5 comments about Visiting Small Town Florida.

1. This book depicts a side of Florida rarely seen. Although in the last 50 years or so Florida has experienced unparalled growth at the hands greedy developers and susceptible politicians, this book proves that some of what makes Florida great still exists. Small towns such as Arcadia, Cedar Key, and LaBelle are mirrors into Florida's past, preserving the diverse history of our state while retaining their small-town character. One of things that surprised me the most about this book is the fact that there are still some small towns on the Florida coast. Towns like Boca Grande and St. George Island prove that a sustainable coastal community can be retained without high-rise condos and tacky tourist shops. Nonetheless, most of the towns depicted here are in the interior of the state, which for the most part has retained its small town character (with the exception of Orlando, a true eye-sore smack dab in the middle of the state). Tourists should buy this book to appreciate the true Southern flavor of a state taken over by Yankees. I should know--I'm a fifth-generation Florida cracker!



2. I took this book along when we went to Florida over Thanksgiving. While we did the usual Orlando stuff, we also visited several of the towns listed in the book. It was a great experience to see what is "off the beaten path". Small towns with everyday people going about their daily business, much like our own home town. It was nice to walk through shops and sit down at restaurants that didn't have a "theme". If you are going to Florida, I highly reccomend it as a travel guide.



3. Be sure to look for the newer edition (2003) as it covers 70 small towns. I started out thinking I would just dip into this, and read a few pages here and there. Then it turned out to be so interesting with Florida history, local tidbits, interesting people and architecture, that I read it straight through.
   Now I can't wait to visit Havana to see the antique shops or to see the 36 murals in Lake Placid.
   Some of the towns merely have interesting names (Yeehaw Junction) or a single sight, but many sound worthwhile for a day trip or longer visit. Probably should keep this book in the car while in Florida and check it occasionally to see if you are near any of these interesting places.
   It is arranged by regions (north, central and south),



4. Be sure to look for the newer edition (2003) as it covers 70 small towns. I started out thinking I would just dip into this, and read a few pages here and there. Then it turned out to be so interesting with Florida history, local tidbits, interesting people and architecture, that I read it straight through.
   Now I can't wait to visit Havana to see the antique shops or to see the 36 murals in Lake Placid.
   Some of the towns merely have interesting names (Yeehaw Junction) or a single sight, but many sound worthwhile for a day trip or longer visit. Probably should keep this book in the car while in Florida and check it occasionally to see if you are near any of these interesting places.
   It is arranged by regions (north, central and south),



5. For the past three summers we have taken this book with us, along with our 2 young boys-6 and 9, and have visited many of the places Bruce writes about and highlights in the book-the historical facts and tidbits of information he provides is very interesting and makes you feel more connected to the place you are visiting. My idea of a vacation is not trekking it to Orlando and all the theme parks! I grew up in South Florida, but was not aware of many of the places he talks about in Florida and how beautiful they are. In each new town we visit, we try to eat in at least one restaurant that he mentions-they have all been excellent recommendations! I love how at the end of the book he talks about his favorite all time places-we make a special point to try these out. We just returned from a 2 week vacation where we travelled the west coast of Florida and the Panhandle. We went all the way from the beautiful west coast beaches to Seaside, FL, traveling the backroads instead of taking the interstate. Everytime we visit somewhere I check it off in the back of the book. I can't wait until they are all checked and I can go back to the ones I loved the most!

5 comments about The Dog Lover's Companion to Florida: The Inside Scoop on Where to Take Your Dog (Dog Lover's Companion Guides).

1. My beagle, Joey, loves this book almost as much as I do! It has made his life so much more fun. Before I bought the Dog Lover's Companion to Florida, our lives outside the house consisted of leashed walks around neighborhood parks. My dog was bored, and I felt guilty. He needed more in his life. Now thanks to this great book, we've discovered really great parks that allow dogs off leash, and they're not that far away. Plus we now scout out better leashed parks thanks to the book's paw-rating system! He and I are both well exercised and sleep better at night!
   
   Best of all, we can eat together. This book offers all kinds of dog-friendly restaurants. Now I don't feel guilty leaving Joey behind when I meet friends for lunch. I just refer to the book, find a dog-friendly restaurant, and he comes right along. My favorite is a really fun one called Mustard's Last Stand -- it's a hot dog stand that's super dog friendly. The owner even hosts doggy adopion events there.
   
