I would augment it with another guidebook to balance reviews and recommendations. Moon Handbooks are great for the traveler on a "middle class" budget and will guide you to the "must sees" without the extra confusing fluff that other guidebooks include.

Not really a review, but a definite This Is a Great Book. I'd never heard of Moon Handbooks, but purchased this guide through Amazon and found it helped immensely on recent trip to Canada. Everything was included and the detailed recommendations covered everything from hiking to where to eat. If you're heading to the Canadian Rockies, buying this book is money well spent.

This book was invaluable for our Spring 2001 trip through the Canadian Rockies. The book is obviously written with the aim of appealing to a wide range of travelers, and does so well. My wife and I have very different interests, but found that each evening we would sit down and study the next day's itinerary almost solely using this book--her searching out museums and a picking a spot to eat dinner and me looking for outdoor activities. As a retired historian, I was also pleased to see comprehensive coverage of the history of the region, along with dozens of interesting tidbits that helped make the trip more enjoyable. It was too early in the season for us to do much hiking, but the trails we did follow all came from this book and another, Canadian Rockies Trail Guide. I highly recommend this book to anyone traveling north through the Rockies region of our Canadian neighbors.

If you have a fee day, you can plan a mini vacation Right Here. No need for long drives or plane rides. Liz Nelson has managed to do all the planning, gather the important ingormation, and entice us to explore our own back yard. It was so nice to find a book I can use as a refrence for trips and activities in the North Shore area. It's a great book to pull out when planning weekend entertainment for out of town friends and relatives, and it is a perfect idea generator for those days when the kids think there is 'nothing to do."

When I travel I always plan ahead and study the areas I visit. Unfortunately, when I am at home, I never take the time to do the research. Now, the work has been done for me, so if I want to have a fun local adventure I have everything I need Right Here.

Whether you are new to the area north of Boston or a long time resident, you will find Liz Nelson's Right Here an invaluable guide to reservations,historic sites, museums, parks, bike paths, walks and more. I recommend it enthusiastically to our visitors of all ages and use it myself. Although I have lived north of Boston for 40 years, I have learned a lot from Right Here, and it provides visitors to the Salem Witch Museum with a wide variety of travel opportunities north of Boston. An excellent collection! Alison D'Amario, director of education, Salem Witch Museum, Salem, Massachusetts

I've lived in this area for 10 years and have barely begun to scratch the surface of all the region has to offer. Liz Nelson's little book is now my official personal guidebook to the historic and adventure-filled Massachusetts north shore.

The places she takes me to visit range from the extraordinary (quirky historic homes with unusual architecture and jaw-dropping memorabilia) to the serene (quiet walks amid sea spray roses in search of eagles and seals) to the ridiculous (snow tubing down a ten-story-high hill of ice!?!) to the adventuresome (whale watching!) So no matter what my mood, no matter what the season, I can find a day trip that's just right.

And no matter who accompanies me, from my 85-year-old mother, to my adventuresome outdoor-loving friends, to visiting cousins and their kids, we can always find a suitable jaunt "Right Here"!

I especially appreciate the TRIP TIPS -- complete and thorough driving directions, details about admission fees, where to park, and how much time to allow to thoroughly enjoy each place -- even helpful little hints such as "Disregard the 'Private Road' sign."

The best part of this little book, however, is the way it's written. Because Liz Nelson writes as though she's in the middle of her own exploration of each place, it's as though you are being accompanied by your own personal, not to mention observant and wryly amusing, tour guide.

Whether you're a visitor to northern New England or a seasoned resident, you can't go wrong with this little book. All the locations are easy driving day trips whether you're coming from Portland, Maine; the Concord or Manchester, New Hampshire areas; or from Boston.

It doesn't matter if you never go to San Francisco -- buy this book just for the sheer joy of reading it. Bonnie Wach has real opinions and does not dish out the usual everything-is-great travel-guide drivel. Her writing sparkles with personality, wit and humor. All the particulars for the places she writes about are listed in the margins, making the information easy to find when you're looking for it. If you have any interest in San Francisco or travel books in general, buy this book.

All I can say is that not only have I bought a copy, but I have given three away as gifts. It is great guide for anyone visiting San Francisco or for anyone hosting visitors.

