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Map Can Lead Motorists To Appalachian Diversity

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The Associated Press

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 29, 2008

RICHMOND, Va. - RICHMOND, Va. - Bustling textile and furniture factories that used to churn out blankets and beds have moved out of southwest Virginia, taking jobs overseas.

But that doesn't mean there's nothing left in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Along with the enduring traditions of hard work and faith remains the tangible treasure of bluegrass.

"Music is the most valuable commodity that we have to sell here in these mountains," said Debbie Robinson, program coordinator for Blue Ridge Music Center, one of the many attractions included in a renewed effort to bring visitors to the heart of Appalachia.

A new driving-tour map developed by National Geographic and the Appalachian Regional Commission features 28 suggested routes, all reflecting the diversity of the 13-state region that stretches from southern New York to northeast Mississippi.

The routes include scenic staples such as the Blue Ridge Parkway through North Carolina and Virginia and lesser-known car trips through historical towns, back roads and artisan trails.

"We're actually placing much more value on our music, and it is drawing people to our area," said Robinson, who also volunteers at the Rex Theater in Galax, Va. The restored movie theater is home to a weekly show featuring mostly live local music acts playing banjo, fiddle and guitar that's broadcast on the radio and the Internet.

National Geographic was paid $80,000 by the commission to develop the new map, which was distributed this spring to 865,000 subscribers of National Geographic Traveler. It also is available through the commission and state tourism offices.

In Virginia, drivers can take a trip on the Crooked Road, the state's heritage music trail along the western slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the coalfields region. The three-day, 253-mile trail features stops in historical towns such as Abingdon and Clintwood and takes visitors to the Floyd Country Store and Rex Theater.

One of western New York's trails, called Native Sons and Daughters, features sites from the million-year-old stones at Rock City Park in Knapp Creek and the Lucy-Desi Center in Jamestown, where comic Lucille Ball grew up.

The center features a museum and playhouse with exhibits and memorabilia, including re-creations of Lucy and Ricky Ricardo's New York City apartment from the "I Love Lucy" television show. Officials even host festivals in the spring and summer featuring grape stomping, look-alike contests and film screenings.

A drive through northern Alabama takes visitors on a half-day, 22-mile birding trail of 50 roadside stops to spot eastern woodland birds and waterfowl. The map suggests the summer months as the best time to grab the binoculars to view colorful pileated and red-headed woodpeckers and noisy great-crested flycatchers.

Pennsylvania travelers can take a tour along the Art Thrives on Route 45 trail through the central part of the state and the By-Way of the Arts along U.S. 15. Motorists can make a pit stop at Bullfrog Brewery in Williamsport and browse antiques shops and farmers markets along the rest of the trail.

A trek through central and southeast Ohio takes gives visitors the option of two trails, one exploring wildlife and history, the other along a tour of barns painted with quilt patterns.

IF YOU GO

•Routes from the guide can be downloaded free from www.visitappalachia.com.

•Copies sent by mail are $5.95 and can be ordered from National Geographic Traveler magazine at 1-800-777-2800. (A copy of the issue in which the guide first appeared will be sent with the map.)

•The map covers all of West Virginia and parts of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Virginia.

INFORMATION: www.arc.gov

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