   The book is well written and really fun to read. I read it and dream of vacations we can take in the future. In fact, my fiance and I are planning a romantic getaway to Key West soon, and guess who's coming along? Yup, Joey! We don't want to leave home without him. We've found an awesome B and B, and it looks like there are plenty of places to walk Joey and to eat with him. No kennel for Joey! Thank you, Florida doggy book authors!



2. This book is a great resource for those who want to see Florida and still bring along their best friend. A lot of the book is lists of restaurants and hotels that take dogs, but it also has many tips on local dog parks, state parks, and other Florida attractions that are accepting of four legged patrons. We've already found some local attractions to visit with our dog that we would have never found without this book. (At least it would have taken us much longer to find them!) I have really enjoyed this guide. My only advice to others looking to buy this book is that they should know the book mainly references outdoor attractions (parks, beaches, and recreation areas).



3. When I lived in Florida, I traveled extensively with Keesha, my 45-pound chow mix. I tried other guides, including those from auto clubs. They offer you the bare bones information.
   
   Then I met Sally Deneen and Robert McClure, who shared their Dog Lover's Companion. Being a certified grinch, I held off reviewing till I had a chance to use this book. Readers of my reviews will know my down-to-earth, honest, no-holds-barred style.
   
   To my great relief, I *loved* this book. I used an earlier edition extensively when living in Florida, when I had to make trips to places all over the state. I found amazing dog-friendly places in Fort Lauderdale, where I was living. When I visited Gainesville, I couldn't have survived without this book -- everything from where to get a burger to where to find a dog park. The information about each place is complete and accurate. For example, the authors clerly identify Dogwood park as dog heaven -- and their right.
   
   Even if you're not heading for Florida this trip, you'll learn a lot from the authors' introrduction to traveling with a dog. For instance, many hotels inisist "small dogs only" but their Maggie was a 50-pound German shepherd.. As they say, "Apparently to some hoteliers, dogs are just walking poop machines with fangs." (How can you read that without laughing out loud?)
   
   Deen and McClure offer a number of strategies, such as (a) Just ask if you can bring "the dog" and (b) capitalize on the fact that most motel owners "aren't too familiar with dog weights."
   
   A small dog? "She's only 50 ounds."
   Is that small? "Well, she's certainly not big. Half the size of a regular German shepherd!"
   
   Now is that practical advice or what? I've applied these tactics myself (and I'd add, when a clerk sees a dog can do a "sit" and "down," they assume only the best).
   
   But what makes this book truly a dog-lovers book is the way the authors manage to spice up each description. It's hard to imagine anything duller than a description of a hotel or restaurant. But who can resist:
   
   p 240-241: "The bones of extinct animals have been found at this national, natural landmark, and the lush surroundings are bound to keep wet noses twitching."
   
   p 421: "The muddy sand can be goopy...so bring a towel to wipe all paws..."
   
   p 181: "Your dog can hope for crumbs from your free breakfast of waffles, fruit and other eats..." instead of just "A free breakfast comes with the room."
   
   p 187: "The sand feels very flat and hard under the paws at this St Johns County park..."
   
   p 433: "Water dogs will appreciate this break from the usual Pinellas prohibitions on pooches..."
   
   Get the idea? Even if you're not heading to Florida anytime soon, you'll have trouble putting down this book. Don't miss the section on Palm Beach (dah-ling!) and enjoy a cameo of John Grogan (before he wrote the mega-best-seller Marley and Me). And then there's Brandi, mascot of the Broward County Humane Society, where I adopted my own dog.
   
   But if your travel plans call for Florida, and if you've a dog-lover, you must pick up this book. Your dog won't forgive you if you don't!



4. We already had the 2003 edition, but decided to purchase the updated version, was a little disappointed. There wasn't that much difference in the edition's, although it is a very good book. We could have actually gotten by with the 2003 edition. The book is actually one of the better dog companion guides out on the market. We are able to visit places, we might otherwise have missed. We have been to some beautiful parks and beaches that are dog friendly in FLorida, and we found them through this book. By all means, if you are in the Tampa area, it is very dog friendly. One of our favorite places is Fort Desoto Park, near St Petersburg, which has a huge dog park and dog beach and everyone is so nice. It is a lot of fun. some good stuff in this book.



5. If you love your dog and you plan on taking them to Florida this book's for you. It has a handy reference guide depending on where in Florida you are.
   
