by Susan Young
Last updated: 7:00 PM ET, Tue October 31, 2017
As seasoned travelers, a lot of us have leaned on the more well-known guides like Fodors, Frommers and Rick Steves. While these are useful, some (perhaps) unfamiliar authors have written fine pieces giving an insider-view of various destinations and modes of travel.
These lesser-known books, whose authors bring their own special insight to traveling, are well worth your time.
North Carolina's Roadside Eateries, D. G. Martin
Looking for non-chain restaurants with local flavor only a family-owned eatery can provide? If you're traveling in North Carolina, D. G. Martin's guide will not leave you hungry.
Starting at the northwestern edge of the state on I-26, the Little Creek Café offers homespun cooking, dating back over forty years. Edna Boone's family still owns the building, and the current owners strive to keep her recipes alive. The official address is Mars Hill, but the café sits by itself, a couple of exits before reaching the university town. Blink and you'll miss it, so keep your eyes open for Exit 3.
Moving on to Interstate 40, you won't want to miss 12 Bones Smokehouse, a favorite stop when the Obama family vacationed in Asheville. Another BBQ favorite in the area is Luella's Bar-B-Que named after the owner's grandmother. His quote "Made from scratch, high-quality grub, tasting great every day," perfectly describes the delectable offerings this restaurant serves.
The Great American Family Vacation, Gary Bond
A couple of decades ago, Gary and his wife, Patty, started taking copious notes as they were vacationing with their young sons. Hikers at heart, they gravitated to mountainous regions and, while the boys were still little, they annually trekked to Maggie Valley, NC.
As the kids grew, they got a bit more adventurous and have hiked many national parks from the country's right and left coasts and many states in between.
Toting two inquisitive boys, they learned along the way what works for a family on a road trip and what doesn't. Driving to their destinations in the early days, then graduating to flight when heading out west, they've done it all and are still traveling. Now that those "boys" are men, the family adventures haven't ended, although they need to be a bit more creative in scheduling.
You'll enjoy their travels and learn from their misadventures, as this family of four traverses the country discovering new mountains, waterfalls, restaurants and numerous choices of lodging.
Historic US Route 20, A Journey Across America's Longest Highway, Bryan Farr
From Boston, on the east coast, to Newport, Oregon on the west, Route 20 takes this road warrior through funky towns and villages. Bryan Farr lovingly describes his passion for the highway winding through grassroots America. He's driven the entire route and retraced his steps along many of the sections from time to time.
State by state, this book is loaded with beautiful photography, showcasing the natural beauty of the country. Having to drive at a slower speed than the oft-used interstates, one is able to stop and smell the rest stop coffee, so to speak, and meet the locals at the many stopovers he describes in his guide.
Morning in the Mountains, A Cookbook, Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association
Who has not searched for a favorite recipe from a travel destination and come up short? Bed and breakfast lodgings are among the yummiest in terms of brunch offerings, and the Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association (ABBA) came up with a genius idea to showcase their inns' most asked for recipes. (ABBA is comprised of fifteen B&Bs which have participated in the cookbook's launch.)
You'll find more than just breakfast recipes in this book; It's also full of side dishes, cookies and appetizers.
Of course, B&Bs are known for their bountiful breakfasts and this book of egg dishes, quick breads and waffles won't disappoint. The food photography is gorgeous, and the individual Inns are amazingly creative in their presentation and diverse offerings. Anyone looking for a Christmas gift suggestion need look no further.
Some mainstream hotels have also gotten in on the act by offering cookbooks or online recipe sites, showcasing their signature snacks, like the Hilton DoubleTree's cookies and Walt Disney World Resort favorites. (Think: Dole Whip Floats.)
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