As a San Franciscan, this book is the perfect gift and/or inspiration to entertain friends, family or even yourself.

The author's approach orients the reader and eliminates the clutter of the average guide book. The book also has a nice balance between indoor and outdoor activities that you will be tempted to do over and over.

This is the perfect book for those looking for both the obvious and the obscure in San Francisco.

I bought this book after 6 years of not seeing any Grateful Dead related show. Alex's stories rekindled the magic feeling I used to get from going to the shows and hanging around the parking lot. He does a great job with both description, character development and flow. My only complaint is that the book is too short. This should be mandatory reading for anyone that has ever been to a Dead Show or plans on following the next generation of Jam Bands.

"...feel the colors...see the music..." A wonderfully crafted collection of images that envelops your senses with the power of the Deadhead experience. The author's honed description successfully brings you there, while genuine characters caotivate and keep you there. The best "trip" I've had in a very long time!

The short stories in this book do so much more than just capture perfectly the essence of the Deadhead Culture, they pinpoint the feelings and experiences of a time in life when everything was possible and negativity just meant take another route.

The author has the ability to make us care deeply about his characters and what they are going through within a few sentences of the start of each story. From the young attorney to a runaway, I was mesmerized by each and kept paging forward looking for more on each one. I fell into the book expecting to just revisit the experience of tour days and instead found so much more.

I highly reccommend this book to anyone interested in revisitng the past, or ready to enjoy meeting some of the most fascinating slices of life it's ever been my pleasure to find within the pages of a book.

This book captures the essence of Tequila from the perspective of making it and drinking it. I found it especially interesting in giving the reader a glimpse into the day to day activities of the tequila business.

Lance and Sandys adventure in the land of Tequila is not only entertaining but a highly informative read on the growing world of tequila. A must-have reference guide to take you thru the various types available, written by someone who obviously has had a few! I like the tasting pyramid too.

For the tequila lover, this book is worth checking out simply for the explanation of the different ways that tequila is produced, from archaic to ultra modern. The information on the different types of tequila, the different nuances of types, basic information about traveling in the region, and the food of the region are a huge plus.

"Society for Commercial Archeology Journal," Spring, 2000 For those of you unfamiliar with the West Coast, Highway 99 is the principal historic highway that knitted together the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. Portions of it were known early on as the Pacific Highway or the Valley Route or the Golden State Highway. However, in 1928 these various bits were sewn together and given federal designation as US 99. Despite de-designation as a US highway in 1964, Highway 99 continued to play a prominent role in western transportation. Jill Livingston and Kathryn Maloof have compiled a two-volume guide to the history and sights of Highway 99 in California. Each book, half-sheet size and paperbound, provides a general summary of the road's history and a detailed description of features along the existing road organized geographically from north to south. Both offer an extensive photographic tour of the respective route sections, as well as sections devoted to detailed maps that outline the route and provide directions on how to access often-bypassed elements or road alignments. There are generous graphics and photos throughout. I may be a biased reviewer of this topic. I grew up on Highway 99 just south of Sacramento and enjoy mostly fond and entirely vivid memories of this road. I have muddled memories of passing objects from car to car while careening down the Grapevine toward Metler, CA to rescue a friends' stranded vehicle. I also remember with fresh horror as I watched my record collection of 250 albums melt in 100+ degree heat while broken down on that same wretched hill in 1983. Livingston and Maloof have brought it all back for me. I pine for chicken dinner at Pollardville and an orange freeze at the Mammoth Orange. I mourn the passing of the Blueberry Hill Café in Chowchilla, and am startled to see a picture of the theater where I saw my first genuine rock concert in 1975. The authors have peppered their text with sidebars of interest to one and all. The evolution of the Ridge Route and disappearing/reappearing highway under Shasta Reservoir are two of my favorites. The organization of the books is clear and easy to follow; the photos are beautiful and plenty. The text is well written and enjoyable, not bogging down in non-essential detail or excess verbiage. These books are just the ticket for roadside exploration off the beaten track in the Golden State.

