NEW WEB SITE MAKES IT EASIER THAN EVER TO EXPLORE NORTH CAROLINA'S SCENIC BYWAYS

April 15, 2010

Contact: Julia Merchant, (919) 733-2522

NEW WEB SITE MAKES IT EASIER THAN EVER TO EXPLORE NORTH CAROLINA'S SCENIC BYWAYS

RALEIGH - Taking the roads less traveled to explore North Carolina's history, geography and culture is now easier than ever thanks to the re-designed Web site of the N.C. Scenic Byways program. The N.C. Department of Transportation launched the new site today at www.ncdot.gov/travel/scenic. 

The state's 54 scenic byways, carefully selected to embody the diverse beauty and culture of the Tar Heel State, provide travelers a safe alternative to the faster-paced traffic and commercial areas found along major highways and interstates.

"Scenic byways are a great alternative to busy highways that can help you explore North Carolina not far from your own backyard," said N.C. Transportation Secretary Gene Conti. "The new Web site makes experiencing these routes more convenient and educational than ever before."

The new Web site features an interactive trip planner. Selecting the Mountain, Piedmont or Coastal Plain region leads to a detailed map of all scenic byway routes within that area. Users can choose the road or aerial view and zoom in to get a close look at towns and sites near and along the byway. Rolling a mouse over the icons that denote the byways reveals a pop-up box with a description of each, as well as a link to the 173-page Scenic Byways guide to learn more about the route. The guide, which can also be accessed from a link at the top of the page, provides information on all 54 scenic byways as well as the N.C. Scenic Byways program.

A series of videos at the bottom of the page provides an in-depth look at the unique history and features of several byways. Learn more about the mountaineer way of life practiced by early settlers who once lived near the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway through the actors that portray them. Discover how generations of families have passed down their craft along Pottery Road, or the importance of the long-leaf pines on the Sandhills Scenic Drive to the ecosystem and industry of North Carolina.

Additionally, the full text of the N.C. Scenic Byways Teachers' Guide can now be downloaded from the Web site for the first time ever. The guide provides fun, hands-on lesson plans and activities to help educators and students learn more about the byways and their links to the history, geography and culture of the state.

With the new N.C. Scenic Byways Web site, it's easier than ever to plan your drive and learn more about these unique routes from the Blue Ridge Mountains and the fertile plains to the crystal blue coastline.

For more information about the Web site or the Scenic Byways program, visit www.ncdot.gov/travel/scenic or contact Program Coordinator Jeff Lackey at (919) 733-2920.


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