[00:00:19.120] [music] [00:00:16.960] Travel folders are a way of life in America. [00:00:20.680] Vacations are planned months in advance from exciting [00:00:23.600] folders full of intriguing pictures. [00:00:27.560] But many people, like Carol Wise, a travel editor for a Midwestern newspaper, [00:00:32.360] wish the folders could come alive so she could visit them all. [00:00:37.880] The Southern Highlands folder depicts the fun [00:00:40.400] and excitement of a group of attractions which have joined [00:00:43.000] together to maintain a high standard of entertainment [00:00:45.880] for the whole family. [00:00:48.080] Some of the finest attractions in the USA make up the Southern Highlands Group. [00:00:52.520] Which is spread throughout the southeastern states area [00:00:55.160] of Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. [00:01:00.000] Beautiful Rock City stands high atop Lookout Mountain [00:01:03.080] in Mother Nature's own backyard. [00:01:05.960] Trails winding over, under, and through [00:01:08.720] unique rock formations provide fun, [00:01:11.360] thrills and photographic splendor. [00:01:15.360] [music] [00:01:23.120] Adventurous visitors experience some of the most exciting moments [00:01:25.920] of their lives when they cross the swing along bridge. [00:01:29.480] There's also a rock steady stone bridge for those [00:01:32.000] who do not care to step high in the sky [00:01:34.400] across the chasm to high falls and legendary Lover's Leap. [00:01:39.360] One of the most breathtaking overlooks in the world, [00:01:42.000] Lover's Leap present an unrivaled seven state view. [00:01:44.520] To delight the young and the young at heart [00:01:49.120] is Fairyland Caverns and Rock City's [00:01:50.760] newest addition, Mother Goose Village, [00:01:53.360] where the world's favorite nursery rhyme characters live. [00:01:58.060] A never to be forgotten adventure for children of all ages, [00:02:01.920] Rock City is a top picturesque lookout mountain [00:02:05.040] overlooking Chattanooga, Tennessee. [00:02:07.857] [music] [00:02:26.080] The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway [00:02:28.680] at Chattanooga, Tennessee, known as America's most [00:02:31.400] amazing mile, climbs straight up the side [00:02:34.160] of Lookout Mountain and reaches an altitude of [00:02:36.760] more than two thousand one hundred feet above sea level. [00:02:40.357] [music] [00:02:47.120] It is one of the safest and steepest passenger car rides in the world. [00:02:51.120] [music] [00:02:59.800] The cushioned car seats give the feeling of [00:03:02.320] being in a living room with the added advantage of [00:03:04.920] wide windows, which present a full color, [00:03:07.800] CinemaScope type picture of the great outdoors. [00:03:11.343] [music] [00:03:19.920] Below is the landscape of the Chattanooga Valley, [00:03:22.760] and the car enters through the site of the famous Civil War [00:03:25.480] Battle Above the Clouds. [00:03:28.040] The all steel cars of the incline railway [00:03:30.720] travel the amazing mile throughout the year. [00:03:34.040] The incline railway station is convenient. [00:03:36.440] Located near the junction of four major highways [00:03:39.000] at the foot of Lookout Mountain. [00:03:41.514] [music] [00:03:54.520] Cavern Castle, on the side of historic Lookout Mountain [00:03:56.400] at Chattanooga, Tennessee, houses the entrance [00:03:59.040] to Lookout Mountain Caves and Ruby Falls. [00:04:02.280] Parking is free and the attraction is open every day of the year. [00:04:06.440] A large electric elevator carries visitors downward [00:04:09.240] hundreds of feet into the heart of the mountain. [00:04:12.400] Air conditioned by nature, these well lighted [00:04:15.000] passageways open up a fantastic underground fairyland. [00:04:19.880] Curtain and drapery [00:04:20.400] formations of buried colors make magnificent photographic subjects. [00:04:26.240] A well-trained guide keeps visitors informed [00:04:28.840] and is pleased to answer questions. [00:04:31.100] [music] [00:04:39.760] Here you will see delicate lacy fabrics created by Mother Nature. [00:04:42.560] Giant stalactites and stalagmites. [00:04:47.680] The climax of the subterranean journey is beautiful Ruby Falls, [00:04:50.440] one hundred forty five feet high. [00:04:54.000] Located one thousand one hundred twenty feet [00:04:56.520] below the surface of