That Ribbon Of Highway II: Highway 99 From The State Capital To The Mexican Border takes the reader from Sacramento to Calexico in a history that is enhanced with more than one hundred historic and contemporary photographs, an Accurate Road Log, and twenty detailed maps. Together, these two volumes present the armchair traveler with a splendid and informative entertainment, and serve the on-site traveler with a marvelous reference for a truly engaging road trip. Also highly recommended is the companion title, That Ribbon Of Highway I: Highway 99 From The Oregon Border To The State Capital.

Since my family moved to the San Joaquin valley in 1972, I have seen many changes on Highway 99. This book not only brought back memories, it also piqued the curiousity I have always had in travelling old highway routes. I have now covered all of old Highway 99 between Sacramento and Fresno. Someday I plan to make it to Calexico. Even if youdon't plan to make the journey, this book is a must read for anyone who has travelled or lived near Highway 99 and is interested in it's history. The photos are wonderful and informative, as is the text. Especially the appendix (Following The 99 Trail). FIVE STARS PLUS!

I adore the lower part of Midtown (under 34th St.) and this book is what I was looking for. Quick, concise but at the same time rich and precious is a work that covers comprehensively some of the most fascinating Manhattan's neighbourhoods. From the elegant Gramercy Park to the fashionable Chelsea, Touring the Flatiron is an amazing experience either for the native either for the visitor.

This author is incredibly well known in NYC as a city historian and has a supreme knowledge about the area. The book is organized in a logical manner and the photographs are excellent as well as interesting. A must have for anyone planing to tour, or live in lower manhattan. makes a great gift/Housewarming present! I look forward to her next book about the lower east side. I hear the photo research for that is amazing as well.

My grandma worked really hard on this book,and it is very good. The pictures are wonderful and it is very interesting with tons of facts and stories.

Chuck Thompson has done an excellent job in THE 25 BEST WORLD WAR II SITES, PACIFIC THEATER of informing and recommending, to war buffs and casual travelers alike, the best World War places to see including Pearl Harbor on Oahu, the route of the Bataan Death March in the Philippines, and the original Bridge on the River Kwai in Thailand.

Hundreds of points of interest are revealed in the book, and Thompson provides comprehensive directions for each site, including detailed maps, guides to hotels, insider tips and photos of the sites.

This was the first book I've read by Chuck Thompson and I am definitely interested in checking out some of his other work because of the throughness of his research and the objective tone throughout.

Chuck Thompson has compiled a great book on World War II sites in the Pacific. After living in the Phillippines and visiting several of the sites described in his book, I can definetly state that the descriptions in this book are 100% accurate. This is a must have book for anyone travelling in the Pacific.

The 25 Best World War II Sites: Pacific Theater is a guide for travelers and tourists to exploring World War II historical sites, battle sites, monuments, and museums throughout what was once the Pacific Theater. 500 individual points of interest, enhanced with detailed histories and maps, tips, travel information, suggested hotels, and more fill the pages of this excellent and highly recommended travel guide specifically designed for anyone seeking to visit (or revisit) and learn more about the important events and places of World War II while vacationing or otherwise traveling through the regions comprising the Pacific Theater.

Watch out when booking a tour! You're a captive to your boat, your crew, your mates--most of the time on tours is spent en masse, so know before you go. This guide was of great help in selecting a tour, even after hours of internet research.We packed as told, and were glad to have the extra towels, bags, etc. The photography tips weren't relevant to us, but they are equally extensive. He's right--get your guide up early in the morning for optimum viewing. Recommended.

Written by the owner of the tour company we decided to go with, I had ordered of copy of this from an Internet bookstore, only to find that we were to receive a free copy with our trip deposit. The extra went to Jill's mom, who travels vicariously with us when she and Bob aren't gallivanting about on their own. If you can only get one book for your trip to the Galapagos, this is the most comprehensive, covering booking a tour; the history, geology, botany, zoology of the islands; and photographing flora, fauna and landscape, all written in a light, humorous style. Other guide books go into farther detail on some items, but this is the best one stop shop.

The first time I saw this book, I viewed it with a jaundiced eye- after all, Barry is the owner-operator of a travel agency specializing in travel to the Galápagos Islands! Glad I took the time to read it- I've bought every edition since the first!