   Gunner July, 2007

5 comments about Walt Disney World® with Disabilities.

1. Walt Disney World with Disabilities by Stephen Ashley provides a thorough and personal compilation of tips and descriptions that can only come from years of experience. By using the insight he has gained through his numerous trips to Disney World, the author leaves nothing out.
   
   This book can be used in various ways: for preparation and as a guide while at the park. I found it useful at the park to read the ride descriptions before taking my chances on an attraction. His descriptions evoke all of the senses, so I felt assured that there would be no surprises.
   
   It made the trip relaxing and enjoyable. I would highly recommend it to anyone planning a trip to Disney World with disabilities of any kind.



2. When my grandmother recently called to say she wanted to visit Disney, I was a bit hesitant. I assumed that we would face too many obstacles to enjoy a visit since she doesn't walk very well and is diabetic. But aiming to please my favorite grandmother, I began researching our options and stumbled upon this excellent book by author Stephen Ashley.
   
   We used the book as a tool when we planned our trip to Disney. The best part about this book is that it is a guide; you do not need to read the entire book in one sitting. It comes packed with all sorts of information, including useful telephone numbers and Web sites. With nearly 200 pages, the book covers things you should know about Magic Kingdom (my favorite!), Epcot, Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM Studios) and Animal Kingdom, and the author even has an accompanying Web site that I found extremely valuable.
   
   We learned where to find wheelchair rentals, and how restaurants and attractions accommodate people with disabilities or limited mobility. The book also gave detailed descriptions about the attractions and what to expect. And with my grandmother's diabetes, I especially found useful tips about special diets and how to deal with insulin shots (You can actually have it refrigerated at the First Aid station, or just bring a small cooler pack). The book also provides information for people who have epilepsy, bladder or stomach problems, allergies and visual impairment, among other things.
   
   The book gave great tips about staying at Disney's resorts. Initially, I planned for my grandmother to stay with me since I live in Central Florida, but after reading this book, I realized the immense value of staying on property. First of all, when you stay at any Disney resort, you are guaranteed admission to the parks even when they reach capacity. The resorts also make sure ALL their room doors are big enough for wheelchairs to pass through, and you can make special room requests when you book your stay. I never knew these things, and I've lived here and have visited Disney almost my entire life!
   
   As a volunteer in the Orlando-area, I deal with children who have physical and developmental disabilities, and I wondered how their parents found accommodations for them throughout the park. I always was curious how they did it all but still made sure their family had an enjoyable time. This book answered that question, and I had an amazing experience with my family when we visited the parks.
   
   I really felt that Ashley wrote with an in-depth knowledge from years of experience. According to the introduction, he spent several years researching and experiencing how to navigate through Disney. He provides easy-to-read information about the best way to experience the parks, despite your sensitivities or disabilities.
   
   I also loved about this guide how frank the author is. He tells you exactly what problems he and his family have run into when they have visited Disney and how they went about solving them.
   
   After reading this guide, I realized something: Disney's magic truly is for everyone. It just takes some planning, and this guide helped my family and I have a wonderful time.
   
   If you couldn't tell already, I highly recommend it!



3. 
   This book is a Wonderful resource that helped us to plan to go to Disney with my health concerns.
   
   If you have any health concerns and you want to go to Disney, then this is the book for you.
   
   This is a super practical book that really helped me plan our trip down to the very last detail. There was so much that I found really useful. It made planning our trip easy, and it gave me peace of mind because I knew what to expect and how to get whatever we needed. Our trip was wonderful and I can't wait to go again!



4. I book a lot of Disney World vacations for clients and bought this book as a resource that I figured I would use occasionally. I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and scope of issues addressed within the book. The authors did a really good job of listing every attractions and describing elements that might create an issues for guests with various needs.
   
   For example - you expect a book specializing in disabilities to address wheelchair access and loading proceedures. You don't automatically assume that it will mention that a musty smell might be an issue for someone with respiratory issues or that a strobe light might be an issue for an epileptic or a migrain sufferer.
   
   Instead of using the book from time-to-time, I've found myself flipping through it regularly to help clients address a wide spectrum of issues - both mild and serious - and even to warn parents about frightening componants of various attractions. The book also has a lot of information for guests with food allergies.
   
   This book will be a fantastic resource for the individual traveler but it is also a great ready reference for travel agents who really try to go the extra mile to insure a good experience for their clients.



