Reviews (1)

Take this book on your next trip to Riviera Maya!
Mr. Hinsdale has penned an excellent travel guide for the Riviera Maya (The Carribean coast line of Mexico), the heart and soul of which is Playa Del Carmen, at least for those looking for something more laid back than the high rises and high octane lifestyle of Cancun.In spite of the rapid growth along this coastline, Playa has managed to retain much of its sleepy, beach bum charm with a very international flavor. The guide is packed full of usefull information for the travler along with an extensive listing of dining and lodging options to fit most every budget. Included are plenty of pictures that give an idea of what to expect when you get there.The guide also gives the traveler plenty of ideas for adventure and fun, from touring ancient ruin sites to cenote diving with good descriptions of each of these adventures (you'll run out of money or time before you run out of things to do!).All the needed contact information is included.The guide books side boxes also make for fun reading.These are gray colored boxes located on almost every page that are full of interesting information and or fascinating facts about the area.I had fun just paging through the book and reading these side bars.If I had to find one fault in the book is that its coverage of the ruins sites, while adequate, does not give much depth; so if you are planning any extensive visits to the ruin sites I would pick up a guide covering those sites.For the casual traveler this book will be sufficient.I would Highly recommend this guide to anyone headed to Riviera Maya.The authors love of this place is evident along with the joy he gets from sharing it with others!(And if you are looking for a fun beach read check out my thriller novel "A Tourist in the Yucatan!") ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Mexico    2. Travel    3. Travel - United States    4. United States - General    5. Travel / General   

Subjects:  1. Travel    2. Travel - United States    3. United States - General    4. United States - Mountain - New Mexico    5. United States - West - Pacific (General)    6. Literature: Texts    7. TRAVEL & HOLIDAY    8. Travel / General    9. USA   

Reviews (10)

Important basics, across the board
Whether you are first time or repeat visitor to the Adirondacks, this guide comes in handy on any visit to New York State's great preserve, forever wild.
Timely updates
The Adirondack Book is an excellent guide to what to do, where to eat, etc., in the Adirondacks. The format is easy to follow, and the comments/recommendations are pretty much dead on. Not all of my personal favorites have found their way into these pages, but I've definitely been introduced to some new faves. Even if you own previous editions, I recommend buying the newest available--things change, and yesterday's hot spot may well have fizzled.

terrible organization, weak on information
If this is the best guide for the region there is a wide opening for competition.The organization by topic rather than area makes this book virtually useless for planning a trip.Even if one focuses on a single topic (fishing, hiking, ..) there is little guidance for someone choosing where to go -- often there are lists of places with no descriptions or completely useless paragraphs that say, essentially,"there are many many places you can do X in the Adirondacks." So I agree that this hardly serves as a guide at all. There is some interesting history in the book that could make this worth buying as background reading. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Travel    2. Travel - United States    3. Travel Guides - U.S.    4. United States - Mid Atlantic - New York    5. United States - Northeast - Middle Atlantic (General)    6. New York    7. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (3)

An informed and informative travel resource
Now in an thoroughly updated and expanded, The Berkshire Book: A Complete Guide by hiker, newspaper publisher, and travel writer Lauren R. Stevens, is an informed and informative travel resource ideal for anyone vacationing in the Berkshire county of Massachusetts. After providing a history of the area, individual chapters are filled with information on transportation, lodgings, dining, fine arts, recreation, shopping, and much, much more in this packed, tell-all, detail-laden guide. If you are going to find yourself in Berkshire country, Lauren Steven's The Berkshire Book is the travel guide for you!

An Excellent Guide Gets Even Better
This is, simply, the only guide you'll want or need for visiting the Berkshires.It seems to improve a little with each addition.I gave thelast edition four stars. I'd give this one four and a half (if Amazon wouldlet me.)Having travelled all over the world and found few spots to rivalthe Berkshres for quiet, unspoiled beauty, wonderful place to bike and hikeand rich cultural offerings, I am glad to have found a guidebook worth ofthis worthy place.

