No comments about Selling Your Father's Bones.

1 comments about Texas Atlas and Gazetteer: Detailed Maps of the Entire State (State Atlas & Gazetteer).

1. If you are considering purchasing this atlas, I would suggest The Roads of Texas instead. I have two copies of The Roads of Texas and use them extensively. My copy of the Delorme book has not seen much use.

2 comments about Fodor's The Thirteen Colonies, 1st Edition: Relive America's First Days---Explore Revolutionary War Sites, Colonial Homesteads, 18th-Century Seaports, and More (Travel Historic America).

1. This is an excellent guide for those wanting to visit places associated with the events of the American Revolution. It is divided into sections by state with a brief overview of the state. Each state is divided into sub-sections by city/town/village (depending on the size of the site). Under each sub-section is an overview of the area's history and the role it played in the revolution, plus a comprehensive listing of colonial era houses, museums, monuments, battle fields, etc. Each listing includes a description and some history (for the most important ones), plus contact information, hours of operation, etc. Most of the town/city sections have a listing of historic eateries and lodgings.
   We have used this book throughout this summer, and we have had one of the best vacations ever! We were thrilled to find many Revolutionary War sites throughout our state which we did not know about. We even visited some Dutch Colonial houses in the heart of New York City! We had no idea that such things could survive in New York. It was truly amazing to see these houses, and that alone would have made it worthwile to purchase this book. We recommend that anyone wanting to visit any of the sites listed, calls ahead to confirm the hours, etc. We run into several places that were being restored and were closed to the public. Not a fun thing to find out, after traveling any length of time to get there. Also, as some of these sites are quite small and run by very small staff, their hours of operation can be by appointment, again good reason to call ahead.



2. This is an excellent guide for those wanting to visit places associated with the events of the American Revolution. It is divided into sections by state with a brief overview of the state. Each state is divided into sub-sections by city/town/village (depending on the size of the site). Under each sub-section is an overview of the area's history and the role it played in the revolution, plus a comprehensive listing of colonial era houses, museums, monuments, battle fields, etc. Each listing includes a description and some history (for the most important ones), plus contact information, hours of operation, etc. Most of the town/city sections have a listing of historic eateries and lodgings.
   We have used this book throughout this summer, and we have had one of the best vacations ever! We were thrilled to find many Revolutionary War sites throughout our state which we did not know about. We even visited some Dutch Colonial houses in the heart of New York City! We had no idea that such things could survive in New York. It was truly amazing to see these houses, and that alone would have made it worthwile to purchase this book. We recommend that anyone wanting to visit any of the sites listed, calls ahead to confirm the hours, etc. We run into several places that were being restored and were closed to the public. Not a fun thing to find out, after traveling any length of time to get there. Also, as some of these sites are quite small and run by very small staff, their hours of operation can be by appointment, again good reason to call ahead.

No comments about The Unofficial Guide to Bed & Breakfasts and Country Inns in the Northwest.

No comments about Bicycling the Pacific Coast.

1 comments about Outhouses of the West.

1. Need a bit of light reading on the john? Look no further! This book has great pics, with a story to go with each one. Very lighthearted humor, nothing that your kids cannot see. I picked up my copy at a local auction, and love it!

3 comments about Frommer's Portable Puerto Rico (Frommer's Portable).

1. This pocket-sized guide was the only thing I needed to carry on my trip to Puerto Rico. With tips on the best beaches, wild life attraction, and restaurants, we were able to get the true authentic experience. Prices were exact and current, ratings and highlights were easy to find, and the cost was low. I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to get the most of their vacation without a big, heavy book.



2. The respected Frommer really falls to the bottom of the pile after this book. We took our first visit to Puerto Rico last month and we looking for what the reviews promised. Well, unless you want information about San Juan and Old San Juan, forget about it. There was NO info about our resort - The Copamarina - which, we've learned is in another of Frommer's books as a recommended spot. We were staying in the southern portion of the island and there's little info in the book for that area. We were particularly interested in purchasing the masks worn at Carnivale...the shops recommended in the book no longer exist. The Fox-Delicias Mall in Ponce is completely closed and empty for renovation.



3. Not terrible, but don't rely on it for finding anything special.

   Taking a cruise to San Juan? Fine book. You will get off the boat, go to some reasonable shops, eat a good (but not cheap) meal, and do fine.

   Interested in a fun week outside of San Juan? Not so great. Did a fine job (although far from complete) on where to stay. Especially Paradors (gov't run hotels) were a great contribution from the book.

   Looking for a place to snorkel? Or for a special beach? The treasure-hunt attitude of the book ("nearby, you will find super beach with incredible snorkeling") is useless. How about some directions and physical location? "Nearby" seems to encompass everything from driving down unmarked roads to hiking trash strewn trails where you sincerely hope the end of the trail is a great beach, and not a mugging. Maps were also incredibly inaccurate.

No comments about Going to (and with) the Dogs: A Half Century of Travel Across North America.

No comments about Essays En Route.

No comments about New York Top 10 (Eyewitness Top Ten Travel Guides).