5. This book has lots of good suggestions for visiting Disney World with a disability. I liked that they had good descriptions of the rides so you can judge for yourself if the ride will be appropriate for certain disabilities. We had a great trip and used a lot of the tips in this book.

4 comments about Florida Keys Paddling Guide: From Key Largo to Key West.

1. The Florida Keys Paddling Guide: From Key Largo To Key West is a compendium of recreational resources for dedicated water sport fans in general, and canoe and kayaking enthusiasts in particular. Featuring 8,500 miles of tidal shoreline, 7,800 lakes, 320 springs, and 35 rivers, The Florida Keys Paddling Guide is the perfect planning guide for exploring and enjoying the southernmost Florida peninsula and one of the most biologically diversified ecosystems in the continental United States. From Floridian coastal marshes to mangrove swamps, from back bay inlets to riverbed islands, The Florida Keys Paddling Guide is comprehensive, user friendly, and "take-along" portable!



2. Good read, good trips, precise GPS coordinates, and a significant naturalist section to boot! Match the critters you see against drawings in the book to find out what they are, what they eat, and how they live.



3. I found the book very informative on the Florida Keys and its wonderful waters to be Paddled and explored.The trip routes laid out in the book provide some great trips to explore the Keys.Can hardly wait to get down there.



4. This detailed and thorough guide is obviously the work of an experienced and passionate guide. Bill Keogh covers all the bases, starting with the practical matters - charts and navigation, weather, safety, and equipment. From the coast of Florida all the way to the tip of Key West he lists 67 launch sites for 47 suggested trips. Supplemental information includes a birders list, tidal charts, and contact information for outfitters and guides. The natural history section is wonderfully detailed and reveals the author's great love for this magical place. The best way to see and experience the Florida Keys is on the water, away from the highway and the people. Whether a novice or an experienced kayaker, Keogh will take you there.
   
   Marsh Muirhead, author of Key West Explained - a guide for the traveler

3 comments about Florida's Fabulous Canoe and Kayak Trail Guide (Florida's Fabulous Nature).

1. Winston Williams has created yet another fabulous book about Florida. This kayak and canoe guide is not only informative, it's gorgeous. Divided into regions, the maps provide paddlers with state-sponsored trails, landing sites, and driving directions. This book is a definite "must have" for the Floridian paddler.



2. My husband and I just started kayaking and this is the greatest book for finding places to go. The pictures are excellent and there are descriptions of the different rivers as well as maps of where to put in and things to look for. I think that if you canoe or kayak in Florida, this book is a MUST HAVE!!!! In fact, we have several rivers mapped out to go on as soon as we can!!



3. while the information is well presented there is little detail; futhermore, the florida state park service produces more info and it's free-

2 comments about Shipwrecks of Florida: A Comprehensive Listing.

1. Shipwrecks of Florida : a comprehensive listing is great reading and a fantastic reference book. Anyone interested in underwater archaeology or shipwreck recovery should read this book and keep it as part of their library. I have been involved in the field of shipwreck recovery for eleven years, and I also manage the popular web site TreasureExpeditions.com. I feel that this will help to qualify my review of this book. Let me start by saying that I have had the opportunity to meet and work with Steven Singer. Steve is a person of high integrity and knowledge, all of which are displayed in the writing of this book. He has created an invaluable reference book that not only has probably one of the largest collection of shipwreck locations, but also covers other valuable topics such as; Research, Search and salvage, Wreck identification, Artifact conservation and Rights to wrecks. I have an extensive collection of material on underwater archaeology and shipwreck recovery, yet I have found this book to be invaluable to me. This book stands out as one of the true classics in the field of shipwreck recovery and underwater archaeology. Brad "Goldfinder" Johnson



2. a fine book for anyone looking into a shipwreck in florida or seeking information about shipwrecks ---will laid out and easy to use.

4 comments about Florida (Regional Guide).

1. if you search a bank of america somewhere in florida this is the book to buy. despite of this there is a lot of other useful and useless information in the book. unfortunately the authors did usually not try to give valued comments, therefore you have no idea which things you should see and which aren't worth the trip.Additionally the authors do not always give you good descriptions of how to get to certain places and you should have another guide or at least detailed map for that. FOr example we ended up walking 2 hours through the sun to find the entrance of one of the parks... This is very different from the high standard of the lonely planet california which I had in mind when I bought this book. In conclusion I was very disappointed by this guide and would not recomment to buy it at all....