renowned Lookout Mountain. [00:05:01.960] The spectacular Ruby Falls scene presents a challenge to the cameraman [00:05:06.200] and his breathtakingly beautiful to any visitor. [00:05:09.100] Chattanooga, Tennessee and Lookout Mountain are the home of famous travel objectives [00:05:14.200] and one of the greatest of these is Ruby Falls. [00:05:17.286] [music] [00:05:21.400] Fontana Dam is an international travel objective [00:05:24.600] and one of the tallest concrete dams in the world. [00:05:28.000] The incline car is a source of thrills for people of all ages. [00:05:32.000] [music] [00:05:46.920] Fontana Village Resort, located at the dam, [00:05:49.680] has its own riding stable and miles of bridle paths [00:05:52.400] in North Carolina's beautiful Smoky Mountains. [00:05:57.640] The Olympic size swimming pool is filled with crystal clear [00:06:00.360] mountain water and heated when necessary. [00:06:05.120] For those who enjoy golf while on vacation, there's a beautiful [00:06:07.840] nine hole golf course. [00:06:11.440] Fishing, boating, hunting, and a host of other recreational facilities [00:06:14.360] make Fontana Dam one of the [00:06:16.880] most interesting family attractions in the [00:06:19.600] Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. [00:06:22.814] [music] [00:06:34.240] Gatlinburg, Tennessee, headquarters of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park [00:06:38.720] is host to over five million visitors a year. [00:06:43.320] Gatlinburg's major all year attraction is Christus Gardens. [00:06:46.720] Housing within its stately building, a rare and dramatic [00:06:49.360] presentation of the life of Christ. [00:06:53.000] Each diorama contains lifelike figures colorfully [00:06:55.880] clothed by the costumers of such super feature [00:06:58.400] motion pictures as Ben-Hur and Quo Vadis. [00:07:01.720] Beginning with the nativity scene, [00:07:03.680] biblical stories unfold with vivid realism. [00:07:08.880] A new dimension has been added to Leonardo da Vinci's [00:07:11.520] world famous masterpiece, The Last Supper. [00:07:14.314] [music] [00:07:23.120] The anguish of the crucifixion is soul rending. [00:07:26.643] [music] [00:07:37.440] Highlighting the fountain garden is a unique phenomenon, [00:07:40.120] the ever watchful Christ. [00:07:45.440] A richly rewarding and never to be forgotten experience awaits all [00:07:48.560] who visit Christus Gardens in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. [00:07:52.214] [music] [00:07:58.920] The Gatlinburg Sky Lift, which made its appearance [00:08:01.440] in the Smokies resort town as Dixie's first chairlift, [00:08:04.760] has its station on the main street adjoining the Gatlinburg Motor Inn. [00:08:10.640] Chairs large enough to seat two adults and a child [00:08:13.560] carry visitors in smooth and noiseless comfort [00:08:16.200] to the top of Crockett Mountain. [00:08:19.160] The ascent requires about ten minutes [00:08:21.440] and the round trip traverses approximately one mile. [00:08:24.786] [music] [00:08:27.160] At the top of Crockett Mountain, visitors can relax [00:08:29.840] and enjoy a bird's eye view of the thriving resort [00:08:32.400] city that serves as the western entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. [00:08:38.360] Visible from this lofty vantage point are sweeping [00:08:41.080] panoramas of the Smokies and intriguing vistas [00:08:43.920] of the resort town far below. [00:08:47.960] In springtime, the views are especially delightful [00:08:50.920] for the mountains are a bloom with bountiful areas of [00:08:53.640] mountain laurel, wild azaleas, and rhododendron. [00:08:58.560] Fall is also a magnificent time of year. [00:09:01.760] But anytime is a good time to ride the Gatlinburg Sky Lift in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, [00:09:07.240] gateway to the Great Smokies. [00:09:10.171] [music] [00:09:17.960] Unto These Hills is one of the great, true stories [00:09:20.800] of history brought to life by the descendants of [00:09:23.320] Cherokee Indians who wrote the story in heartbreak and triumph. [00:09:28.880] The stirring drama is presented nightly, except Monday, throughout the summer [00:09:32.080] and is staged in the mountainside theater in Cherokee, North Carolina. [00:09:36.640] Professional actors and actresses head a cast of one hundred and thirty, [00:09:40.040] with descendants