From the managing editor, Spring 2010
Welcome to Smoky Mountain Living’s 75th anniversary issue on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We’re proud to bring you this special, keepsake issue packed with historic photos, fascinating interviews, and fond memories celebrating America’s Favorite Scenic Highway.
To capture the true essence of this 469-mile ribbon of road, we interviewed Parkway historians, surveyed scores of vistas and landmarks along the Parkway, culled through thousands of photos at the Parkway Archives, and, of course, journeyed across our favorite sections of the Parkway.
In these pages, you’ll find some fabulous images of many Parkway pleasures—from the majestic overlooks at Grandfather Mountain and Craggy Dome to the tranquil settings of Mabry Mill and Moses Cone Manor. Thanks to the diligent research and reporting of contributing writer Becky Johnson, you’ll find some excellent history on the political machinations and key decisions that took place behind the scenes to make the Parkway a reality. What may come as a surprise to some is that the original Parkway route nearly bypassed all of Asheville, N.C. Original plans called for the southern end to route into East Tennessee. Another story allows us to consider the Parkway as an enormous construction project that took decades to complete. Each mile of the Parkway is truly an engineering triumph of meticulous skill and design.
For those seeking adventure along the Parkway, we also wanted to spotlight favorite hiking trails and campsites along the Parkway. Perhaps some of these sites will conjure up memories you’ve had with family and friends on the Parkway. We’d gladly welcome any comments you may have on the stories and images you find in these pages, and we look forward to bringing you more about the people, culture and history of the Southern Appalachians.
One small caveat for this particular issue: Because this magazine covers the region of Western North Carolina and East Tennessee, we focused primarily on the Parkway’s more southern, North Carolina portion. However, we have included some highlights to consider while traveling along the Parkway through Virginia.
Many thanks to all the Parkway staff who assisted us in putting this issue together. Another special thanks to all those involved in building, designing and maintaining the Parkway over the decades. Your efforts ensure that “America’s Favorite Journey” continues for many years to come.
On a personal note, I’d also like to thank our new SML associate editor, Sarah Kucharski, for all her hard work behind the scenes in this issue writing, editing, marketing, and bringing all the loose ends together.
If you haven’t visited the Blue Ridge Parkway recently, I hope this issue inspires you to take to the open road this year and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in all of America. Let this magazine be your guide.
Happy travels!