One for the Road: Ten Million Steps

by Kelly Amabile on

A new paperback edition of an epic personal journey was recently released by Menasha Ridge Press. Originally self-published in 2000 and since out of print, Ten Million Steps tells the story of hiking legend M. J. Eberhart. known on the trail as Nimblewill Nomad.

In January 1998, the retired physician from Florida began what would become a historic, 10-month, 4,400-mile journey, on foot, from the Florida Keys to Quebec. In his engaging and honest style, Eb (as he is known by off-trail friends) shares a vivid and detailed account of deep joy, physical pain and self-discovery along what is now known as the Eastern Continental Trail. He walked the entire length of the Appalachian trail and logged many miles (and steps!) on other trails and roads along the way. The story of his celebrated trek is sure to be a source of inspiration and enjoyment to fellow hikers, outdoor enthusiasts and armchair travelers too!

One for the Road: Rick Steves Istanbul

by Kelly Amabile on

European travel guru Rick Steves has changed things up a bit for one of his latest books. This new stand-alone guide to Istanbul was not written by him–a first for the super active and involved guide book master. Instead, Rick turned the project over to a pair of trustworthy and knowledgeable Europe Through the Back Door tour guides.

Husband and wife team, Lale Surmen Aran and Tankut Aran are an Istanbul couple that run a “Back Door” style travel agency, SRM Travel, and have led several Rick Steves’ Best of Turkey Tours. As Rick states in an introductory sidebar, “I believe [Lale and Tankut] know their hometown better than any non-Turk ever could. And, after a lifetime of tour guiding, they relate well to Americans and understand their needs and concerns.”

This city guide is a nice slim fit for your backpack or day-bag, loaded with tips on where to dine, sleep and shop in Istanbul. The Turkish travel duo suggest self-guided tours of Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar and other sites, as well as walking tours of the Old Town back streets, the historic center, the Golden Horn inlet and the New District.

One for the Road: The 100 Best Vacations to Enrich Your Life

by Kelly Amabile on

The travel buzz word “experience” is nothing new. But a book from National Geographic released earlier this year has handpicked a bunch that are extra special: The 100 Best Vacations to Enrich Your Life offers up a collection of nourishing travel experiences, like cooking, painting, studying and volunteering.

We’re all familiar with the “It’s not the destination” travel mantra, right? We know it’s really all about the journey, regardless of where you go. So, instead of overloading you with places you should visit before you die, this book suggests specific things you can do to enrich your life while you’ve still got one. If 1,000 places to see seems daunting, why not start here first, with a manageable list of 100 learn-as-you-go vacation ideas for the US, Canada and Mexico.

One for the Road: Hedonist Guide to Buenos Aires

by Kelly Amabile on

This sexy guidebook is one you want to be seen holding if luxury travel is your style. It’s fresh, fashionable and smart in both design and content. The Hedonist Guides package the very best of “independent advice for intelligent travelers” in sleek black books accented in soothing colors — as cool as the travelers holding them. The latest in the Hg2 series is a guide to Buenos Aires that is available this month.

Maps in the front introduce the city and each neighborhood, followed by sections that cover where to sleep, eat, drink, snack, party, play and shop. The emphasis here is on pampering and indulgence — travelers who prefer gourmet dining, chic bars, stylish clubs and elegant hotels will find Hedonist guides to serve as indispensable traveling companions. They distinguish themselves further by offering post-production online access to listing updates, keeping sophisticated travelers in the know at all times.

In 2006 Hedonist Guides (published by Filmer Ltd.) released a bunch of titles in this series, including Istanbul, Berlin, Marrakesh and Moscow. Buenos Aires is their first new title in 2007, although they have done some creative online launches of mini-guides for London, Rome, Paris and most recently, Barcelona. Other new hard-copy titles to be released later this year include New York and Prague.

One for the Road: Hudson Valley Voyage

by Kelly Amabile on

I’m a little late getting this one up, since there is an event just a few hours away that I wanted to tell ya about. But first, the book: Hudson Valley Voyage: Through the Seasons, Through the Years, is a new photographic look at the region by Ted Spiegel.

Along with text by Reed Sparling, the photos take readers on a journey that explores the last 400 years of Hudson Valley history, capturing the region at every season. And besides just the pretty pictures and informative background, the book features a four-page map highlighting 90 historic and cultural sights — museums, battlefields, gardens and galleries that you can use to embark on your own tour of the region. Some of the photos are online, and this one of a Catskill swimming hole is calling my name — a perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day.

Ted will be at Oblong Book’s Rhinebeck store today at noon to sign copies of his new book.