of Cherokees who actually lived the story [00:09:43.200] cast in principal roles. [00:09:46.400] The historical play with two acts and fourteen scenes [00:09:49.720] is presented on the grand scale of a [00:09:51.520] widescreen motion picture with the added advantage, it's live. [00:09:57.920] The drama begins with the arrival of De Soto in 1540, [00:10:01.280] the first white man to visit the Cherokees. [00:10:04.129] [music] [00:10:16.520] It ends with the forced removal of all but a handful of the Cherokees [00:10:20.600] to strange lands in the West. [00:10:23.760] A must for lovers of the theater. [00:10:26.360] Unto These Hills is located in Cherokee, North Carolina [00:10:29.600] on the Cherokee Indian Reservation. [00:10:32.100] [music] [00:10:37.480] Located on the Cherokee Indian Reservation in Cherokee, North Carolina, [00:10:41.400] this is one of the most unusual tourist attractions in the world. [00:10:45.520] Unusual because it is real. [00:10:48.640] The Oconaluftee Indian village is a full size [00:10:51.360] replica of an 18th century Cherokee community brought to life [00:10:55.440] and shows the red man as he lived [00:10:56.960] before the white man tamed the American wilderness. [00:11:01.520] The village is located close to the mountainside theater, [00:11:04.160] home of Unto These Hills, the Cherokee Indian drama. [00:11:08.720] Indian guides in native costumes lead you past [00:11:11.640] mud huts, primitive cabins, and rustic arbors, [00:11:14.760] in which Indians are stringing beads, [00:11:17.343] [music] [00:11:22.800] making clay pottery, [00:11:26.360] and building dugout canoes with fire, mud, and axe. [00:11:30.360] [music] [00:11:36.840] The Oconaluftee Indian village is an ancient way of life, [00:11:39.720] resurrected in authentic detail. [00:11:42.680] A truly living museum open every day [00:11:44.880] during June, July, and August. [00:11:49.600] More than half of the members of the Southern Highlands Attractions Association [00:11:53.360] are in close proximity of the Blue Ridge Parkway. [00:11:56.286] [music] [00:12:02.680] Ghost Town is located on U.S. 19 [00:12:05.680] in quaint Maggie Valley, North Carolina. [00:12:08.960] Visitors have a choice of riding the spectacular incline railway [00:12:11.840] or the exciting double chairlift [00:12:14.720] to the top of mile high Ghost Mountain [00:12:17.360] where a life-sized town of the Old West lives again. [00:12:21.360] [music] [00:12:30.120] There's never a dull moment in Ghost Town [00:12:34.320] because gunfights between outlaws and good guys, [00:12:37.160] bank robbers and martials, take place all day. [00:12:41.680] One minute it's a bank hold up, [00:12:42.480] then a shootout, [00:12:45.120] and everyone gets a kick out of the cancan girls in the silver dollar saloon. [00:12:49.114] [music] [00:13:00.040] There are two other levels to Ghost Town - [00:13:02.840] the mining town with a trip through the old mine [00:13:06.880] and an old mountain town, complete with red barn, [00:13:09.440] featuring a country floor show. [00:13:13.560] Most folks come early and spend the whole day at Ghost Town in the Sky. [00:13:17.560] [music] [00:13:23.520] Chimney Rock Park, located just twenty-five miles [00:13:26.240] southeast of Asheville, North Carolina on U.S. Highway 74, [00:13:30.200] is one of the oldest natural [00:13:31.520] attractions open to the public in western North Carolina. [00:13:36.680] Visitors reach the huge parking lot via a fine paved road. [00:13:41.600] Towering in the background is Chimney Rock, [00:13:44.360] once a landmark for ancient Indian tribes. [00:13:49.000] To reach the Chimney top [00:13:50.280] visitors ride one of the most amazing elevators in the world. [00:13:53.840] It rises twenty-five stories through solid rock. [00:13:59.600] The seventy-five mile view from the Chimney is worth the trip alone, [00:14:02.960] but there are many other attractions in Chimney Rock Park. [00:14:06.129] [music] [00:14:14.960] Excitingly beautiful trails reach Hickory Nut Falls and the cave. [00:14:20.040] While the cliff trail leads all the way to the top. [00:14:24.720] Over sixty tables invite dining out in three picnic areas. [00:14:30.960] Chimney Rock Park is an awe inspiring spectacle. [00:14:34.400] Don't forget your camera. [00:14:36.800] [music] [00:14:44.400] The State Theatre of Virginia is located in historic Abington. [00:14:48.840] Founded