From the opening of Chimney Rock Park by Jerome Freeman in 1890 to Dr. Lucius Morse's dreams for Lake Lure in the 1920s, the development of tourism in the Hickory Nut Gorge area is one of the untold stories of the region's history. For much of the 19th century, the area was remote and known to few; Freeman was perhaps the first to truly appreciate Chimney Rock's potential, but it took the invention of the automobile and the completion of the Charlotte to Asheville Highway in 1915 for that potential to be fully realized. By the 1920s, Chimney Rock Park and the gorge's hotels and summer camps were known to thousands. In 2007, the State of North Carolina purchased Chimney Rock Park from the Morse family, and a new chapter began.

For 105 years, four generations of the Morse family operated, promoted and served as stewards for the natural scenic attraction known as Chimney Rock. Researched, compiled and written by 4th generation manager, Todd Morse, this book provides a detailed, in-depth history of the family's multi-faceted relationship with the mountain until its sale to the State of North Carolina in 2007. Part history book, part business case study, part unique personal perspective and first-person narrative, this work offers a comprehensive exploration into the inner workings and challenges of a family business and the love each generation had for this incredible place. Though originally intended for family members and friends, this paperback will appeal to anyone who has enjoyed visiting Chimney Rock over the years and has curiosity about its human and business history. The book also shares a significant number of wonderful photos taken during these many years. As a fitting end, all the complexities related to the sale and its aftermath are revealed in significant detail, sharing insight into the difficult and emotional decision the family made to protect this North Carolina landmark and jewel for generations to come.

Lake Lure, North Carolina, is known as the "Gem of the Carolinas." Twenty-five years after Dr. Lucius Morse and his brothers Hiram and Asahil purchased Chimney Rock in 1902, their dream of creating Lake Lure and the town of Lake Lure was realized. Lake Lure is surrounded by majestic mountain cliffs and fed by the idyllic Rocky Broad River. A popular tourist destination, Lake Lure hosted famous figures through the years, including Franklin D. Roosevelt and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Also significant in film history, it provided the backdrop for Dirty Dancing and Last of the Mohicans. Lake Lure showcases the rich community, tourism, and recreational history of this mountain community.

From the opening of Chimney Rock Park by Jerome Freeman in 1890 to Dr. Lucius Morses dreams for Lake Lure in the 1920s, the development of tourism in the Hickory Nut Gorge area is one of the untold stories of the regions history. For much of the 19th century, the area was remote and known to few; Freeman was perhaps the first to truly appreciate Chimney Rocks potential, but it took the invention of the automobile and the completion of the Charlotte to Asheville Highway in 1915 for that potential to be fully realized. By the 1920s, Chimney Rock Park and the gorges hotels and summer camps were known to thousands. In 2007, the State of North Carolina purchased Chimney Rock Park from the Morse family, and a new chapter began.

Western North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains are some of the oldest on earth, boasting old-growth forests, pristine streams, and ancient heath balds with stunning views. This guide includes 72 great day hikes ranging from 1 to 13 miles, with destinations like the stone tower of Hanging Rock State Park, Max Patch on the Appalachian Trail, the "Opera Box" at Chimney Rock State Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway's Craggy Gardens, the waterfalls of Linville Gorge, and Gregory Bald in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Each entry includes complete driving and hiking directions, maps, trailhead GPS coordinates, elevation gain, trail highlights, and related historical anecdotes, plus books and movies set in each locale.

A pioneer in the field of deep-sea diving, George F. Bond helped develop the theory of saturation diving and the techniques and dive tables used by divers around the world. In this edited journal Bond offers a lively account of his work with the U.S. Navy’s first manned undersea habitats, the Sealab experiments of the 1960s. Dubbed “Papa Topside” by the media that followed his work with Navy aquanauts, Bond gives a colorful eyewitness account of what today are considered benchmarks in the history of diving. This is a candid, personal record of Sealabs I, II, and III, and the FISSH experiment, the finale of Bond’s career. The picture that emerges is one of a brilliant, larger-than-life figure who, though often difficult to get along with, earned the respect and affection of his peers. The book draws on the editor’s interviews with Bond’s fellow researchers and divers, editor Helen Siiteri as well as Bond’s daily logs and correspondence. Always frank and to the point, he describes his frustrations with the Navy brass, his friendly competition with Jacques Cousteau, and his spirited relationship with aquanaut/astronaut Scott Carpenter. As the only full-length book written about U.S. aquanauts and their undersea exploits, it is an important historical document. It is also an entertaining read.

Local history book covering Rutherford County, North Carolina.

250 of the best waterfalls found in North Carolina with full descriptions, comprehensive directions, and four-color photographs.

Eighteen stories deal with witches, ghosts, an enchanted lake, a phantom choir, a lover's leap, Bigfoot, fairies, and magic.