For more information you may contact these state tourism offices:
The Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina are nestled within the mountains and foothills of the state, a region known for its spectacular beauty, moderate climate, Cherokee heritage, handmade crafts, small family farms, and, of course, its rich musical traditions. The geographic footprint of the Blue Ridge Music Trails NC comprises twenty-nine counties in the western third of the state. Western North Carolina has a national reputation as a music-rich region, and its traditions of old-time stringband music, ballad singing, and bluegrass are internationally renowned. This region has been home to musicians whose artistry has shaped many forms of American music. Today young people in the region are learning these traditions and transforming them into new forms of roots music. A popular guidebook, Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina, was created by the North Carolina Arts Council and published by UNC Press. It is available in gift shops along the Parkway. The book gives details of the history of the music, profiles of many of the artists and places where the music can be experienced.
BlueRidgeMusicNC.com #BlueRidgeMusicNC
Visit NC 15000 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513 800-VISITNC www.visitnc.com
Virginia Tourism Corporation 901 E Byrd Street • Richmond, VA 23219 800-VISITVA www.virginia.org
Tennessee Travel & Tourism 320 6th Avenue #500 • Nashville, TN 37243-7000 800-GO2-TENN www.tnvacation.com
Moonlight over the Smokies Photo by Douglas Tate
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