Rediscover the simple pleasures of a day trip with Day Trips from Chicago. This guide is packed with hundreds of exciting things for locals and vacationers to do, see, and discover within a two-hour drive of the Chicago metro area. With full trip-planning information, Day Trips from Chicago helps makes the most of a brief getaway.

The story of the real 'good life' of an off-grid existence in rural Spain Paul Richardson fled the city to live on the land in a rough-and-tumble village on the edge of Europe. Immersing himself in the culture of his remote Spanish community, he learned the traditional arts of animal husbandry and vegetable growing, wine-making and home distilling, and made bread from the rye he sowed on the stone-walled terraces of his twelve-acre farm. In prose that shimmers with wit and sensuality, the author charts his personal route-map along a road less travelled - from urban pressures to rural tranquility, and from insecurity to fulfilment. Along the way he pays tribute to the influences that have shaped his progress - from The Good Life to Henry David Thoreau, from the 1970s pioneers to self-sufficiency to his farming neighbours in the far-flung region of Extremadura. In Richardson's hands, off-grid living both becomes an act of rebellion and a heartening proof that a simpler, better life is possible, if only we can remove ourselves from the ethos in which conspicuous consumption is a duty and success/failure the wheel on which society turns. Hidden Valley is a glorious narrative of one man's journey towards self-reliance. Original and thought-provoking, it is also hugely entertaining.

Part culinary memoir and part travelogue, Carole Bumpus gathered this compilation of intimate interviews, conversations, stories, and traditional family recipes (cuisine pauvre) in the kitchens of French families as she traveled throughout the countryside. Travel with her through Champagne caves/wineries and historic cathedrals, local farmers’ markets, ancient potters’ guilds, and restaurant kitchens with wood-fire ovens. Learn how to make homemade Spinach-stuffed Tortellini with Bolognaise Sauce from the Champagne region, Crêpes and Watercress-stuffed Ravioli from the Lorraine, and Baekeofe and Kugelhopf from the Alsace. “Go blind” from the family stock of Eau de Vie liqueur and be treated to tales of foraging for snails for the infamous and now extinct Escargots Festival. And, on a somber note, listen to accounts of families forced from their communities during the German occupation of WWII in the Alsace and Lorraine, only to continue to struggle for survival after finally making their way home. This book is a compilation of stories about making ends meet; about people being grateful for all they had, even when they had almost nothing; about the sharing of family jokes and laughter; and about family trials and triumphs. This book is about people savoring the life they have been given.

Learn to Identify Trees in Pennsylvania! With this famous field guide by award-winning author and naturalist Stan Tekiela, you can make tree identification simple, informative, and productive. There's no need to look through dozens of photos of trees that don't grow in Pennsylvania. Learn about 117 species found in the state, organized by leaf type and attachment. Just look at a tree's leaves, then go to the correct section to learn what it is. Fact-filled information contains the particulars that you want to know, while full-page photographs provide the visual detail needed for accurate identification. Book Features 117 species: Every native tree plus common non-natives Easy to use: Thumb tabs show leaf type and attachment Compare feature: Decide between look-alikes Stan's Notes: Naturalist tidbits and facts Professional photos: Crisp, stunning full-page images This new edition includes updated photographs; expanded information; a Quick Compare section for leaves, needles, and silhouettes; and even more of Stan's expert insights. So grab Trees of Pennsylvania Field Guide for your next outing-to help ensure that you positively identify the trees that you see.

