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Best Catskills New York Travel Books

The Catskills: From Wilderness to Woodstock
A study of the colorful history and legends of the Catskills provides insight into the forces that have influenced its development. Alf Evers (1904-2004), the author of The Catskills: From Wilderness to Woodstock, In Catskill Country: Collected Essays on Mountain History, Life and Lore, and Kingston: City on the Hudson (all published by The Overlook Press), was the town historian of Woodstock, New York.
Reviews
"What a great book to have if you've spent any time at all in the Catskill Mountains in NY state."
"A master historian/storyteller!"
"the best history of the Catskills!"
"Evers, still going strong in his late nineties as the Town of Woodstock historian (I talked to him on the phone once) draws on his extensive training in folklore to make these mountains, America's first wilderness, come alive not just through the lives and works of its rich and powerful but most importantly in the voices of the humble people of the region - the farmers and settlers who in many cases left little to show for their efforts but their names on some feature of land somewhere. Nor is he dry ... events, whether legendary or factual, that took place centuries ago, like Peter Delabigarre's first recorded ascent of what is now known as Kaaterskill High Peak, or the Anti-Rent War's bloody climax, are related as freshly as if Evers were an eyewitness. But, if your pulse quickens at the mention of placenames like Phoenicia, West Kill, Neversink or Shinhopple; if you have ever braved the spruce ramparts of Rocky Mountain or trudged through snow in waders to cast the Junction Pool's first fly of the season, you will find your ample knowledge of the Catskills amplified a thousandfold."
"Evers' book is a masterpiece-a popularized history of the Catskills, from the days of the Hardenburgh Patent(early 1700s) up to the time of Woodstock(1969 and immediately after)."
"In his sweeping history of the region, Alf Evers, a historian and life-long native of the region, touches on every aspect of the Catskills, including its legends, lore and superstitions."
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Stop at the Red Apple: The Restaurant on Route 17 (Excelsior Editions)
In this book fifty-plus years unfold in a series of lively vignettes—enhanced with photos, memorabilia, and even a closely guarded recipe—as she recreates what it was like to be raised in the fishbowl of a round-the-clock family operation. “In 1991, I had a hit Broadway show called Catskills on Broadway . At the opening of the show, we produced a seven-minute film about the Catskills, and the audiences would react to everything they saw on the screen … but by far the biggest reaction came when, as part of the film, I drove up to the Red Apple Rest and took photographs of all the roadside signs … 4 miles to Red Apple Rest, 2 miles to Red Apple Rest, and the Red Apple Rest. The audience was incredible when they saw those signs… it brought them back to their youth.” — Freddie Roman, actor and producer. Joan Nathan. "Stop at the Red Apple" is a true story of an important Catskill vacation tradition from its embryonic stage until its terminal demise as told by the founder s daughter. Should you not have had the chance to do so, the planning, hard work, and personal sacrifices the family made to create and maintain this landmark hospitality restaurant will fascinate you. The Red Apple Rest, located midway between New York City and those destinations, filled many hungry bellies and provided many fond memories. "Washington Post". Stuffed with vignettes, photos (including some of celebrity autographs), interviews, and personal recollections, this charming memoir describes the beloved restaurant during its heyday and should offer many readers a pleasant trip down memory lane. Joan Nathan. "Stop at the Red Apple" is a true story of an important Catskill vacation tradition from its embryonic stage until its terminal demise as told by the founder s daughter. Should you not have had the chance to do so, the planning, hard work, and personal sacrifices the family made to create and maintain this landmark hospitality restaurant will fascinate you. The Red Apple Rest, located midway between New York City and those destinations, filled many hungry bellies and provided many fond memories. "Washington Post". Stuffed with vignettes, photos (including some of celebrity autographs), interviews, and personal recollections, this charming memoir describes the beloved restaurant during its heyday and should offer many readers a pleasant trip down memory lane. Joan Nathan. "Stop at the Red Apple" is a true story of an important Catskill vacation tradition from its embryonic stage until its terminal demise as told by the founder s daughter. Should you not have had the chance to do so, the planning, hard work, and personal sacrifices the family made to create and maintain this landmark hospitality restaurant will fascinate you. Hudson River Valley Review [Lindenblatt] is at once accomplished in her prose and then poetic because she releases the emotions of the family and a business that was so thoroughly enjoyed by so many for so long. The Red Apple Rest, located midway between New York City and those destinations, filled many hungry bellies and provided many fond memories. Washington Post Stuffed with vignettes, photos (including some of celebrity autographs), interviews, and personal recollections, this charming memoir describes the beloved restaurant during its heyday and should offer many readers a pleasant trip down memory lane. Joan Nathan Stop at the Red Apple is a true story of an important Catskill vacation tradition from its embryonic stage until its terminal demise as told by the founder s daughter. Should you not have had the chance to do so, the planning, hard work, and personal sacrifices the family made to create and maintain this landmark hospitality restaurant will fascinate you. The Red Apple Rest, located midway between New York City and those destinations, filled many hungry bellies and provided many fond memories." "Stuffed with vignettes, photos (including some of celebrity autographs), interviews, and personal recollections, this charming memoir describes the beloved restaurant during its heyday--and should offer many readers a pleasant trip down memory lane." " Stop at the Red Apple is a true story of an important Catskill vacation tradition--from its embryonic stage until its 'terminal demise' as told by the founder's daughter.
Reviews
"We remember the family fondly, having worked there several summers, and my husband and his twin brother worked weekends year-round."
"Having spent a few summers in Southfields, NY and going on "Apple Runs" in the middle of the night, reading about the history of this landmark was riveting."
"Very well written to bring back those memories."
"Brings back many childhood memories."
"Used to live on Long Island and my mother used to talk about this place on trips upstate with her family."
"You will really enjoy this book if you happened to vacation in the Catskills during the 1950's and especially if you always stopped at the Red Apple on the way up."
"This well written story of the iconic Red Apple Rest brought back pleasant memories of stopping there many times prior to a two or three day backpacking trip into nearby Harriman State Park."
"My wife and I drove the basketball team To games and on return to tuxedo the team stopped at the Apple. It brought back many fond memories. Many a time we took our family up for hotdogs. Our three children really loved going there. I knew many of the people in the book."
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National Geographic Trails Illustrated - Catskill Park - NY
National Geographic's recreational map of Catskill Park is a two-sided, waterproof map designed to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts with unmatched durability and detail. Enter your model number to make sure this fits.
Reviews
"High quality map - no one should hike without a map of this caliber."
"Although I haven't used it in the field yet I have looked at it extensively and find it to be of the same high quality as the Adirondack series and easy to use."
"Excellent.. Beautiful map in quality plasticized paper."
"This is a very nice and seemingly rugged map."
"I love NatGeos maps."
"one of the best maps avaible for the catskills."
"Parking is clearly marked and if the portion of the part costs money to enter. I'm glad I keep it with me when I hike; I've run into a few hikers here and there who are turned around and I can show them where they are and where to go. The map is so clear that, literally, in about 30 seconds, the hiker knows what direction to go and some marks to look for (like a lean-to or lake)."
"good map, national geographic maps are nice quality."
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Best Niagra Falls New York Travel Books

