National Geographic has done it again! Every time I pick up one of their books, I am thrilled with the information and photos included. With two books, you can have your cross-country scenic and state park road trip completely planned. I received these books from TLC Book Tours in exchange for my review.
This guide is divided into sections based on regions of the United States from New England to the Far West. There are way more scenic byways in this country that I would have imagined! I quickly flipped in the book to Kansas, where I discovered two scenic routes – from Manhattan to Cassoday KS on Kansas 177 in the Flint Hills and the Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway in central Kansas, which is also designated as one of America’s Byways. Each description includes details about the route, information about the areas you will pass through, places to stop along the way, and hints about what to look for as you drive. Now I really want to go on this Wetlands and Wildlife route to see shorebirds, pelicans, prairie dogs, and whooping cranes!
As I looked through the book, I noted that my favorite part of Hawaii is included – the Onomea Bay Scenic Route, which is part of the Hamakua Coast Route from Hilo to the Waipio Valley. We turned onto the scenic route by accident, but I’m so glad the book points it out on purpose! If you’ve ever wanted to know what is on the roads known to be scenic routes and to discover even more you did not know about, this book is great!
Again divided by region, I turned to the Central Plains, which includes Kansas. From the map, it looked like the closest state park to me might actually be in Nebraska! However, in the “more great state parks” section, I saw that there is a park called Hillsdale in Paola, which I know is not far from me! Also, I would really like to visit the prairie dogs in Prairie Dog Park! Each description includes background information, what to do and see in the park, and information about camping and lodging. The next time I make a visit to another state, I will definitely be consulting this book for ideas on where to visit!
Of course, there are many state parks omitted from the book, but it is definitely a great starting point, especially when searching the web gets overwhelming! You can always go back to the web after you get ideas from either of these two books.
