A new podcast report reveals the staggering popularity of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which sit on Asheville's doorstep. The ancient mountains, older than the Atlantic, are the most visited in the entire US park system.
The tape Unpacked by AFAR · Jul 24
“Here's the scale of what's out there. The Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited National Park in the country. And the Blue Ridge Parkway pulls in more people in a year than the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Yosemite combined.”
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Travel with Rick Steves · 628a Amtrakistan; Astronaut's View; Renaissance FlorenceJul 25
From 250 miles up, former astronaut Chris Hadfield says the Earth's fragility is startlingly clear. He describes our planet as a 'fragile jewel in the darkness of space' and feels a 'tremendous responsibility to take care of it.'
Untold Italy · 334. Sardinia - Ancient Island, Deep Traditions [From the Vault]Jul 24
The Barbagia region of Sardinia is a 'Blue Zone' with a high number of centenarians, a fact attributed to a 'more relaxed and cleaner lifestyle.' Many residents are farmers, working hard in nature and eating genuine, local ingredients.