The finest and most complete guidebook for the Berkshires
This is easily the best guidebook available for the Berkshires (aremarkable region of natural and cultural beauty in Western Massachusetts.) Extensive, in-depth chapters not cover every attraction, restaurant, andtype of lodging available in the region, but also provide a wealth ofinformation on the history and culture of the region.If you're a daytripper visiting The Calarke Art Institute in the morning and the NormanRockwell museum in the afternoon, you probably don't need this book, but ifyou're staying in the Berkshires for an extended time andlong to reallyunderstand what makes this place so fascinating, you'll want a copy of TheBerkshire Book in your suitcase. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Travel    2. Travel - United States    3. Travel Guides - U.S.    4. United States - New England - Massachusetts    5. United States - Northeast - New England (General)   

Reviews (1)

Practical and Poetic
Unlike most travel guides,this book is warm and inviting. Almost hostess-like, Leotta leads the reader through the Shenandoah Valley with vivid descriptors of its beauty and the treasures that are hidden there. As the title suggests, this guide is certainly complete-but it is also poetic. The author presents a host of practical things to see and do while carefully rendering an artistic view of the natural wonders that make up the Valley. Read more

Subjects:  1. North America    2. Travel    3. Travel - United States    4. Travel Guides - U.S.    5. United States - South Atlantic - Virginia    6. TRAVEL & HOLIDAY    7. Virginia   

Reviews (1)

Needs updating!
This book has a lot of background historical information that is very interesting and cool to know, but there are many restaurants listed which no longer exist (I went looking for several and couldn't find them).I also think that if you're going to write a general interest sort of guidebook, you should spend a little time on possible children's attractions, particularly places to eat with kids.However, we did do some fun things based on her book that we would never have found otherwise.If you buy this book, call before you go. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. HotelsInnsetc.    2. Museums, Tours, Points of Interest    3. Travel    4. Travel - United States    5. United States - Mid Atlantic - New York    6. United States - Northeast - Middle Atlantic (General)    7. New York    8. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (3)

Useless Book!
I bought this book to help me plan my first trip to Maine.I plan to return it tomorrow.The majority of this book is lists of hotels and restaurants.There are lots of activities and sights listed as well.The problem is that the author does not distinguish between any of them.Every place is just listed with a short description. It is impossible for someone like me, who has never been to Maine, to determine which parts of Maine I should visit and what I should do while I'm there.I am a frequent traveller, and I have never seen a worse tour book.

Everything from tidal zones and bicycling advice
Now in an expanded and thoroughly updated fifth edition, The Coast Of Maine Book by Nancy English is an excellent and thorough guide for tourists and travelers who want to explore the fun, wonder, and richness to be found along the coast of Maine. An excellent, comprehensive, highly recommended informational resource, The Coast Of Maine Book offers everything from tidal zones and bicycling advice, to a host of recommended lodging and dining places, historic buildings, tips on what to expect from the weather, seasonal events, shopping, and much more.

An excellent and thorough guide for tourists and travelers
Now in an expanded and thoroughly updated fifth edition, The Coast Of Maine Book by Nancy English is an excellent and thorough guide for tourists and travelers who want to explore the fun, wonder, and richness to be found along the coast of Maine. An excellent, comprehensive, highly recommended informational resource, The Coast Of Maine Book offers everything from tidal zones and bicycling advice, to a host of recommended lodging and dining places, historic buildings, tips on what to expect from the weather, seasonal events, shopping, and much more. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Maine - Local History    2. Travel    3. Travel - United States    4. Travel Guides - U.S.    5. United States - New England - Maine    6. United States - Northeast - New England (General)    7. Maine    8. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (5)

It's not a tour book
Although this book is packed with lots of information, it is not organized in a way that is helpful to some one (like me) who is planning a drive through the Hudson Valley. Girft for husband became gift to me!
I bought the book as a gift for my husband as he has wanted to explore the region.It turned out to be a gift to me as he was so inspired by Ms. Kanter's vivid descriptions he has planned a romantic long weekend get away.