Moon Niagara Falls: Including the Canadian & U.S. Sides (Travel Guide)
Embark on an unforgettable boat tour, voyaging past American and Bridal Veil Falls, into the misty, roiling waters beneath Horseshoe (hop on board in the evening to catch a fireworks show!). Hike through beech tree forests, ride the towering SkyWheel, and enjoy a romantic dinner over sunset views of the falls Honest advice from Buffalo native and Niagara Falls tour guide Joel A. Dombrowski on when to go, what to pack, where to eat, and where to stay, from campsites and motels to luxurious inns Essential information on getting there and getting around, crossing the US-Canada border, weather, wildlife, and safety Travel tips for seniors and visitors with disabilities. A native of Buffalo, New York, Joel Dombrowski was introduced to the natural world by his grandfather.
Reviews
"Like all travel guides, some things have changed since publication, but this guide is recent and therefore generally current."
"We had a total immersion visit, and the author has it exactly correct: while both sides are wonderful, you get a more intimate, visceral experience of the falls on the American side (Cave of the Winds, Crows Nest, and the Maid of the Mist is a smaller scale boat than the Canadian Hornblower ship)."
"It tells you when is the best time to visit & when to stay away, which is very helpful."
"Joel Dombrowski's "Niagara Falls" is the best travel guide I have purchased this year."
"We just came back from a three-day vacation to Niagara Falls, and planned our entire stay around this book."
"I would recommend this book to anybody visiting the falls."
"I also recommended booking your tour through Joel."
"Once again Joel brings facts/travel/vacation/history and humor to answer the question "what will we do in Niagara Falls?"."
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Best Brooklyn New York Travel Books

