RADFORD – Beach to Bluegrass: Places to Brake On Virginia’s Longest Road is the third book to be released by Radford University alumnus Joe Tennis. Published by The Overmountain Press, the book takes readers on a journey along Virginia’s U.S. Route 58, the Commonwealth’s longest road, beginning near Hampton Roads and ending at the Kentucky border.

A mixture of history and legend, the illustrated book features sections on Hampton Roads, the Piedmont region, the Blue Ridge Highlands and Southwest Virginia.  The book’s 58 chapters include “The Real Mayberry” along the Blue Ridge Parkway; “Tragedy on Tobacco Road” in Patrick County; “Last Capitol of the Confederacy” in Danville; “Capital on The Crooked Road” in Galax; and “Monopoly on the Oceanfront” in Virginia Beach.

“This is the story of Virginia, as told by landmarks like the Great Dismal Swamp and the place where Johnny Cash played his final concerts,” Tennis said.

A features writer for the Bristol Herald Courier, Tennis is also the author of Southwest Virginia Crossroads, an illustrated history and guide, and The Marble, a collection of ghost stories.  Since 1990, his articles and photos have appeared in several publications, including The Virginian-Pilot and Blue Ridge Country.  As an RU student, Tennis served on the staff of the student newspaper The Tartan and wrote a sometimes-controversial column called “Tennis the Menace.”

Tennis’ books are available at Barnes & Noble, online bookstores and through the publisher at www.overmountainpress.com. To learn more, e-mail jtennis995@mybluelight.com or call (800) 992-2691.