Barry's book is objective, comprehensive and as up to date as a printed guide can be given that boats are launched and agencies change hands, and includes detailed information on the tour operators, their specializations (e.g. birding, diving, etc.) and even the individual boats. (This is especially valuable- there is no US Coast Guard to assure marine safety in Ecuadórian waters, and the boat you spend a week or more on can make or break the trip- or even you, as more than one boat has sunk or burned.) The book reveals why you can not do the Galápagos justice with a land-based trip, nor in most cases (depending on your trip goals) with a large cruise ship.

You will learn when to go, how to save money to the extent possible, which operators respect the fragile island environment, which ones have university-trained naturalist-guides, which ones do a true seven day trip, vs. those who will take your money for a "seven day trip" and actually put you on a three day trip with a four day trip following (meaning you spend a lot of time in the same places you saw already, not to mention going to port to take on and discharge passengers.) Barry has a dry sense of humor- his slogan is "¡Viva la evolución!"

As someone who has been to "las Islas Encantadas", as the Galápagos islands is often described in Spanish, who is going again in 2003, I highly recommend this book to anyone contemplating traveling there as a key planning tool. I only hope Barry is planning to update his valulable book again SOON!

The author obviously has spent considerable time riding the Trace and in surrounding areas. As a result, the book serves as a useful complement to the literature available from the National Park Service on the Natchez Trace. However, the most important document that a Trace traveler needs is a Natchez Trace Parkway Map and Guide from the Park Service.

The author briefly describes the historical significance of many of the landmarks along the Trace. Of great interest to bicylists is the lay of the land (hills) which is well described. Most importantly, one can find the location of food and water and lodging just off of the Trace, that is, not managed by the Park service. The Trace itself has insufficient restroom and water stops for the bicyclist. A minor point is that the author does not indicate the hours of operation of the markets that he notes. The author notes the great amount of wildlife on the Trace; but keep a sharp eye for the snakes sunning themselves on the Trace in warm weather.

Most all of the practical advice in the book is related either to logistics or to various routes. Where and how to ship one's bike is useful. About 40 percent of the book is taken up with auxiliary routes that either start or cross the Trace and are not a part of traveling the Trace from end to end. Multi-day tours through Vicksburg and around the Tennessee River are two of those. Most of these may appeal to local residents.

Throughout the book the author mentions various rules and regulations of the Trace. Although there is a brief section, it would have been useful to see a section with a complete listing: for example, rules for speed limits, parking, picnicing, camping, hiking, etc.

What one will not find in this book is much in the way of practical and general information about bicycling or touring on a bike - what gearing to use, how to pack gear on a bike, how to ride with a fully loaded bike, what is the best way to deal with bicycle problems while on the Trace, etc. One point of interest is that the author provides an 1-800 number that can be called in the case of problems; interestingly the park service does a poor job of signage concerning this number.

The bottom line is that the book would help anyone comtemplating a tour of the Trace to get a better feel for what he or she can expect on the Trace.

Well written, accurate usable advice for bikers. The historic facts as well as geography ( mileage to stores, attractions, facilities) were right on the money. I used the book to do the northern 125 miles of the trace. I am preparing for a southbound ride next and will use this book.
john

Each year I plan one very special and hopefully very memorable ride. Still having to work for a living, and a family to spend time with, the ride I plan must fit all the schedules as well as my expectations. I first became interested in The Natchez Trace from reading some of the southern history. I was hooked! Couldn't find enough literature, maps, or books to satisfy my needs. One of the books I purchased was Glen Wanners' 'Bicycling The Natchez Trace'.. I planned for this ride for the better part of eight months using Glens' book as a guide. As this was my first solo self contained ride I wanted to do it right.When it came down to departure date I started to organize all my gear,I had a stack of maps and literature that weighed in at about 15 lbs!I quickly narrowed this down to one map supplied free from The National Parks Service and Bicycling The Natchez Trace by Glen Wanner. This book was my riding Bible,and was referred to several times each day. My ride covered 670 miles in ten days (the first two weeks in October) from Nashville to Natchez with side trips along the way. My trip was a success!Thanks to Glens' book and all the great people along the way. I would like to see Glen update this book as required so others may enjoy it as I have for years to come.