The Brooklyn Nobody Knows: An Urban Walking Guide
Covers every one of Brooklyn’s 44 neighborhoods, providing a colorful portrait of their most interesting, unusual, and unknown people, places, and things Each neighborhood section features a brief overview and history; a detailed, user-friendly map keyed to the text; and a lively guided walking tour Draws on the author’s 816-mile walk through every Brooklyn neighborhood Includes insights from conversations with hundreds of residents. "Helmreich’s chatty Baedeker is a hefty, multifaceted deep dive into New York’s popular and most populous borough. New Yorkers and tourists alike can discover the borough’s only Cambodian temple, a 1652 farmhouse described as the city’s oldest surviving structure and a former mansion transformed into an inn in Bedford-Stuyvesant." "Even Brooklyn residents will learn something new in this inclusive book, the first of five planned New York City walking guides. Crisp pictures, such as those of Mrs. Maxwell's Bakery--New York's largest party cake store--safety tips, and an impressive bibliography are welcome additions to an appealing work for locals, tourists, and urban explorers." "Helmreich's upbeat book is built around walking Brooklyn's streets day and night, and also talking to people he encounters. From Greenpoint to Coney Island, every section is given a chapter, with Helmreich focusing on less known aspects of these neighborhoods." "[Helmreich] knocks around all forty-four neighborhoods, all seventy-one square miles, and may well have wished a good day to each of the borough's 2.6 million inhabitants. "Professor and historian William Helmreich follows up his successful tome The New York Nobody Knows --for which he canvassed every single NYC block, covering 6,000 miles--with a Brooklyn-specific edition, sharing stories of the unlikely characters and places he met along the way.
Reviews
"A very encouraging and challenging foot walker's travelogue."
"Wonderful trip down memory lane if you grew up in brooklyn."
"Prof. Helmreich discusses a bit of the history and describes and captures the flavor and feel of the diverse neighborhoods, their natural features, their houses and stores and businesses, including architectural styles, their recreational facilities, and their ethnic and religious makeup, and introduces us to some very interesting persons. Nevertheless, as one might expect, the book is also peppered with many scholarly insights about issues facing Brooklyn, as well as other urban areas of our nation."
"I was extremely disappointed."
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Best Buffalo New York Travel Books

Second to None: The Relentless Drive and the Impossible Dream of the Super Bowl Bills
Meticulously researched and carefully crafted, this one-of-a-kind look inside the Super Bowl–era Buffalo Bills is based on extensive interviews with the key players, coaches, and management, including Hall of Famers Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Bruce Smith, as well as coach Marv Levy, general manager Bill Polian, and many others, including players and coaches from opposing teams, and the reporters who covered them. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001, Marv Levy coached the Buffalo Bills from 1986 to 1997, leading the team to four straight Super Bowl appearances.
Reviews
"Having been a Bills fan for over 25 years, I was amazed at all the information I garnered from this book."
"If you are a die hard Bills fan, you will enjoy this book...we will never see this happen again...four consecutive Super Bowls with a tremendous team full of all stars...so read it and enjoy it and remember when the Bills were the talk of the sports world!"
"Great book for Bills fans that tells the story of their unprecedented 4 year Super Bowl run."
"As a die hard Bills fan this book brought back so many memoir and so much heartache."
"memories and good ones notwithstanding --wide right-- they reallywere great team for 4 super bowls."
"This book gives credit to one of the most astonishing runs any NFL team has ever enjoyed, plus it provides the backdrop of the devotion and loyalty of Buffalo Bills' fans."
"Heart-breaking read for a Buffalo Bills die-hard, but a great look back on a really fun time in Buffalo sports history."
"Lived all the super bowls , would have loved to see the Bills win one."
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Best Adirondacks New York Travel Books

Exploring the 46 Adirondack High Peaks: With 282 Photos, Maps & Mountain Profiles, Excerpts from the Author's Journal, & Historical Insights
The author documents in detail how he planned and climbed the peaks, starting with his older son, then with his younger son.
Reviews
"I really like the angle of this book and its stories."
"For any avid hikers attempting to become an aspiring ADK 46er...check this book out."
"Bought this book for my brother who wants to hike these mountains."
"Love this book."
"Stories may be a bit dated, but the mountains are timeless and ever changing."
"Keeping it for a Christmas gift but know he will love it!"
"you could read these stories all day then read them again if you felt like it."
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Best Long Island New York Travel Books