With beautiful watercolor illustrations and thoughtful prompts, this guided travel journal offers a place to reflect on and appreciate the beautiful details of your journeys. As much about mindfulness as it is about travel, it will make every trip a transformative experience. This journal features: * Compact, travel-friendly design, with a durable hardcover case and rounded corners * Uncoated interior paper perfect for writing and sketching * 75 beautiful watercolor illustrations by Emma Block to offer inspiration and joy * 50+ prompts to help you mindfully reflect on your adventures

This new sixth edition of Bradt's Seychelles has been fully updated and remains the most comprehensive English-language guide to the country, with information on the biodiversity of the islands and updates on the conservation efforts (over 40% of the Seychelles' land is under environmental protection), presented in an easy-to-read format. New for this edition are expanded details of the many accommodation options, from many hotels that have recently been refurbished to higher standards and Félicités luxurious resort, to the growing number of B&Bs and small guest houses that offer a more authentic Seychellois experience. New places covered include the Outer Islands of Alphonse, Astove and Cosmoledo, while new practical information covers all the latest updates on getting around and details the significant increase in Marine Protected Areas. With plants and animals historically linked to Africa, Madagascar and Asia, and marine life native to the tropical Indo-Pacific region, the Seychelles is a haven for those interested in natural history. The authors provide fascinating coverage of the islands' fauna and flora, from mangroves and turtles to birds and nature reserves. Updated throughout, the guide reveals the islands many secrets, from coco de mer palm forests and bird sanctuaries to local markets and Creole cuisine. This new edition not only provides up-to-date details of where to stay, eat and relax, but also where the to find the world's tiniest tree frog and how to visit Bird Island to see the world's largest tortoise. Beaches, snorkelling and diving among the coral reefs, wildlife, sailing, festivals, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vallee de Mai and hiking in the mountains. all are covered in Bradt's Seychelles, making it an ideal companion for a dream holiday.

Saturday was dawning warm, with only a gentle wind under a light blue sky as we got under way. . . . With the motor cut out, I could hear the whispered splash of the sea against the hull as we knifed through the Mediterranean. The calming noise, along with the gentle rocking, lulled me into a Zen calm as I went about preparing the crew's lunch. . . . By keeping just a couple of miles offshore, we had some beautiful sights to our starboard side: the harbor towns of La Napoule and quaint Theoule-sur-Mer, . . . the sensational coastline of the Corniche de l'Esterel. . . . All of this I could see through the porthole in the galley. . . . Italy was only a week away. La Dolce Vita at sea. . . An alluring, evocative summer voyage on the Mediterranean and into the enchanting seaside towns of France's Cote d'Azur and Italy's Costa Bella by a young American chef aboard an Italian billionaire couple's spectacular yacht. Having begun his cooking career in some of New York's and San Francisco's best restaurants, David Shalleck undertakes a European culinary adventure, a quest to discover what it really means to be a chef through a series of demanding internships in Provence and throughout Italy. After four years, as he debates whether it is finally time to return stateside and pursue something more permanent, he stumbles on a rare opportunity: to become the chef on board Serenity, the classic sailing yacht owned by one of Italy's most prominent couples. They present Shalleck with the ultimate challenge: to prepare all the meals for them and their guests for the summer, with no repeats, comprised exclusively of local ingredients that reflect the flavors of each port, presentedflawlessly to the couple's uncompromising taste-- all from the confines of the yacht's galley while at sea. Serenity's five-month journey starts on the French Riviera, continues along Italy's western coast to Amalfi, crosses the Tyrrhenian Sea to Sardinia, up to Corsica, and back to St. Tropez for the season-ending regatta. Shalleck captures the glittery Riviera social scene, the distinctive sights and sounds of the unique ports along the way, the work hard/play hard life of being a crew member, and the challenges of producing world-class cuisine for the stylish and demanding owners and their guests. An intimate view of the most exclusive of worlds, Mediterranean Summer offers readers a new perspective on breathtaking places, a memorable portrait of old world elegance and life at sea, as well recipes and tips to recreate the delectable food.

Southern Arizona offers unlimited opportunities for backcountry exploration. This third edition of Hiking Arizona's Cactus Country explores a broad swath of the Sonoran Desert that extends northward across the Mexican border and encompasses the southern third of Arizona.

