“Carolina Riverboats and Rivers: The Old Days”

River commerce has always played a vital role in the Carolinas. The men and women who battled pirates and steamed up and down rivers didn’t keep detailed logs, and personal accounts are rare. Earl White’s book, “Carolina Riverboats and Rivers: The Old Days,” illuminates their old-time maritime journeys with first-hand accounts, photographs, vintage drawings, maps, advertisements, surveys and shipping logs. The book covers the early days of colonization to modern times, with chapters on early settlers, pole and flat boats, and steamboats. White, who lives in Denver, N.C., also discusses historical imports, and rivers and sounds. River Road Publishing in Denver, N.C. Softcover, 160 pages, $14. The book can be purchased online at www.amazon.com, at Barnes & Noble bookstores, or by e-mailing carolinarivers@aol.com.

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“Hiking The Blue Ridge Parkway”

Randy Johnson’s new book beckons readers to explore the culture and scenery of America’s first frontier. Subtitled “The Ultimate Guide to America’s Most Popular Scenic Roadway,” the book includes trail descriptions, difficulty ratings, topographic trail maps and directions for this mountaintop motor trail. National and state parks and private preserves that line the Southern Appalachian route are mentioned, along with a mileage log to interpretative sites, museums, visitor centers and craft shops. Johnson, who lives in Banner Elk and Greensboro, also wrote “Hiking North Carolina.” “Hiking The Blue Ridge Parkway” is $16.95. Softcover, 320 pages, Globe Pequot Press of Guilford, CT. Call (800) 243-0495 or visit www.GlobePequot.com.

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“From Here To There”

Growing up, North Carolina author Taylor Reese chopped tobacco, took piano lessons for 50 cents a week, sold Cloverine salve, and experienced life in a time when contracts weren’t necessary—a man’s word was his bond. Neither fact nor fiction, his memoir of
a Bertie County farm boy takes us from his earliest memory at age 3 to graduation from high school in the 1940s. Softcover, 185 pages. $12.95. Published by AAcorn Books in Micaville. E-mail aacorn2@excite.com or visit www.amazon.com.

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Insiders Guide to Outer Banks

This new guide covers accommodations, daytrips, ferries, recreational sports, restaurants, shopping and nightlife along the fabled coastal region. Local residents and authors Molly Harrison and Diane Buccheri provide regional history and information about neighborhoods, real estate, child care and education, along with festivals and celebration centennials for First Flight. $18.95. Softcover, 520 pages, 12 maps. Published by Globe-Pequot Press in Guilford, Conn. Call (800) 243-0495 or visit www.globepequot.com.

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“Blue Ridge Music Trails”

This traveler’s guide focuses on finding and enjoying bluegrass, gospel and old-time music in communities throughout western North Carolina and southwest Virginia. More than 160 venues and events within 25 miles of the Parkway are listed, along with driving directions and maps. The events range from small jam sessions to well-known festivals that draw thousands. Also included are profiles of artists, nearly 150 color photographs, information about various performance styles and a brief history of Blue Ridge music. A companion Web site, www.blueridgemusic.org, supplements the book. “Blue Ridge Music Trails: Finding A Place in the Circle” by Fred C. Fussell is $15.95 in softcover from The University of North Carolina Press. Call (800) 848-6224 or visit www.uncpress.unc.edu.

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