Book Review - Day Hikes in Yellowstone National Park by Robert Stone

Planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park? This handy guide points out hikes you can reasonably complete in a day and, in fact, most of them can be completed in under 2 hours. Of course, that doesn't include the time to stop and admire nature or views. If you prefer gentle hikes, look for those with lower elevation numbers of "near-level" like Natural Bridge Trail (Hike Number 44). Each hike has detailed information and easy-to-follow maps. Great guide to toss into your backpack.

Keep in mind this book was published in 2005 so be sure to check the official National Park Website (https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm) before heading out to be sure the trail you're interested in is still available. A hydrothermal Explosion last year has caused some damage and closures. Check your local library for a copy of the guide.

Title: Day Hikes in Yellowstone National Park: 82 Great Hikes, 4th Edition
Author: Robert Stone
ISBN: 1573420484
Pages: 184

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Book Review - The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando by Seth Kubersky with Alicia Stella

The Unofficial Guides are invaluable resources for planning your amusement park visits. I've gotten all the books in their series - Disneyland, Disney World, Disney Cruises and now this book. The last section features tear-out pages with suggested touring plans for Adults, Families, Tweens, Teens and Seniors. Follow them or use them as guidelines. Sometimes we start our park day with all intentions of following suggested plans but then quickly learn to be flexible.

The other thing I love about the Unofficial Guides are the useful maps. Those make it easy to plan ahead. Once you're in the park, you can just use the Universal Orlando app to view maps. But I like to see where I want to go before I arrive. If you're driving, check out the I-Drive Area Sneak Routes map.

There are chapters dedicated to each park - Universal Studios Florida (USF), Universal Islands of Adventure (IOA), Universal Epic Universe (EU) and Universal Volcano Bay. Other chapters include Accommodations (both on-site as well as off-site), Dining and Shopping, CityWalk, Arriving and Getting Around, Visiting with Children, and more. Definitely a keeper if you plan to visit the parks.

Title: The Unofficial Guide - Universal Orlando 2025
Author: Seth Kubersky with Alicia Stella
ISBN: 978-1628091601
Pages: 416

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Book Review - Secret Boston: An Unusual Guide by Kiernan P Schmitt

Whenever I visit a city again, especially after the third or fourth time, I always look for something new to do or see and this book is a perfect guide for exploring the city of Boston with a new perspective. I love that each item or location has detailed information or history. The pictures are great. The book is divided into areas (Central Boston, Cambridge, Brookline/Fenway/Back Bay, West, and East) with nice maps which makes focusing on one area so much easier especially if you need to rely on public transportation. In addition to some quirky things (Elephant Ashes?) there are some legitimate museums in here (Nantucket Lightship/LV-112 Museum). Almost all the sights are easy to get to or only require a small amount of walking. And, although this book was published in 2024, be sure to verify times before heading out.

Title: Secret Boston: An Unusual Guide
Author: Kiernan P Schmitt
ISBN: 978-2361957179
Pages: 288

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Book Review - Explorer's Guide Charleston, Savannah and Coastal Islands by Cecily McMillan

I've visited these areas and still found many new places to explore in this handy little guide. Each area starts with an introduction, maps, general overview of getting there and getting around followed by places of interest (things to do such as museums), activities (golfing, fishing, etc), where to eat and accommodations. You can find sections calling out places just outside the city worth visiting. Some climate or temperature information especially on hurricanes which hit the shorelines. Very well organized and easy to read.

Although this is the 9th edition of this guide, it was published in 2021. So be sure to verify all the hours and information before heading out on your trip since Covid might have forced unexpected, long-lasting changes.

Title: Explorer's Guide Charleston, Savannah and Coastal Islands
Author: Cecily McMillan
ISBN: 978-1682685082
Pages: 176

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