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Title: NEW ROADSIDE AMERICA : THE MODERN TRAVELER'S GUIDE TO THE WILD AND WONDERFUL WORLD OF AMERICA'S TOURIST by Doug Kirby ISBN: 0-671-76931-6 Publisher: Fireside Pub. Date: 01 June, 1992 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.35 (23 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: A celebration of roadside attractions
Comment: The point of this book is not to provide point to point directions. Doing so would just take up room that could be dedicated something else, and listed hours and phone numbers become dated and useless in no time.
What this book does is capture the joy some of us feel while driving around the country and discovering roadside attractions on our own.
I've had fun visiting dozens of the places mentioned in this book, but I've had just as much fun following my nose and finding places on my own. The book is about the joy of exploration and the weird things people do. This doesn't change even if attractions close or move.
These are all fun places to visit, but the best part is that they exist (or existed). In a very entertaining way, the authors let you know what's out there and what's entertaining about it.
You'll love this book even if you never leave home. It's fun to read. You may, however, be inspired to drive around a little on your own and find out how much fun it is to stop at a convenience store and ask where the giant chair is.
Rating: 4
Summary: Great Book, but a few cautions
Comment: Unmistakably, this is a wonderful book. I used the first edition for years, then the revised edition since it appeared in 1992. It has served as the basis for more than one weekend trip, and rarely leads one to a deep disappointment. However, you have to rein in expectations, and be prepared for a search.
The most significant drawback to the book is simply its age. While most of the features will be around for a long time, they may no longer be as available as the book might imply. Once in Forest City, NC, a search for Charlie Yeltsin's bottle house took several hours, a whole host of inquiries in town and around, interpretations of vague recollections, etc. When we finally found it, the house was on private land, with caged barking dogs adding a distinct foreboding to our exploration. We were able to explore it, but all the time cognizant of a possible irate owner with a shotgun. Our persistence was rewarded with a delightful attraction, though in dire disrepair. So, be prepared for this sort of adventure.
As another reviewer has observed, many of the references in the book barely provide a rough location, so it is not intended for the casual exploration.
The attitude pervading the book is right on the money, and at the very least provides a list of waiting adventures.
Rating: 5
Summary: Indispensible.
Comment: After a few days on the road, my husband and I tossed aside our Fodor's and let Roadside America be our Bible and our guiding light. What wonders it led us to! What happiness it gave us! The writing is bust-a-gut funny, and I like the way they don't bother with the particulars like addresses, hours of operation, and the like. It leaves enough room for adventure. Pay particular attention to the Seven Wonders... if our visit to the Precious Moments Inspiration Park is any indication, they truly are worth diverting your trip for. Combine this book with Roadfood and you've got yourself WEEKS of all-American goodness.
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