Soaring skyscrapers, deep-dish pizza, and improv comedy may be what the city is best known for, but they are only the beginning of Chicago’s story. It could take a lifetime to experience everything this one-of-a-kind town has to offer. But what if you only have a few days to explore? You're in luck! The one hundred adventures in this candid insider’s guide promise an authentic taste of the Windy City whether you’re taking a weekend-sized bite or sticking around for the buffet of a lifetime. You’ll find seasonal and themed itineraries to make planning your explorations easier. Discover which blues club locals swear by, pay a visit to a quiet green space hidden in plain sight, or dig in to an ice cream cone piled high with five different flavors! If you’re visiting for the first time, or you’re lucky enough to call Chicago home, these one hundred iconic experiences should top your to-do list. No matter when you visit or how long you stay, as you cross off each item, you’re certain to learn something new and have fun in the process.

From a hip urban downtown brimming with arts and culture, to endless recreational opportunities, Rockford, Illinois, might be the coolest place you never anticipated. Just eighty miles northwest of Chicago, you’ll find world-class botanical exhibits, a thriving arts scene, and an impressive dinosaur named Jane. And with 100 Things to Do in Rockford Before You Die as your guide, you’ll discover all of the exciting places and events that make Rockfordians proud. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore miles of trails in the Winnebago County Forest Preserves or Rock Cut State Park. Water sports abound, like boating on the majestic Rock River or standup paddleboarding on tranquil Pierce Lake. Thrill seekers can catch air by wakeboarding or BMX racing. Bringing the kids? Soak up the sun at Magic Waters Waterpark, or soak up the science at the Discovery Center Museum. Don’t forget your appetite! Included you’ll find recommendations for more than fifty unique, locally owned restaurants from high-end dining to trendy brew pubs to iconic joints that residents love. Local author and architect Tamara Gaumond’s unique appreciation for the city comes through on every page, and even longtime residents will find something new to do among her suggestions. With her insider tips and itineraries, you’ll want to join her in catching the Rockford vibe.

It’s hard to believe how much has changed in Atlanta since we released the first edition of 100 Things to Do in Atlanta Before You Die. Tons of new restaurants and shops have opened, developments that were in progress are finally completed, and there’s still so much ongoing progress and redevelopment that it’s hard to even keep up. But we have—and it’s all here in this second edition of 100 Things to Do in Atlanta Before You Die. Whether you’re a native of the ATL looking to mark another local experience off your bucket list or an out-of-towner in search of an only-in-Atlanta adventure, this is the guide you need. The book celebrates the top ways to (re)connect with Atlanta and shines a light on lesser-known haunts like the world’s largest junkyard of vintage cars and several historic Civil War sites (some supposedly still home to spirits from the grave). And no look at Atlanta would be complete without the “who’s who” of the city’s top Southern chefs—we’re talking who serves up the best fried chicken this side of the Mississippi, y’all. So before you head out on any adventure in the ATL, check out this book to see what makes Atlanta the coolest city in the South.

You may know Illinois as the former home of Abraham Lincoln or Chicagoland. But Illinois is more than just the Land of Lincoln or the location of one of the US’s largest cities. 100 Things to Do in Illinois Before You Die introduces you to the state’s rich history, showcasing the places with some of the best food and entertainment Illinois has to offer. Discover Cahokia Mounds and Dickson Mounds State Museum, which reveal sacred sites and customs of indigenous tribes who dwelled here before it became the United States. Experience Mark Twain–style paddleboats, world class museums, and unique lodgings like a train caboose or a treehouse. There are boulders for climbing, hot air balloons for riding, and some of the best spectator sports to enjoy—all just beyond the borders of your neighborhood or region. Local author Melanie Holmes shares her favorite tips about her home state. Whether you’re a lifelong Illinoisan or visiting for the weekend, you’ll find something in these pages to add to your bucket list. From sandstone-lined waterways to the best of theater, dance, and comedy clubs, Illinois has it all.

In 100 Things to Do in San Francisco Before You Die, the authors talk top attractions - the famous Painted Ladies, the bridges, the countless scenic vistas - but they focus on guiding visitors and residents alike to the out-of-the-way places that locals love, places that reveal the soul of this world-class city. Based on personal experience, the authors suggest where to grab a Mission-style burrito, introduce the kids to a giant Pacific octopus, join a sea chantey sing-along, get tipsy on an alcoholic malt, buy tie-dye in Haight-Ashbury, rock out at a free music festival, track down a food cart selling bacon-wrapped hot dogs, and relax in a redwood grove. The book also provides insider info on where to experience yoga on a labyrinth, rent a bike in Golden Gate Park, taste exotic olive oils, soak up spectacular ocean views on an urban hiking trail, brunch on beignets, take a free walking tour, and catch a glimpse of the city's wild parrots on the wing. In short, 100 Things to Do in San Francisco Before You Die reveals many of the reasons why millions of people routinely leave their hearts in this amazing place!

Missouri is called the Show-Me State for a good reason. From cosmopolitan rooftop bars to breathtaking mountain views, there are so many amazing things to do here that you could spend a lifetime exploring and still not cover it all. Make your goal easier with 100 Things to Do in Missouri Before You Die, a curated collection of the best from every corner of the state. Discover architectural wonders beyond the Arch, outdoor escapes like scuba diving in the Bonne Terre Mine, and museums and festivals celebrating everything from ragtime to road trips. Take the time to experience the legacy of George Washington Carver, Daniel Boone, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Harry S. Truman. Find ideas for exploring the Ozark mountains, Missouri’s big cities, unique small towns, and even prehistoric caves. Don’t miss insider tips to world-famous attractions, distinctive food and nightlife scenes, cultural creatives in fashion and the arts, and where to shop for everything from fine furniture to fine whiskey. Local authors John W. Brown and Amanda E. Doyle invite you to buckle up for this nonstop adventure ride around their home state. Special features such as seasonal and themed itineraries make planning a snap, so there should never be a reason for you or your family to say, “I have nothing to do!”

Let’s face it: St. Louis is a big city, and life is short. Whether it’s moving some “must dos” to the “done” column of your bucket list or finding fresh ways to spend your summer in the city, this handy compendium will make the most of your minutes. Bike the Riverfront Trail to the Chain of Rocks Bridge, sip a chocolate malt at Crown Candy Kitchen, hold your breath during the high-wire act at Circus Flora, or admire the architectural and design splendor of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ebsworth Park home: you just gotta do it! One hundred ways to connect with your town await! Special features include insider tips on getting the most from your stops and themed itineraries for the truly adventurous.