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Lucky’s Plott Libby Bagby, a native North Carolinian, has spent years researching Plott hounds and has made it her mission to spread the word about North Carolina’s state dog. Libby has written a children’s book, “Lucky’s Plott,” which is about a Plott hound. She speaks at North Carolina schools, libraries and conferences about the state breed. “Lucky’s Plott” tells the story of a raccoon hunt from a Plott hound’s perspective and portrays historical details of the breed and North Carolina’s hunting tradition. On Libby’s Web site, www.luckysplott.com, visitors can learn more about the state breed, arrange for a presentation and find out how to purchase the book ($25 for the book, $35 for the book and audio CD, shipping included). |
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Vintage Outer Banks: A new book of more than 120 pictures shows the proprietors, their businesses and the tourists who visited them. In “Vintage Outer Banks: Shifting Sands & Bygone Beaches,” Sarah Downing assembled images of some of the better-known beach hotels, restaurants and assorted hangouts, along with the moods of their patrons and staffs, to exhibit summer life at these Outer Banks from the 1940s through the 1960s with glimpses of a few as they faded away into the 1980s. Sarah Downing is assistant curator at the Outer Banks History Center in Manteo, a regional archives and research library, that turned 20 years old this year, administered by the North Carolina State Archives. Many of the photographs came from the history center, which was first established with the huge collection of materials donated by the late Outer Banks historian and writer David Stick. Included are pictures by legendary local photographers Aycock Brown, Roger P. Meekins and Drew Wilson, whose work played a major role in attracting people to the Outer Banks. The pictures are accompanied by narratives and anecdotes on each establishment ranging from the Nags Head Casino to Mann’s Recreation Center, from The Croatan Inn to Dowdy’s Amusement Park. The book is available from bookstores or the publisher, The History Press in Charleston, SC. 128 pages, 7x10, softcover, $19.99 (843) 577-5971 |
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The Armchair Birder While birding literature is filled with tales of expert observers spotting rare species in exotic locales, this new book reminds us that the most fascinating birds can be the ones perched outside our windows. In 35 engaging essays, author John Yow reveals the lives of birds you regularly see. Following the seasons, Yow covers 42 species, from the Carolina wren that rings in the springtime to the sandhill crane croaking high overhead at winter’s end. The humorous essays, which weave Yow’s accounts with experiences of other bird writers such as John James Audubon, explore the improbable and comical aspects of the birds’ lives—from the philandering of the ruby-throated hummingbird to the occasional dipsomania of the cedar waxwing. Yow lives in Acworth, Ga. “The Armchair Birder: Discovering the Secret Lives of Familiar Birds” is published by The University of North Carolina Press in Chapel Hill. Hardcover, 264 pages, $25. (800) 848-6224 |
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Supper’s at Six & We’re Not Waiting! This cookbook by Evva Foltz Hanes is a compilation of trusted favorites from her 1998 cookbook with new dishes that have received hearty approval from friends and family. Hanes is the founder of Moravian Sugar Crisp Co., which makes handmade Moravian cookies and is based in Clemmons. From appetizers to desserts, Hanes blends and mixes in numerous recipes with custom menus for guests, crowds and special occasions. “Supper’s at Six & We’re Not Waiting! Recipes & Remembrances” is published by Evva Publishing House in Clemmons. Hardcover, 355 pages, $20. (888) 764-1402 |
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Asheville: A History Asheville, a vibrant and culturally diverse city drawing more folks each year, has a colorful history. Once a hamlet for local livestock handlers, it enjoyed a quick rise to prosperity in the late 19th century under the influence of wealthy benefactors such as George W. Vanderbilt. A devastating downturn during the Great Depression was followed by slow economic revitalization up until the late 1970s. In the 1990s, Asheville entered a boom time that re-established the city as a popular retreat for artists, tourists and retirees. This comprehensive new book by Nan Chase documents its history in organized, interesting detail and includes an array of historical photographs. Multiple appendices reveal lesser-known aspects of Asheville’s unique history and culture, including new looks at pivotal downtown projects and buildings by important architects. Chase lives in Asheville. Softcover, 291 pages, $35. (800) 253-2187 |
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Kayak Fishing: The Complete Guide This guide provides essential information to get started on the growing sport of kayak fishing. Author and angling expert Cory Routh provides a step-by-step approach to selecting the right kayak, unloading and loading the kayak and making the most of time on the water. He covers safety, seasonal kayak fishing, transporting kayaks, freshwater and saltwater fishing and fly fishing as well as reveals his favorite fishing locations in several states. A list of resources includes kayak fishing tournaments, organizations and manufacturers. Routh lives in Virginia Beach, Va., and owns Ruthless Fishing, Inc. “Kayak Fishing: The Complete Guide” is published by No Nonsense Fly Fishing Guidebooks in Tucson, Ariz. Softcover, 160 pages, $24.95. (520) 547-2462 |