Moon Handbooks New York State

by Christiane Bird

Book Overview

Focusing in particular on the great outdoors, this guide covers all the upstate regions, including the Catskills, the Adirondacks, the Hudson Valley, the Finger Lakes, and Western New York. The prose, steeped in history and local flavor, makes Bird a marvelous traveling companion.--Toronto Sun. 195 photos. 99 illustrations. 95 maps.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1566915449
• ISBN13: 9781566915441
• Release Date: March 2003
• Publisher: Moon Travel
• Length: 800 Pages
• Weight: 1.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 5.5" x 7.5"

Customer Reviews

Thick, useful tome chock-full of facts and real information - short on useless trivia and fluff

I generally really like the Moon handbooks, and this one is no exception. Lots of space devoted to the Big Apple, of course, but plenty of that is devoted to the byways and obscurities - I think there's more space given to the "outer" boroughs than is usual in a state guidebook. It's also nice to see just as much wordage devoted to neighborhood restaurants and taverns as to swank expensive downtown bistros -- which have a tendency not to last till the next edition, anyway. Bird's coverage of upstate varies -- I like the Finger Lakes/Rochester/Syracuse sections but I think her upper Hudson valley chapters are a little thin. As always, there aren't any pages wasted on pretty color pictures, and not a lot of maps - you can get postcards and an atlas, right? On the other hand, there is plenty of history and attention paid to what makes NY state something different from other states. Which is, after all, the point of travelling -- the differences, the specialness. 2nd edition (2001) reviewed. These Moon guides don't age as badly as a lot of other travel book series, so if you happen to come across an older edition, don't be snobbish about it.

A monumental achievement, well-worth picking up!

Ms. Bird has done a wonderful job of covering New York City and state in a single volume. She manages to pack a ton of information between the covers of this book and includes a surprising level of detail on many out of the way places that other authors would have missed. I should also complement the Moon editorial staff for keeping this massive volume well-organized and flowing right along. In sum, this is an excellent pickup for anyone looking to familiarize themselves with NY state!

Another good book by Moon...

When I want to plan a vacation or want more information about a certain area the first thing I reach for is a Moon Handbook. Though I live in New York State, there are many things to know. When I took a recent camping trip to the Catskills I found that this particular book had more information on the area than did the Moon Handbook that covered just the Hudson Valley Region, which includes the Catskills. I would have imagined that the NYS book would have been less detailed than a book specifically about that area. Anyway, the only downside is that it doesn't include some of the State parks I'm interested in, but otherwise a very good book by a publisher I've grown to trust.

Wonderful, Wonderful Little Book

If you really love New York, and all its different facets, you will love this book. It takes you street by street and neighborhood by neigborhood through this captivating city. You not only get recommendations on must-see tourist spots, unforgettable places to eat and well thought out hotel recommendations, but this book gives you a wonderful view into the former life of each street and neighborhood it covers. So much of the history of a city like New York is lost when buildings are torn down and neighborhoods evolve, but this book takes you back in time and gives you the full picture of each fascinating place. I enjoy reading it, even when I'm not planning a trip!

The very best tavel guide for all interests

Since 2000 I have used the second edition of this guide as my bible to the history, sights, and most fascinating dining and lodging spots of the central New York area where our children have gone to college. This Guide has made our trips to central New York among the most enjoyable of any I have taken anywhere in the world. The Moon Guide imparts an appreciation of its subject that is unmatched by any travel book I have ever owned. I can't wait to receive the new Third edition -- kudos to the authors!