Husband planned a romantic weekend
I'm thrilled.I bought the book and gave it to my husband as he has wanted to explore the region.He enjoyed Ms. Kanter's vivid descriptions and got inspired.He has planned a romantic long weekend. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Travel    2. Travel - United States    3. Travel Guides - U.S.    4. United States - Mid Atlantic - New York    5. United States - Northeast - Middle Atlantic (General)    6. New Jersey    7. New York    8. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (1)

Offers the reader a wealth of reliable information
Compiled and written by travel writer and cookbook author Marguerite Thomas, Touring East Coast Wine Country: A Guide To The Finest Wineries offers the reader a wealth of reliable information concerning lodgings, touring programs, fine restaurant dining, trivia details of specific interest to the vacationer and wine connoisseur looking to enjoy a relaxing and engaging trip along New England, New York State, the Mid-Atlantic States or Virginia. A welcome and highly recommended trip and travel planning resource, black-and-white photographs enhance this succinctly presented guidebook. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Restaurants    2. Travel    3. Travel - General    4. United States - General    5. United States - Northeast - New England (General)    6. Travel & holiday guides    7. USA    8. Wines   

Subjects:  1. California    2. California - Local History    3. Guidebooks    4. Pacific Coast    5. Pacific Coast (Calif.)    6. Travel    7. Travel - General    8. Travel Guides - U.S.    9. United States - Pacific - California    10. United States - West - Pacific (General)    11. Wineries   

Subjects:  1. HotelsInnsetc.    2. Museums, Tours, Points of Interest    3. Travel    4. Travel - United States    5. United States - Mid Atlantic - New York    6. United States - Northeast - Middle Atlantic (General)    7. New York    8. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (2)

Good!
I simply cannot understand the utter dismissal of this book by Pequeqnat. It's difficult to believe that he (she) ever opened the book. Fredericksburg gets 11 pages, Kerrsville 10! Perhaps not every nook and cranny gets mentioned, perhaps not every single fine restaurant is included, and perhaps the index could be improved upon a little, but by and large the author has performed a really excellent and commendable job in guiding visitors to this fascinating area. I have visited the Texas Hill Country on quite a few occasions and obtained the book in preparation for another visit. I found almost all of my favorite places described in the book plus many useful new recommendations and ideas as well. Anyone looking for a good guidebook to the Hill Country should not hesitate to get the book.

Bad!
Bad, no it's pathetic, with the color and entertainment value of reading a user's manual on diesel engine maintenance. One and a have paragraphs describing Fredericksburg, one paragraph describing Kerrville, but 55 PAGES on Austin and 34 pages on San Antonio! Read more

Subjects:  1. Travel    2. Travel - United States    3. Travel Guides - U.S.    4. United States - South - Texas    5. United States - South - West South Central (General)   

Reviews (1)

A great guide to the Hill Country!
I just returned from a weekend trip through the Hill Country and found this book indispensable. I have long been a resident of this region but learned about many hidden treasures in this area thanks to Eleanor Morris. I'm buying a second copy as a gift for my new neighbors! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Travel    2. Travel - United States    3. United States - South - Texas    4. United States - South - West South Central (General)   

Subjects:  1. Travel    2. Travel - United States    3. Travel Guides - U.S.    4. United States - Northeast - New England (General)    5. Literature: Texts    6. Northeastern & North Atlantic states    7. TRAVEL & HOLIDAY    8. Travel / General    9. USA   

Reviews (1)

HORRIBLE
I wouldn't even give this book a star if I had the option.The fact is, not only is this book harldy helpful, but it is also obvious upon reading this book that the author must be an uptight, jewish princess who obviously only enjoys Santa Fe and Taos merely because it is the "in" thing for snobs to do.She tries to be informative, but is really just dumb.And her picture is god-awful, I feel so terribly sorry for anyone who has ever had to see her in person, let alone date or sleep with her.PLEASE DO NOT GIVE THIS NO TALENT CREATIVE WRITING WANNABE YOUR MONEY ... Read more

Subjects:  1. New Mexico - Local History    2. Travel    3. Travel - United States    4. Travel Guides - U.S.    5. United States - Mountain - New Mexico    6. United States - West - Mountain (General)   

Reviews (2)

A bible of seasonal wonders and recommendations

A better guide to this area
Although this book is not on a par with my favorite DK books, it's one of the better that I have seen on this area of Florida.The author gives a good list of things to do, places to see, where to eat, and where to stay.It lacks the punch and polish of some of the travel books (...), but it gets the job done.
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Subjects:  1. Florida - Local History    2. Guidebooks    3. Gulf Coast (Fla.)    4. Naples Region (Fla.)    5. Sanibel Island (Fla.)    6. Sarasota Region (Fla.)    7. Travel    8. Travel - United States    9. Travel Guides - U.S.    10. United States - South - South Atlantic (General)    11. United States - South Atlantic - Florida    12. Florida    13. Travel & holiday guides   