by Robert Porterfield in 1932 [00:14:51.480] during the lean years of the Depression, the Barter Theater [00:14:54.760] earned its name by accepting produce [00:14:57.000] instead of money for an admission ticket. [00:15:00.120] Many great stars have appeared on the boards of the Barter Theater [00:15:03.080] and some began their careers here. [00:15:06.880] The theater's curtain, rugs, and seats, the chandeliers, [00:15:09.760] and high golden lamps were removed from the [00:15:12.320] Empire Theater on Broadway when it was torn down in 1953. [00:15:18.320] Porterfield enjoys working with stars of Broadway, [00:15:21.240] and his nose for talent is renowned. [00:15:23.343] [music] [00:15:33.080] Among stars discovered by Porterfield are Gregory Peck, [00:15:36.440] Ernest Borgnine, Patricia Neal, Hume Cronyn, [00:15:39.200] Frank Lovejoy, and William Prince. [00:15:41.729] [music] [00:15:53.040] The Barter Theater in Abingdon, Virginia is [00:15:55.640] truly the Broadway of the South. [00:15:58.214] [music] [00:16:06.240] In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, an 18th century town [00:16:09.480] is yours to explore. [00:16:11.880] Old Salem, an unusual and authentic [00:16:14.680] restored Moravian congregation town. [00:16:18.600] Here, around a cool central square, [00:16:20.960] the visitors will find picturesque streets [00:16:23.560] lined with mid-European styled houses built [00:16:26.200] flush to the brick sidewalks, [00:16:29.400] a variety of fascinating exhibits such as the [00:16:31.840] Firehouse Museum displaying old firefighting equipment, [00:16:36.800] and the town water pump, which all children must, of course, try out. [00:16:41.160] And it works! [00:16:44.160] The Miksch Tobacco Shop is believed to be the oldest standing tobacco shop in America. [00:16:51.680] Other major restorations include the Salem Tavern, [00:16:54.680] a national historic landmark. [00:16:58.240] The [?] Museum in the boys school [00:17:02.160] and the John Vogler House. [00:17:03.880] The nine room home and shop of the town silversmith and clocksmith. [00:17:09.920] One of the most interesting restorations is the Single Brothers' House, [00:17:13.120] which once was the home of unmarried men in Salem [00:17:15.880] and where they learned their crafts. [00:17:19.880] Today, nine of the original craft shops are in operation. [00:17:23.720] And visitors to Old Salem will see craftsmen such as this [00:17:26.400] tinsmith at work now, just as then, [00:17:29.160] in the old shops. [00:17:30.529] [music] [00:17:33.840] Markers throughout Winston-Salem will guide you to the [00:17:36.440] Old Salem Reception Center, where your historical adventure begins. [00:17:40.440] [music] [00:17:46.400] North Carolina's Grandfather Mountain, [00:17:49.080] highest peak in the Blue Ridge range, is the scene each [00:17:51.760] June of singing on the mountain. [00:17:54.400] And in July, the Grandfather Mountain Scottish Games [00:17:57.240] attracts visitors from all over the world. [00:18:00.480] You can drive in your own car to the visitor center at the crest of Grandfather Mountain. [00:18:05.280] The thrill of a lifetime comes from walking across the [00:18:07.800] famous mile high swinging bridge, [00:18:10.320] giving views up to one hundred miles. [00:18:13.857] [music] [00:18:23.240] Inside, Carol sees Grandfather Mountain displays [00:18:26.240] on Indians, wildflowers, minerals, [00:18:29.320] and gemstones, which were prepared by specialists from [00:18:32.000] the Smithsonian Institution in Washington. [00:18:35.640] At six thousand feet, Grandfather Mountain, [00:18:38.440] the natural beauty of North Carolina's mountains, [00:18:41.080] has been preserved in a five thousand acre recreation area [00:18:44.000] featuring trails, caves, picnic [00:18:46.920] and camping spots, and other facilities for outdoors [00:18:50.080] fun for the whole family. [00:18:53.600] Government geologists say that rock formations on Grandfather Mountain, [00:18:57.240] including incredible Split Rock, [00:18:59.400] are a billion years old, [00:19:01.280] the oldest known rock formations in the world. [00:19:04.229] [music] [00:19:12.960] Near Blowing Rock, North Carolina, on U.S. 221 and 321 [00:19:18.240] is the immense clip from whence the town, received its name. [00:19:21.129] [music] [00:19:29.320] Blowing Rock is truly a phenomenon of nature. [00:19:32.080] It