Established in 1911, Avery County is the youngest North Carolina county. Despite its recent formation, Avery has an intriguing history and rich Appalachian culture. Over the years, photographers have been eager to capture Grandfather Mountain, majestic Linville Falls, church groups, families, mighty steam engines, and many other diverse aspects of mountain culture. James "Lenoir" Franklin from the Linville Falls community photographed the southern portions of the county in the early 1900s. Operating during the same time, Willie R. Trivett lived and photographed in the Beech Mountain area. Drs. Mary and Eustace Sloop, founders of the Crossnore School, also took numerous photographs of Appalachian life. In more recent times, Grandfather Mountain's Hugh Morton has captured endearing images of the people and places of Avery County.

Watched over by the ancient Grandfather Mountain, Avery County never fails to captivate visitors with its wild beauty and spirited people. In this entertaining and fascinating collection of tales, Avery native son Michael C. Hardy presents the twists and turns of trails, the escapades of the Overmountain Men, stories of North Carolinas very own radio stars?the Hayloft Sweethearts?plus delightful memories of the 1930s and ?40s.