Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina (1949)

"Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina (1949)" is a guidebook created by the U.S. National Park Service that shines a light on travel in the mid-20th century. Acting as a captivating tour guide, it showcases the stunning vistas and fun activities found along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a route linking Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks through Virginia and North Carolina. The book dives into the visitor experience, stressing the ease of travel alongside the abundant discovery available. It details the parkway’s layout, explores its landscapes and plant life, points out what each season brings, and gives useful advice about activities such as picnicking, hiking, camping and soaking up the amazing views. It paints a picture of varied scenes, from gentle hills to tough mountains, spotlighting places to picnic, camp, or hit the trails. By portraying each season’s unique charm, it urges readers to lose themselves in the Southern Highlands' natural beauty and culture, inspiring them to explore and cherish this national treasure.