Moon Travel Guides: Find Your Adventure! The soulful twang of bluegrass, miles of untouched wilderness, and warm and welcoming locals: journey through the storied heart of Appalachia with Moon Blue Ridge & Smoky Mountains. What you'll find in Moon Blue Ridge & Smoky Mountains: Full coverage of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains regions of North Carolina and Tennessee, including Great Smoky Mountains National Park Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout Strategic itineraries for every budget and timeline, from a weekend getaway to a week-long road trip Curated trip advice for outdoor adventurers, history buffs, culture mavens, wildlife enthusiasts, and more Must-see attractions and off-beat ideas for making the most of your trip: Hike past waterfalls to rocky bluffs overlooking the misty mountain range, or go for a refreshing dip in the river. Zip-line through wild forests, spot eagles, elk, and bear cubs, or try your hand at fly-fishing. Ride the coasters at Dollywood, gain insight into Native American history in Cherokee, and explore Asheville's wealth of live music and culinary creativity. Find the best spots for classic southern barbecue, sip a little moonshine, and listen to a bluegrass band as the sun sets and the fireflies come out for a sparkling evening show Suggestions for a Blue Ridge Parkway road trip, including the best scenic stops organized by milepost Honest advice from Appalachia native and North Carolina local Jason Frye on when to go, what to pack, and where to stay, from charming B&Bs to secluded cabins and campgrounds Detailed hike descriptions with individual trail maps listing duration, elevation change, and effort Recommendations for families, LGBTQ+ travelers, international visitors, and travelers with disabilities Thorough background on the wildlife, terrain, culture, and history With Moon's local insight, myriad activities, and expert advice on experiencing the best of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, you can plan your trip your way. Full list of coverage: North Carolina High Country, Asheville, Southern Blue Ridge and Foothills, Cherokee and Maggie Valley, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Knoxville and the Tennessee Foothills Focusing your time in the park? Try Moon Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For more southern city charm, try Moon Charleston & Savannah. For full coverage of America's national parks, check out Moon USA National Parks: The Complete Guide to All 59 National Parks.

Hit the Road with Moon Travel Guides! The Blue Ridge Parkway connects the green valleys of Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains. Drive America's most scenic highway with Moon Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip. Inside you'll find: Maps and Driving Tools: 29 easy-to-use maps keep you oriented on and off the highway, along with site-to-site mileage, driving times, and detailed directions for the entire route Eat, Sleep, Stop and Explore: Listen to live bluegrass with a glass of local moonshine, drive past fields brimming with fireflies, and wander through American history. You'll know exactly what you want to do at each stop with lists of the best hikes, views, and more Itineraries for Every Traveler: Drive the entire two-week route or follow strategic itineraries like "Music of the Blue Ridge," including suggestions for spending time in in Washington DC, Front Royal, Waynesboro, Roanoke, Galax, Asheville, Cherokee, and Knoxville Local Expert: North Carolinian and mountaineer Jason Frye shares his love of the Great Smoky Mountains (and where to find the best barbecue!) Planning Your Trip: Know when and where to get gas, how to avoid traffic, tips for driving in different road and weather conditions, and suggestions for LGBTQ travelers, seniors, and road trippers with kids With Moon Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip's practical tips, detailed itineraries, and local insight, you're ready to fill up the tank and hit the road. Looking to explore more of America on wheels? Try Moon Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip! Doing more than driving through? Check out Moon Blue Ridge & Smoky Mountains or Moon North Carolina.

From the sprawling green countryside of Shenandoah to the mists rising over the Great Smoky Mountains, endless adventure and beauty await along America's most scenic highway. Inside Moon Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip you'll find: Multiple Itineraries: Choose from flexible getaways along the Blue Ridge Parkway, including the ultimate two-week route, a four-day loop from D.C., and more Eat, sleep, stop and explore: With lists of the best hikes, views, restaurants, and more, you can listen to live bluegrass, find the best barbecue around, or sip local moonshine. Wander through the renowned museums in Washington D.C. or take a break in a charming mountain town. Explore a labyrinthine cave system, hike a leg of the famous Appalachian Trail, and spot black bears and elk in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Try your hand at gem mining, spend an afternoon antique hunting, or pick fruit at a family-owned orchard Maps and driving tools: Easy-to-use maps keep you oriented on and off the highway, along with site-to-site mileage, driving times, detailed directions, and full-color photos throughout Local expertise: North Carolinian and mountaineer Jason Frye shares his top tips for what to do Planning your trip: Know when and where to get gas, how to avoid traffic, tips for driving in different road and weather conditions, and suggestions for LBGTQ+ travelers, seniors, and road trippers with children With Moon Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip's flexible itineraries and practical tips you're ready to fill up and hit the road. Exploring more of America on wheels? Try Moon Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip or Moon Drive & Hike Appalachian Trail. Doing more than driving through? Check out Moon Great Smoky Mountains National Park. About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you. For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.

Introduces the Tar Heel State, its geography, history, interesting sights, and people.

What causes the northern lights? How do birds learn to sing? How does a solar eclipse happen? What creates thunder? These are questions that people have wondered about since the beginning of humankind. Explore these and other intriguing scientific questions from the perspective of contemporary science and from the viewpoint of the ancients with this unique multicultural and scientific resource. Brief, understandable, and fascinating scientific explanations to a multitude of questions are followed by dramatic stories based on the rituals, customs, mythology, and folktales of past cultures, such as the Drum People of West Africa, the Vikings, and the ancient Maya. The beautifully illustrated dramatizations are enhanced by original songs and sheet music. A wonderful resource for science classes and multicultural units, this book will also be enjoyed by storytellers, families, and anyone else who has wondered about the world around them.