juts out into the valley at an altitude of four thousand and ninety feet, [00:19:36.160] and overhangs the Johns River Gorge. [00:19:38.800] [music] [00:19:47.000] The rocky walls of the gorge form a flume [00:19:49.720] through which the northwest wind sweeps with such force [00:19:52.800] that it returns to the sender light objects cast over the void. [00:19:57.120] Hence the name Blowing Rock. [00:19:59.229] [music] [00:20:09.000] Just a short distance from Blowing Rock is Tweetsie Railroad, [00:20:12.080] a complete wild and woolly western town. [00:20:15.880] Tweetie is a one hundred year old, full sized steam locomotive [00:20:19.480] that has been a beautifully restored. [00:20:21.920] The winding rails carry this relic of a bygone era [00:20:25.120] through the scenic splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains. [00:20:28.520] Masked outlaws hold up the train on every trip [00:20:31.520] but the good guys always save the day, or the dough. [00:20:35.520] [music] [00:20:40.320] Indians capture the fort and raid the train, but they, [00:20:42.960] too, bite the dust in the end. [00:20:46.800] At the Tweetie Palace dance hall girls and other entertainers [00:20:50.120] present a show in the lusty fashion of the good old days. [00:20:53.643] [music] [00:21:08.840] More fun and frolic awaits outside on an [00:21:11.400] exciting skyliner ride to the top of Magic Mountain. [00:21:16.800] Tweetie Railroad with his rootin' tootin' Wild West [00:21:19.720] atmosphere appeals to children from one to a hundred. [00:21:23.440] [music] [00:21:29.440] One of the seven natural wonders of the world is Natural Bridge, Virginia. [00:21:34.720] As Henry Clay, the great statesman, once observed [00:21:37.320] the bridge not made by hands, [00:21:39.520] God's great masterpiece, spans a creek, [00:21:42.800] carries a national highway, and makes two mountains one. [00:21:48.640] Virginia's Natural Bridge is more than a tourist attraction. [00:21:51.760] It is also a resort complete with heated indoor pool. [00:21:56.080] Summer embraces the bridge in a flourish of rich green foliage. [00:22:02.240] Time passes and Mother Nature takes paintbrush in hand. [00:22:06.040] With bright, bold strokes she makes Natural Bridge her autumn masterpiece. [00:22:11.800] Then Jack Frost begins tiptoeing down the thermometer, [00:22:14.920] flinging handfuls of jewel like snowflakes to the four winds [00:22:19.000] and Natural Bridge, [00:22:20.360] decked in sparkling white, becomes a veritable winter wonderland. [00:22:25.960] Located between Lexington and Roanoke, Virginia, on U.S. 11 and Interstate 81, [00:22:32.120] Natural Bridge is an all season spectacle, [00:22:33.040] higher than Niagara. [00:22:34.971] [music] [00:22:44.720] More people visit the beautiful Caverns of Luray each year [00:22:47.360] than all other caves in Virginia combined. [00:22:50.840] A tribute to the stunning splendor of nature's sculpture. [00:22:55.160] Located on the Lee Highway U.S. 211, [00:22:58.200] Luray Caverns is only nine miles [00:23:00.080] from Skyline Drive and the Shenandoah National Park. [00:23:04.760] Far beneath the earth's surface, along miles of smooth passageways [00:23:08.520] are scenes of infinite beauty. [00:23:11.000] They are shown here exactly as they were created and carved by nature. [00:23:15.000] [music] [00:23:23.000] The strange and beautiful stalactites and stalagmites [00:23:26.240] grow at the rate of one cubic inch [00:23:28.120] every hundred and twenty years. [00:23:32.080] Dream Lake, an optical illusion of exquisite loveliness, [00:23:35.920] is one of many spectacular [00:23:37.600] scenes that may be photographed by the visitor. [00:23:40.157] [music] [00:23:49.200] The great stalacpipe organ is the only organ in the world [00:23:52.120] that plays musical selections of concert quality [00:23:55.040] on stone formations. [00:23:58.240] Luray Caverns is open every day of the year. [00:24:01.357] [music] [00:24:11.000] The Southern Highlands folder is a busy and entertaining [00:24:13.720] preview of the best attractions in America's midsouth. [00:24:17.480] Our movie camera could only record some of the exciting [00:24:20.280] scenes at the Southern Highlands attractions. [00:24:23.120] To really see and enjoy these great educational and fun centers [00:24:27.480] plan your own trip to explore this magic of the mountains. [00:24:31.643] [music]