Long Island Our Story
DJ has very slight edge wear on bottom, otherwise the book is Mint condition.
Reviews
"THE BEST COMPILATION OF FACTS ABOUT LONG ISLAND."
"i loved my long island our story book."
"Excellent book everyone should have on their book shelves."
"Great book."
"A collection of newspaper articles and scientific fact."
"Loved this book... thank you...Received in good condition."
"Well written & illustrated book on the story & history of Long Island."
"This book should be required reading for everyone who lives on Long Island."
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Best New York City Travel Books

The New York Times Guide to Essential Knowledge: A Desk Reference for the Curious Mind
An indispensable resource for every home, office, dorm room, and library, this new edition of The New York Times Guide to Essential Knowledge offers in-depth explorations of art, astronomy, biology, business, economics, the environment, film, geography, history, the Internet, literature, mathematics, music, mythology, philosophy, photography, sports, theater, film, and many other subjects. This one volume is designed to offer more information than any other book on the most important subjects, as well as provide easy-to-access data critical to everyday life. The New York Times Guide to Essential Knowledge provides information with matchless accuracy and exceptional clarity. “This widely expanded update to the original 2004 edition defines nearly every facet of contemporary life--from arts, grammar, mythology and culture to science, economics, and geopolitical issues.
Reviews
"I like having this book."
"Item as described."
"This is without a doubt one of the most wonderful books I have come across."
"This is a brilliant book filled with facts and figures that would make anyone more informed about the world they live in."
"Every subject is divided into sections and it’s written very clearly."
"comprehensive and informative as advertised."
"Everyone needs this book!"
"Poorly organized."
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Best General New York State Travel Guides

Going Into Town: A Love Letter to New York
Their wonder inspired Going into Town , part playful guide, part New York stories, and part love letter to the city, told through Chast's laugh-out-loud, touching, and true cartoons. "What began as a mother’s illustrated mash note to Manhattan becomes a meandering map of Chast's hilarious mental approach to her beloved town, with all of its oddball shops, subterranean secrets and an abundance of visual stimulation." "[Chast's] Big Apple cityscapes burst with jumbled buildings, oddities of every variety, and her trademark loose-edged-drawn people." "What began as a personal guidebook for Chast's Manhattan-bound suburban daughter evolved into a whimsical, discursive paean to the city . As her own daughter prepared to move to the city for college, Chast compiled this volume that lets readers see New York through the artist's eyes." "Illustrator extraordinaire and native Brooklynite Roz Chast's new graphic memoir Going Into Town is a wide-eyed love letter to New York--or, more specifically, the streets, buildings, and sidewalk gum in Manhattan, as seen through the eyes of a Brooklyn family." "Observations and advice on making one's way through the city's diversions are mixed with the quirky character that oozes from the metropolis's every concrete pore. "Chast applies her appealingly shaggy drawing style and ever-so-slightly skewed worldview to New York’s subways, museums, ethnic restaurants, and other attributes." , will recognize and enjoy the unique blend of affection and sarcasm that Chast brings to her work while getting to know one of the world's most famous cities." "[A] guide book full of wonder and optimism, a polar opposite of most current-affairs tomes about New York on the shelves today. Even when [Chast] remarks disparagingly about tourists or rodents or trash, it's done with the lightest of touches, graced with vibrating illustrations of herself . "Roz Chast's breezy and winsome jaunt, Going into Town: A Love Letter to New York . "In nine illustrated chapters, Brooklyn native Chast celebrates Manhattan in all its glory." "The wonderful and inimitable Roz Chast introduces her old friend, New York City, in a beguiling way that will illuminate newcomers, prompt old-timers to nod in recognition, and inspire a whole new generation of siamese standpipe buffs."
Reviews
"Awesome book!"
"Such a joy to be able to laugh at our city with the help of her talent."
"Every page is a delight!"
"I love Roz Chast!"
"Love it...and have given it to several friends, who also love it."
"Don't ever stop cartooning, Roz!"
"As a New Yorker, I especially liked it and read it along with E B White's book on New York."
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