Promoting Appalachia

    RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - National Geographic Traveler magazine is
teaming up with the Appalachian Regional Commission to promote
driving tours in Appalachia.
    A new driving-tour map developed by National Geographic and the
commission features 28 suggested routes. All the routes reflect the
diversity of the 13-state region from New York to Mississippi that
includes southwest Virginia.
    The routes include scenic staples like the Blue Ridge Parkway
through North Carolina and Virginia, and lesser-known car trips
such as the Crooked Road, Virginia’s heritage music trail along the
western slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the coalfields region.
    The new map will be distributed to 865,000 subscribers in the
April issue of National Geographic Traveler. It also is available
through the commission and state tourism offices.
    Magazine editor Keith Bellows says rising gas prices won’t stop
people from traveling for pleasure. He says they will explore
attractions closer to home.