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

• Updating my Travel To-Do List Right Now

  
  By A3UORBSIKQ56ZB on 2007-06-28
  I asked for (and received) this book for my birthday. I am so glad I did!
  I have traveled a lot in the US and am working on seeing the rest of the world, but wanted to know what I was missing here in the US. I anxiously flipped through the book and made a note next to each place I had visited.
  I was amazed and impressed to find locations just a few miles from my home that I had never seen. I'll be visiting soon.
  I am sure I will think of a couple of places that (I think) should have been included. Overall, though, this book is very comprehensive. It is fun and easy to read.
  Nice touches inside include web links, phone numbers, etc. for each of the places. I also like the way the book is indexed in the back: active travel and adventure, culinary experiences, glorious nature, great golf, scenic drives, take the kids, etc. This makes it easy to search for a particular type of site, even if you don't know exactly what part of the country you want to see.
  
  

• 1000 Places to Eat Before You Die

  
  By ACQMVBFHFEYV8 on 2007-10-08
  Let me get my chief complaints out of the way first: this author loves to eat. It sometimes seems that every other entry is a restaurant or local culinary hot-spot, from "Cheese Country" to "Big Pig Jig." These are not destinations, they're cuisines. Subtract those, and you probably have a book better titled 900 Places to See Before You Die. (Assuming all the eating doesn't kill you at number 600.)
  
  Another minor quibble: some of the "places" are actually events, like Burning Man and the Indianapolis 500. I'll overlook it...
  
  She also likes to go in style, and apparently hasn't met a spa she didn't like. Subtract all the ultra-ritzy exclusive hotel/spas, sculpture gardens, resorts, dude ranches and expensive art galleries, which are likely either of out reach financially or simply not of interest to a large base of the potential audience, and you're down to 500 Places to See.
  
  So, then, if you can get it for half price, you've got a bargain.
  
  Now, onto the good things. There are many, despite my protestations above. First is the very idea of the book. It's fun and interesting to see such a list compiled; invariably something important gets left out, but what is created by the greater-than-the-sum-of-its-parts compilation is a true sense of America as a destination in its own right, worth of as much attention as any other in the world.
  
  Also, I was made aware of many places I wouldn't have found otherwise, like the Yoder Popcorn Shoppe in Topeka, Indiana. There are many hidden treasures in these pages.
  
  Finally, despite being top-heavy with attractions for the chic looky-loo set as mentioned above, the book is saved from being completely out of touch by its inclusion of attractions that appeal to a broad section of people (as would befit a book about America). Burning Man Festival is here, as is the State Fair of Texas, the Civil Rights Trail, and others.
  
  My strong recommendation is that a second book be created called "1000 Places to Dine Before You Die," (though the publisher may not want to have the words "dine" and "die" so close together), and all the restaurant entries removed from this and placed there. Then the gap filled with what got left out of this book and should have been in in the first place.
  
  

• An inspiring read for travellers of all ilk!

  
  By A1POFVVXUZR3IQ on 2007-05-29
  I loved Patricia Schultz's 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, and gave away copies to friends who loved travelling. This second follow-up, 1,000 Places to See in the USA and Canada Before You Die is another winner. Though Canada is not as comprehensively covered as the USA, the book serves its purpose - to entertain and inspire, even armchair travellers like me. There are enough nuggets of information in here, and a treasure trove of ideas that can keep most aspiring/keen travellers happy, content, and entertained.
  
  

• Cool book!

  
  By AQQLWCMRNDFGI on 2007-07-18
  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.
  
  
  
  

• Huge disappointment with western canada and California.

  
  By A3QP6CTN1WUMFZ on 2007-08-03
  I got this book hoping for new inspirations on places to take my family. While some of the eastern and midwestern states were quite a bit more comprehensive with interesting locations, the two places which I was interested in California and Western Canada were a big disappointment. Most of the California locations were vaguely defined and would have been known to anyone who had never been there. The western Canada sites were fabulously expensive and only accessible to the privileged few who can spend between 300 and 1000 a night on exotic hotels and expensive restaurants. This tendency to list only the generic and the ridiculously expensive in some locations makes this book useless to me.
  
