Special-interest guides
“Tour America: A Journey Through Poems and Art”
(Chronicle Books; $17.95)
Poet Diane Siebert and artist Stephen T. Johnson combined their talent to produce this creative venture, an eclectic journey across the United States using a variety of mediums: acrylic, charcoal, colored pencils, collage, gouache, graphite, ink, oils, pastel, photography and watercolors. Johnson provides the images while Siebert provides the words. The subject matter ranges as widely as the mediums, from New York City gargoyles to the Kentucky Derby, from the Gateway Arch in St. Louis to a breathtaking collage of Chicago’s elevated train. Many of the works of art are whimsical, such as the rendering of the Cadillac Ranch in Texas. But others are ethereal, such as the gorgeous pastel and watercolor of the Bad-lands in South Dakota. Unusual. (ISBN: 0-8118-5056-0)
“Antiquing Weekends: 52 Excursions Across America”
(Universe Publishing/Rizzoli International; $24.95)
Some say there are two kinds of people in the world: those who love antiquing and those who don’t.
This book is for the former. Indeed, once you have the antiquing bug, there apparently is no going back. Author Gladys Montgomery knows this, and in her guide she describes antique shops, antique dealers and antiquing destinations in large cities and small towns–one for every weekend of the year.
She also mentions nearby attractions and suggests lodging opportunities, most of them historic accommodations.
The back section features detailed listings of the shops and a nationwide calendar of antique shows. (ISBN: 0-7893-1372-3)
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Midwest guides
“Biking Illinois: 60 Great Road Trips and Trail Rides”
(Trails Books; $19.95)
Despite its reputation as being as flat as the flattest pancake, Illinois does have the occasional hill, something that author David Johnsen learned while on the road. Although the state’s geography will never be confused with the Rocky Mountains, areas such as Jo Daviess County in northwestern Illinois and the Shawnee Hills in southern Illinois offer challenging cycling. In addition to detailed descriptions of the sites and the terrain, Johnsen offers lively anecdotes and fascinating bits of history, such as the Jane Addams Trail near Cedarville. ISBN: 1-931599-64-5)
“The Wisconsin Almanac”
(Trails Books; $16.95)
There’s something irresistible about almanacs. Maybe it’s because of their very unpredictable nature, their serendipitous collecting of information and facts that, if done properly, can entertain and educate and even produce an Aha-I-didn’t-know-that moment. This little book is a must for anyone who loves the Badger State and trivia. Arranged by month, it includes a monthly weather history, garden and household tips, recipes, lore, trivia and historical tidbits. Did you know the ice cream sundae can date its origins back to Two Rivers? It was invented in 1881 when George Hallauer asked Edward C. Berner to add a dollop of chocolate sauce on top of a dish of ice cream. The creation became popular, but was sold only on Sundays. (ISBN: 1-931599-65-3)
Australia guides
“Northern Territory & Central Australia”
(Lonely Planet; $22.99)
This huge chunk of Australia–underpopulated and still an unknown entity to most folk–contains some of Down Under’s most fascinating and otherworldly attractions and cultures. Here lies the heart of aboriginal country as well as the spiritual wonder that is Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock) as well as a few small cities (Darwin and the Outback outpost of Alice Springs). Located in Australia’s harshest terrain, the Northern Territory also holds the country’s largest indigenous population: nearly 30 percent of the residents are of aboriginal heritage.
There is an informative chapter on aboriginal art, including rock art, and a sidebar on the area’s wildlife, including dingoes and wallabies. Also features an Australian glossary. (ISBN: 1-74104-224-0)
“Going Bush: Adventures Across Indigenous Australia”
(Lonely Planet; $19.95)
The Outback is no place for the timid, as co-authors Deborah Mailman, an Australian actress, and Catherine Freeman, the indomitable Australian track star, make clear in this beautifully illustrated guide.
More a personal travelogue than your typical guidebook–both authors are of aboriginal heritage–“Going Bush” offers insights and memories into areas of Australia that are far off the beaten path.
They discuss indigenous myths and indigenous folk medicine while offering their own travel tips on such basic things as carrying a toothbrush (“an absolute necessity”) or what music to bring with you on the journey. Country is Deborah’s preference: “You can’t travel down a dust track without country music blaring.” Driving in the Outback should not be taken lightly, they caution. A four-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended–and watch out for those kangaroos. “Kangaroos are most active around dawn and dusk.” (ISBN: 1-74104-736-6)
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