Subjects:  1. Guidebooks    2. Narragansett Bay Region (R.I.)    3. Newport (R.I.)    4. Reference - General    5. Travel    6. Travel - United States    7. United States - New England - Rhode Island   

Editorial Review

Spring comes early to the Lowcountry. At a time of year when New York City is coated in a seemingly permanent layer of brown slush and St. Paul, Minnesota,is digging out from yet another remarkable blizzard, Beaufort, South Carolina, is celebrating its annual daffodil harvest and Charleston is putting on its Lowcountry Blues Bash andhosting the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. In a region that's sweltering by May, February through April is the time to visit, and Cecily McMillan's guide makes traveling as easy as sweet potato pie. With attention to history, lodging, restaurants, recreation, and culture, McMillan provides easily navigable maps, advice on what to do and see, and a strong flavor of the South. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A Bit of a Letdown
The places the author wrote up seemed scant and random, and the write-ups themselves were shallow and rather generic.Also, the organization was odd.Disappointing.I hope Lonely Planet publishes something on this region.

The Accidental Tourist
Having, for more years than even I may care to remember, long considered myself an 'armchair traveler' I tend to be extremely wary of many travel guides. While the author/editor may have their hearts in the right place ( and of that I'm not always certain either! ) they tend to be written, for the most part, from a slightly askew view-point. By that I simply mean seemingly to have been authored by someone who too is merely 'visiting' the city/region that I am reading about....and therefore long to aggressively explore and 'drink-in' the local culture. Again, a book being written from one is on the 'outside looking in' so to speak. And since I tend to wish to 'blend-in' when travelling ( I loathe actually looking like a tourist, don't you? ) I require a book from one who not only knows all the region's highlights but the cafe's, shops and little nooks and crannies that the 'locals' frequent as well. And when a travel book is written concerning the wonderful 'Lowcountry' of Georgia and South Carolina than I may be even more persnikity! But having lived in the South for a number of years ( I'm a transplanted Savannahnian! ) my critiques may be even more judgemental. Therein lies my dilemma! a nice blend of history and service journalism.
Ms. Mcmillan knows this region well and the book reflects that.It iswell organized, factual, and as up to date as is possible, given thevigorous growth spurt that has enveloped the area.The restaurant reviewsare honest and accurate as to specifics.As a resident of the SouthCarolina coast, it has been helpful to me and to the friends to whom I havegiven a copy.This is a region rich in history and atmosphere.I thinkthis book conveys a sense of those things in a very entertaining andrefreshing way. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Charleston (S.C.)    2. Charleston Region (S.C.)    3. Guidebooks    4. Savannah (Ga.)    5. Sea Islands    6. Travel    7. Travel - United States    8. United States - General    9. United States - South Atlantic - South Carolina   

Reviews (1)

A travel guide for the Finger Lakes
Finally, I found it. I moved to the Finger Lakes area (Rochester, NY) in 1996 and every time I visited a local book store I looked for some kind of travel guide for the area and I could never find one that wasn't hiking or cycling related.When I saw this one, I had to buy it and I don't regret it. It came very handy for the summer so far.It includes some of the history of each of the finger lakes and its towns. It also includes places to see and visit, where to stay and where to eat. A very good section is the one that lists all the area festivals and the dates when they usually occur. The list can help you plan ahead, either to visit when the festivals are taking place or to avoid them. Another part of the book that is very helpful is the maps section. It has maps for the different finger lakes areas, w/ main roads, etc. And if you want to know about the area wineries, it has a whole chapter on wineries. I have found that this book can be used by a local as well as tourist to the Finger Lakes area, it is very complete. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Finger Lakes Region (N.Y.)    2. Guidebooks    3. New York - Local History    4. Travel    5. Travel - United States    6. Travel Guides - U.S.    7. United States - Mid Atlantic - New York    8. United States - Northeast - Middle Atlantic (General)   

Subjects:  1. General    2. Travel    3. Travel - United States    4. United States - Mountain - New Mexico