  
• Not Enough Stuff
  By A1GTC3YLGQFL46 on 2007-07-23
  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....
  
  
• Great addition to the original classic
  By A7OFAS28J06QY on 2007-07-25
  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.
  
  
• 1000 Places to see USA and Canada before you die
  By AB6L1VKHHI8DM on 2007-08-07
  The positive reviews were very misleading. If you have ever used a travel book before, you will be disappointed by the lack of information supplied in this book. San Diego has 2 pages, San Francisco has 7 1/2 pages and Santa Fe has 3 1/2 pages(I guess Santa Fe did better than San Diego) and the Pueblo's of New Mexico have 1 page. I agree that the hotels reviewed were some of the most expensive and there were very few covered.
  
  
• No Rick Steves
  By A1H0FL4I88K1W9 on 2008-07-08
  1,000 places to go before I die? More like 1,000 spas and resorts and resturants. Big deal - the more money you spend, the bigger the wall you create between yourself and the local culture. Who wants to know about exotic resorts and five star restaurants? Don't tell me about the big ticket items! Tell me about quirky offbeat places with personality and charm, things I cant get anywhere else. Tell me about Hole in the Rock, UT. Tell me about The Last Stoplight on I-90. Tell me about a PLACE, not about how to spend money at generic locations.
  
  Worthless.
  
  
• USA here I come.
  By A116OZC2QH2MAB on 2007-06-04
  I just received the best Father's day gift ever. I am recently retired and it has always been my dream to travel through this wonderful country of ours. This book is filled with over 1000 pages of options and alternatives that will help me in planning my dream trip-hopefully many dream trips! Great book.
  
  
• Just got the book but love it
  By A2T135XHAH82S4 on 2007-06-26
  We just got this book yesterday, but already I am planning our road trips for the next few months with this book's assistance. Excellent descriptions of places and events.
  
  For example, we went to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta last year (2006) and the book's description of the Fiesta and surrounding area in New Mexico was outstanding and accurate.
  
  In my opinion, if the author does this good of a job conveying information about something we are familiar with, then I will trust her about the other places she describes in her book.
  
  The book is organized well with a nice index and use of pictures and maps. Text-heavy (which I like) and easy to read. We are excited about using it to add to our vacation trip experiences.
  
  
• Got a fat wallet and a bad case of wanderlust? This book is for you
  By A4OWM26D7JUS2 on 2007-10-27
  This is not the type of book you actually READ, but rather something you glance through lazily when dreaming up future travel plans, or when wondering what to do in your own state when you have an open weekend and nothing to do with it. The back-of-the-book index is very helpful in this case. Comprehensive in its scope, it's a good starting point for someone with a fat wallet and a serious case of wanderlust. Like all travel books--(except Abrams' ART OF THE STATE books, which are fabulous!)--this book is a skeletal guide requiring the traveler to flesh it out by his or her personal experience. Use it as a starting point, verify the information on the web, and go to the places yourself to color in the lines with your unique perspective.
  
  Other reviewers complained that some of the recommendations were expensive. (It could be because the writer is from New York City, so she may be accustomed high costs.) What I do with expensive suggestions is go to the restaurant recommended and ask passersby where I can find something similar for less. It's a great way to meet local people who are usually glad to tell you about the better value around the corner.
  
  
  Like most travel guides, it can't bear the weight of being the be-all end-all, but it's a good place to start. The reason I gave it only 3 stars is because the writing is a bit stifling (or maybe the small type makes it seem stifling) and the page layouts are dull. Otherwise a nice reference tool.
  
  
• A Great Gift for the Terminally Ill
  By A245EXF230CL7G on 2007-05-29
  My uncle was recently hospitalized with cancer, and things looked grim. The hospital had a program which donated used books to the terminally ill patients, and this one was given to my uncle. What a hit it was with him! He's passed on now, so I've inherited the book, so I hope I'll have better luck seeing the sights listed in this book than he did, bless his heart.
  
