1,000 Places to See in the U.S.A. & Canada Before You Die

Like many readers, I had the same reaction to the original "1,000 Places to See Before You Die." I'm not sure I'll ever get to South America or Central Africa and was looking more for interesting things around where I live. For example, in my home state of Iowa, there was only one item in the original book, which was definitely undervaluing the hub of America's heartland.

The new book has a wealth of interesting, unique and special places in the U.S. and Canada that I can now access on my next road-trip.

This is a great read and a good value.

I know there are so many places to see in the US and Canada, but this book really didn't do many places justice.

Just to name a couple....according to the book there is nothing to see in Florida north of Tampa. Have you never been to Pensacola? Seen McGuire's Restaurant, the Vietnam Memorial, The Air Museum. How about Flora-bama on the Florida-Alabama line. How about southern Illinois, have you ever been to Garden of the Gods? Shawnee National Forest, stayed at the lockmaster quarters on the Mississippi in Glocanda?

I realize, there are a thousand places to see in each state, but how many people can afford a trip to Charlie Trotter's in Chicago?

Just my opinion....

This is a fun book. The reader can build vacations around it. The work is based on the philosophy that (page x):

". . .travel has always been based on removing myself from what is comfortable and safe, on seeking out experiences that broaden my horizons and enrich me in ways superficial and profound."

The author also notes that she (page xiii) ". . .discovered time and again the country that is my home."

I'm from Illinois originally, so I immediately looked at the sites in the Prairie State. Many of these make a great deal of sense. Of course, one can always ask questions like: If Nauvoo, why not Bishop Hill? Still, good selections from my home state.

I lived in New York for quite awhile. I love the inclusion of the Anchor Bar (home of "Buffalo chicken wings"). I enjoyed the weekend jazz music and the wings. This is where Buffalo chicken wings began. The inevitable question: Why not the Genesee River Gorge? Once more, no criticism of the author's choices--just that there are a lot of possibilities that don't show up in the book.

Now, I live in Pennsylvania. And while I can understand the places included in this book, I also wonder why the exquisite Capitol Building of the Commonwealth in Harrisburg is not listed.

However, that is part of the charm of such books. Engaging in a dialogue with the authors' choices.

All in all, a very nice work and a good read.

So many kids think there is nothing to see in the United States, that it is all out of the Country. There is a lot to see all over the world However, this book shows you what there is to see here in the US and Canada. My husban and I have already looked at things we would like to go see together and my boys ages 17 and 19 have looked through it and found some stuff they never knew was there to see. I will be getting them each their own copy so that they can mark off what they have seen as they go along.

I just got this book and I love it. I always had wanted the 1000 Places to See Before You Die (world edition) but decided against it b/c I felt that I would never have the opportunity to use the majority of the book.

When the US & Canada Edition came out, I was so excited. There are so many places you can enjoy in your home state or drive a couple of hours and see many places you never even heard of!! The book has major landmarks and well as less known sites ....in addition, it also has restaurants, hotels, shops, golf courses. I would definitely recommend this book for people of all ages...I am in my early 20s and can't wait to see some of these places throughout the US and Canada. It is a great gift...if you don't know what to get someone. Even if you can't travel frequently...it's a great source to read and learn more about our country.

In addition, I used the Amazon standard shipping!! I couldn't believe how fast I got the book....I ordered it Tuesday afternoon and it was already here by Thursday morning!!