," "Wildflowers of the Southern Appalachians," "Waterfalls of Virginia and West Virginia," "Hiking Great Smoky Mountains National Park," and "North Carolina’s Best Wildflower Hikes." A member of the North American Nature Photography Association, Adams has received many awards, including one from the North Carolina Zoological Park, 1998; the North Carolina Year of the Coast Award, 1995; and the North Carolina Year of the Mountains Award, 1996. List Price: $$19.95 Our Price: $15.96

Road Trip: Blue Ridge Parkway Loretta Chilcoat List Price: $$10.00 Our Price: $9.00