Customer Reviews

Touring the East Tennesee Backroads (Touring the Backroads)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Now in a newly revised and expanded second edition, "Touring The East Tennessee Backroads" by travel writer and historian Carolyn Sakowski is an illustrated compilation of driving tours through the scenic and historic landscapes comprising the eastern Tennessee country. There are twelve distinctive 'user friendly' tours laid out, ranging from 'The First Frontier' that includes the Sycamore Shoals, Elizabethton, Wilbur Lake, Watauga Dam, Siam, Gap Creek Road, happy Valley, Milligan, and Johnson City; to 'The Trail of Tears Tour' that includes the Red Clay State Historical Area, Benton, Charleston, Cleveland, Blythe Ferry, Dayton, Pikeville, Fall Creek Fals State Resort Park, Dunlap, Signal Mountain, Jasper, and Lookout Mountain. Enhanced with an appendix, a select bibliography, and an index, "Touring The East Tennessee Backroads" is especially recommended for anyone planning a visit to the East Tennessee country -- and is perfect for the armchair traveler who would like to!

This book reminds me very much of the "Backroads & Byways" series from Countryman Press, and also of Andrea Sutcliffe's book, "Touring the Shenandoah Valley Backroads." If you know any of those books, you'll be instantly familiar with the tone and format of this book.

Essentially, this book is a travel narrative, arranged into 13 driving tours through northeastern Tennessee. The area of coverage is essentially the old State of Franklin or, roughly, the Appalachian highlands and valleys north and east of Knoxville. It does not include coverage of Knoxville itself, or areas south, such as Chattanooga. It is also NOT the guide to buy for travelers headed for the Great Smokey Mountains.

The narrative revolves around historic, cultural sites along each tour route, with a particular emphasis on historic architecture. Potential readers should note that this is NOT a traditional travel guide in that it does not offer a comprehensive listing of lodgings, dining options, or outdoor activities. The guide serves as a route planner for those interested in historic buildings and other cultural landmarks. You're left to plan the logistics of your trip from other sources.

For what it is, it's an enjoyable and fascinating read. There are many sites included here that even the most seasoned local travelers will be hard-pressed to recall.

The book is nicely illustrated with simple maps and black & white photographs of noteworthy sites.