  
• A Fantastic Graduation Gift!
  By A2LPFEVYKWAAHZ on 2007-06-22
  Just when you thought you were busy enough ticking off Schultz's 1000
  suggestions for the earth's must-see's, comes her new book about the
  treasures of North America - and just in time for summer vacation! This is also the best graduation gift one could hope for - I've just ordered 5 of them! As with the first time, Schultz is right on the dime.
  
  
• A traveler's treasure!
  By A2WBN8XMV1NCTW on 2007-07-01
  Ms. Schultz has done it again - the first volume was not only equalled but surpassed - the hidden treasures in our country are waiting to be discovered and I plan to visit as many as I can. Her descriptions are inviting, exciting and enticing... Colorado is perfectly highlighted, and gems uncovered in nearly every imaginable place. Everyone should dog-ear their copies and see the good old USA. already looking forward to her next 1,000 Places!!!!
  
  
• Cool to have in print, but overall not worth it
  By AVQLGZ7YCGD1G on 2007-08-31
  This book is fine but all the information provided can be found easily online. I would have enjoyed it more had they interviewed locals during the research stage, and found locations that I couldn't just find on the internet.
  
  
• Good if your traveling by vehicle
  By A3SKPM9C2E0XXZ on 2007-06-13
  A lot of these places are places you may want to see but more to say you were there then anything. Roadside attractions. Fun book to browse through.
  
  
• Another Must Have Travel Book
  By A1SKMDMKL8FHAL on 2007-06-25
  Schultz has come up with a companion book to her first best-selling book, and has done all the homework for us and has drawn up our To Do List: 1000 places in North America that should get even the most lethargic out of their armchairs. I like the balance of the wellknown and unknown, the extravagant and free-of-charge, the easily accessible and those gems way off the beaten track. Even those who proclaim they know America inside out will have a few hundred new must-do's to keep them busy and elated for the next few decades.
  
  
  
• This is THE travel bible for the US and Canada!
  By A17FTGG5P0VSTW on 2007-06-28
  I loved Schultz' first book, "1,000 Places to See Before You Die" which covered the world! But, since I've traveled much more extensively in the US, I was eager to compare experiences. She 'nails' it everytime. I love the fact that this book includes festivals, art shows, restaurants, spas and yes, golf courses! All the sites of natural beauty(the Grand Tetons are my favorite)and history(Gettysburg is a must see)as well as the seemingly sacred sites of Birmingham and the Civil Rights trail...I began to think this book belongs in our schools for the kids to get a sense of the magic of our county. Brava, Ms. Schultz!
  
  
• A great gift for our clients!
  By A2WQ25YVV4OORJ on 2007-07-11
  If your dream is to travel throughout our wonderful country, this book will certainly help you fulfill that dream. As principal of a financial planning and wealth management firm and author of Securing a Retirement Income for Life, an important part of my service is to help our clients achieve their dream of financial independence. Achieving financial independence is about more than money. It is about freedom. It is about having the time to do what you want, when you want, where you want - with the people you enjoy the most.
  
  I recommend 1,000 Places To See Before You Die to all of my clients who enjoy traveling. In fact, I give a copy to all of my newly retired clients who love to travel. Countless options abound. There are so many spectacular sights and unforgettable places to see for the active and adventurous, for children and adults alike. In addition to being comprehensive, this book is also very easy to read. Travel is a true reward for those who have been successful at planning for their future. Don't wait another day. Start dreaming. Start planning.
  
  
  
• Great ideas!
  By A3D90FGOGZOI1T on 2007-08-01
  I purchased this book for my father, who is newly retired. While visiting him the other day, I glanced through the book to see check marks listed beside places that he has been. Not only that....my mom and dad have a trip planned to the Western U.S. and have used this book as a planning guide. My dad is so excited that he will be able to check off 4 more places after the trip!
  