Whether you are solo in Sweden or backpacking in Bali, Wanderlust magazine's How to Travel Solo is everything you need to strike out on your own. From location focus on solo hotspots, to tips about braving off the beaten path and how to find the best street food, this guide is packed with advice from solo travel experts. With climate and seasonal packing advice as well as safety tips and tricks, How to Travel Solo is both inspiring and instructional, helping you to get the very best out of independent travel. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or nervous novice plunging into their first solo travel adventure, make sure to tuck this book into your hand luggage.

With Rick Steves, Edinburgh is yours to discover! This slim guide excerpted from Rick Steves Scotland includes: - Rick's firsthand, up-to-date advice on Edinburgh's best sights, restaurants, hotels, and more, plus tips to beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps - Top sights and local experiences: Visit ancient Edinburgh Castle and stroll the Royal Mile, uncover Scottish history at the National Museum of Scotland, or hike to the peak of Arthur's Seat for incredible views of the city. Go on a literary pub tour, sample whisky at a tasting, and tap your foot to traditional folk music at a local favorite spot - Helpful maps and self-guided walking tours to keep you on track With selective coverage and Rick's trusted insight into the best things to do and see, Rick Steves Snapshot Edinburgh is truly a tour guide in your pocket. Exploring beyond Edinburgh? Pick up Rick Steves Scotland for comprehensive coverage, detailed itineraries, and essential information for planning a countrywide trip.

Traveling to Tokyo? Be sure to see some of the most iconic sites in Tokyo and nearby cities--from gorgeous skylines and jaw-dropping nature to hidden treasures. With this photo/guidebook, visitors can explore both the cutting-edge and traditional parts of the city like a local. Misaki Matsui, the photographer and author, introduces the beauty of the four seasons of Tokyo and surrounding cities that Japanese residents love. The collection showcases more than 100 beautiful images of Tokyo including Senso-ji, Roppongi Hills, Todoriki Valley, Mt. Takao, the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, and more.

'Another delicious romance from Tracy Corbett. It's fun, quirky and delightfully romantic.' Rosanna Ley, author of From Venice with Love What happens on holiday doesn't always stay on holiday...When mousy factory-worker Lilith Monroe meets gorgeous Will Taylor on holiday, she reinvents herself as Lily, a risk-taking costume designer extraordinaire. What's the harm in a few white lies when she'll never see Will again? Back in England, Will can't stop thinking about Lily. When his events company needs a costume designer last minute for the Royal Windsor Festival, it's like fate is knocking on his door. He can hire Lily and see if the spark is still there. Except he hasn't been entirely honest with Lily... Can a holiday fling become something more, or are there too many untruths between Lilith and Will? A gorgeously uplifting romance for fans of Portia MacIntosh and Trisha Ashley. Praise for Someone Like You 'I loved this book and devoured the whole thing in one day. It's one of those stories which is so realistic, romantic, and funny, that surely someone is going to want to turn it into a movie. One for fans of Sophie Kinsella' Reader review 'This is truly a wonderful romantic story. I enjoyed this book to pieces! I smiled through most of it, teared up a time or two, and highly recommend this book to anyone.' Reader review 'Love a bit of romance and this book ticked all the boxes, thoroughly enjoyable read with likeable characters and a good background' Reader review 'What a treat this story was. At the beginning of the story I was in tears and by the end I had a huge smile on my face. This book has the ultimate feel good factor about it.' Reader review

Fate brought them together, now it's up to them to make it work...Having left the army to recover from a traumatic experience, Captain Jane Reed is on her way to Venice to assist Lady Veronica Cooper, a world-famous writer who has lost her mojo. Plagued by grief and sleepless nights, Jane soon finds a kindred spirit in Veronica, coping with her own loss after the death of her husband. When the two relocate to Veronica's villa in the countryside to escape the summer tourists, Jane meets the rest of the Cooper family - including Veronica's brooding son, David. With his own tragic past, David has resigned himself to a life of solitude. Jane finds herself determined to bring joy back into his life, even if it means finally spilling her secrets. Can Jane and David help each other heal, and find love in the process, or are some scars too deep to treat? A tender and uplifting romance for fans of Rosanna Ley and Jennifer Bohnet.