2. The above review is Dated May 2003 ....and it's a review of the 2006 Guide? If the folks can Time Travel in to the future, why bother wasting time reviewing books? I'd be checking out stock market picks....



3. Florida from Lonely Planet is an invaluably informative and easily portable reference for aspiring travelers to the state Florida whether for business or pleasure. Introducing the reader to a wealth of restaurants, hotels, tours, and other attractions, Florida offers vacationers and travelers of all budget levels an indispensable reference for Miami, the Florida Keys, Orlando, Tampa, St. Pete, Amelia Island, Bahia Honda, St. Augustine, Fort Lauderdale, Ocala National Park, and so many more Floridian communities, all in a superbly organized, completely "user-friendly" and easy-to-use guide which is confidently recommended to anyone anticipating their next trip to Florida.



4. We're in the middle of the big decision/action to move to Florida. Leaving family, friends and relocating a small custom sign business. It's very scarey but this book has pointed out how much we will enjoy the lifestyle. Pennsylvania winters are bruital, we love tropical living, eating and all that goes with it. Swimming, diving, biking, hiking, exploring, etc... Outdoor activities. We've been down several times and this book really hits it on the head.

5 comments about Ten Million Steps: Nimblewill Nomad's Epic 10-Month Trek from the Florida Keys to Quebec.

1. Wow! That's really "Hit the road Jack". I live near the Florida Trail but swamp wading with the snakes and the gators? No way Jose! But I am totally enjoying it from my armchair. Go get them. You are a better man than me Charlie Brown!



2. I received my copy today and I'm up to page 100. It is a blend of humor, a man's journey, and numerous inspiring quotes...that makes me want to hit Eastern Mountain Sports and start the hike. Someday I plan to hike the Triple Crown, etc. Cheers to this man who has had the desire, dream and drive to complete an epic journey and share it with the world. Thanks for a great read and giving me another glimpse into long-distance hiking.



3. As well as a resource-full account of Eb's travels, this is also a very entertaining book. Full of daily quotations, poetic descriptions of the landscape and people, and, more than anything, uplifting. Congratulations on a job well-done, Eb. Not just the trip, but its recording for the rest of us.



4. What a wonderful and inspiring book!! If you are a backpacker, outdoorsman, or a couch AT hiker, this book is very enjoyable. Eb makes you feel like you are walking every step with him. The book also helps one to realize the "kindness" and generosity of the American and Canadian people. It was uplifting to read a 500+ page book without one bit of negativity toward anyone by the author. Thank you Nimblewill!



5. Well written account of hiking trip for such a long distance. Sometimes too wordy on spirtual themes.

2 comments about Everglades River of Grass 60th Anniversary Edition.

1. This is an excellent book on the Everglades, the history of Florida, and the ecology of Florida.



2. Although there are no photos, this is an excellent table book to read and share with guests visiting Florida. It has wonderful history notes on the Everglades.

3 comments about The Palm Spring Diner's Bible: A Restaurant Guide for Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Bermuda Dunes, Indio, and Desert Hot Springs.

1. the most comprehensive guide in the desert, I especially liked the not recommended restaurants. rarely do you see a guide that dares to do that. It is obvious that this book is not advertiser driven and can tell the truth. Excellent!



2. I have been caught in the desert many times and now will never starve.
   
   Cannot say enough positive things about this text. The only change I would ever dream of making is perhaps including a thermos.
   
   Bret L. Thompson



3. Like the actual Bible according to Mark, Luke & John, this `Diner's Bible' is up to the same scrutiny and up to your own interpretation. Don't count on YOU receiving the same service and quality of food as this author. And, do not count out some of the other fine restaurants in the Palm Desert area out! - Like Bing Crosby's in Rancho Mirage. This restaurant deserves a 4 star rating for the food and ambiance, YET, this author does not even include it in his book and then goes off and rates BLEND in La Quinta with a 4 stars and it is not that at all. My husband and I went there to celebrate our special 40th wedding anniversary because we trusted in this Diner's Bible. It was not at all how the author described it. Service was awful with no acknowledgment for our anniversary; the waiter did not know the menu's food or wine and he kept us waiting for over 20 minutes (after the plates were cleared) before we flagged down another waiter to ask for our bill. We spent over $200 for two and would have gotten better service at MacDonald's. Sad for the chef because the food was great but won't go there again and told our friends about the bad service. The bad service left a bad taste in our month.