  
• Author did not get to those places yet either
  By A28IW5BS6GEO3Y on 2008-04-28
  If she had, she never would've lumped the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village into a category labeled AUTO MUSEUMS. It deserves a full, explanatory entry. Ms. Schultz is probably unaware that Henry Ford purchased and moved buildings such as the Wright Brothers' bicycle shop, Thomas Edison's Menlo Park laboratory, Stephen Foster's house, Noah Webster's house, and so many more to Dearborn, Michigan. Lincoln's Illinois courthouse used to feature his chair from the Ford Theater (it has been moved into the Henry Ford museum). The Henry Ford museum does offer an incredible collection of automobiles but also so much more. I definately would've made different choices than Ms. Schultz. In this book and in her 1,000 Places to See in the World, she gives Shelburne Farm in Vermont a full entry. Shelburne Farm is a nice, living history museum but it does not compare to Greenfield Village. Now I wonder if her other recommendations are worthwhile. I have both books. I understand some places would get missed, but I definately would've make many different choices.
  
  
• travel book
  By AROJOFV9N0AP4 on 2007-06-27
  Love this book, also have 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. Purchased fast, shipped fast, received fast. Love the book.
  
  
• Great Book for Travelers!!
  By A30ZKZWN4B0BGJ on 2007-07-13
  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!!
  
  
• Expensive travels
  By A2OGZWXX37Z6GD on 2007-08-08
  Good as a primer to consider new places to travel but most locations will be upper end monies ($$$-$$$$)
  
  
• eh.
  By A3IYCIMC3JA9TF on 2007-12-14
  Cool idea. Quite fun to use actually. The only thing is that anyone can find the cool tourist things to do in any given place online. I just wish it had more off the beaten path places in it.
  
  
• Great vacation planning tool
  By A2X7F5QA3T27VZ on 2008-01-01
  I really liked this book. I have travelled extensively, and this has been a great resource for pointing out some of the lesser-known attractions that you might otherwise miss. I have found a great application to be to pick three or four obvious things that we want to see (e.g., this summer: Yellowstone, Teton, Glacier national parks) and use the book to fill in what we should see on the way from and back to Denver. This book suggested several stops in Idaho and Wyoming that we would have missed that are essentially on the way. I think that most people who travel will find this to be a practical and fun to read resource.
  
  
• Good
  By A1Y7C49QRHLLPS on 2007-08-14
  Good but not as good as expected. Seem to emphasize certain personal preferences and concentrated on the same types of places instead of a more rounded approach.
  
  
• A great book for those that like to get off the beaten path
  By APCS6T9IQI0E9 on 2007-10-28
  
  Some of the descriptions are a little vague - but hey - there's a 1,000 of them.
  
  It you like to travel or find yourself on a road trip, then toss this book in the car or suitcase. It will take you places others have missed.
  
  It's fun to start checking off the places you've already been and making a list of destinations you want to visit.
  
  You don't need a big budget for these 1,000 places. I'll bet many of them are within a long week-end from your home and are free.
  
  This is a fun coffee table book. As you flip though it, it'll make you want to take a trip somewhere.
  
  
  
• Great book, some minor errors though
  By A3EK8V9CY9KVB6 on 2007-11-29
  This is a great book. Lots of fun to browse and plan trips for the next 100 years or so! A couple of minor complaints, though. I live in Grand Teton National Park and went to check it out. Much to my surprise, one of the other major mountains (Mt. Moran) is identified as the Grand Teton. Worse yet, the same photo of Mt. Moran is identified as Denali. So enjoy the book for planning and fun but not mountain identification.
  
  

• 1,000 Places to See Before You Die: A Traveler's Life List
• The Most Scenic Drives in America: 120 Spectacular Road Trips
• Road Trip USA: Cross-Country Adventures on America's Two-Lane Highways.
• National Geographic Guide to the National Parks of the United States, 5th Ed. (National Geographic Guide to the National Parks of the United States)
• National Geographic Guide to Scenic Highways and Byways, 3d Ed. (National Geographic Guide to Scenic Highways and Byways)