The sixth-largest city in the U.S., Phoenix is home to more than 1.4 million people. The metropolitan area encompasses 4.3 million residents across more than 2,000 square miles, and includes the cities of Glendale, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Chandler. Known for its soaring temperatures as much as its soaring saguaro cacti, found only in the Sonoran Desert, Phoenix beckons the rest of the country from about October when the summer heat begins to loosen its hold until almost May when temperatures begin to climb once again. It is the climate one of Arizona's 5 C's that brings more than 16 million visitors here every year. Few can resist the expansive blue skies, breathtaking mountain views and countless outdoor adventures from tee time on one of 200 golf courses to rugged mountain climbs that deliver panoramic views of the Sonoran Desert. So whether you're here for a short visit, a few months in winter or you've decided to make this beautiful desert oasis home, 100 Things to Do in Phoenix Before You Die is filled with plenty of opportunities to discover the best of what Phoenix has to offer.

From kayaking on the Salt River to listening to a symphony play from the stage of the state’s largest performing arts center, there’s always something new to discover in Mesa, Arizona. As Phoenix’s largest suburb, Mesa is a city of limitless adventures, just a short trip from its exciting neighbors: Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler, and Queen Creek. 100 Things to Do in Mesa Before You Die explores Mesa and the East Valley, taking you to the places most area guidebooks overlook as well as covering the top attractions. Learn about a little-known botanical garden showcasing Native American canals at Mesa Grande Cultural Park, have a spiritual awakening at a Greek monastery in the desert, and take a leap of faith at the largest skydiving center in the world at Skydive Arizona. Not to mention, you’ll find information on spring training in the Valley and different ways to explore the Sonoran Desert. Whether you plan to spend a few days or a month, award-winning travel writer Teresa Bitler has enough ideas to keep you busy your entire stay. Entertaining facts and information on tours and itineraries make this guide an invaluable resource.

Centrally located in Michigan, Lansing is 90 minutes from 90% of the state’s population, so it makes an excellent destination for a Michigander’s weekend getaway. And with all the city has to offer, those from outside of Michigan will find plenty to keep busy for a more extended stay. 100 Things to Do in Lansing Before You Die provides a local’s itineraries and tips for enjoying all the must-sees in this diverse town, as well as the secret treasures some locals may never have found. Greater Lansing is famous for the three Cs, cars, the capital, and the campus at Michigan State University. Although almost half a million people call the Greater Lansing area home, Lansing offers a small-town atmosphere while featuring ample city comforts. Learn how to take on the “Ultimate Carnivore Food Challenge,” where to find art from world-renowned artists, and how you can reach tranquility in the serenity of a Japanese Garden. Native Lansingite and resident of South Lansing, Amy Piper is the source to maximize your visit offering adventures in nature, foodie fun, a thriving arts scene, and rich cultural history, everyone will find something to pique their interest in Lansing, Michigan.

Picture the ancient snowcapped peaks of the Cascade Mountains rising above the clean, clear waters of the Deschutes River"¬‚¬"it can only be Central Oregon. This veritable paradise boasts miles of forest trails, and with lots of sunshine each year, there's plenty of time to enjoy outdoor adventures like skiing, kayaking, and hiking. In 100 Things to Do in Bend, Oregon, Before You Die, you will be swept into this magical part of the United States, where the natural wonders will make you fall in love, and the year-round entertainment might just make you stay a lifetime. Stand on top of a volcano inside the city of Bend and drink in the views. Become a beer connoisseur at the many innovative breweries on the Bend Ale Trail. Get insider tips for the best place to enjoy a lazy float down the Deschutes River, or relax even more in an opulent Turkish-style hot pool at McMenamins after a good hike. And don't forget to sample some of the best restaurants featuring delicious Pacific Northwest cuisine. Local author and lifelong traveler Joshua Savage's passion for exploration comes through loud and clear in his valuable tips about one of the best outdoor destinations in the world. With this in-depth checklist and definitive Central Oregon guide, you'll navigate experiences that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Orange County, California, is a dazzling seaside treasure chest overflowing with sparkling beaches, exciting outdoor activities, vibrant cities, a thriving art scene, world-class shopping and dining, and seemingly endless sunshine. Maximize your time in this Pacific paradise and dodge the overhyped tourist traps with 100 Things to Do in Orange County Before You Die. Whether you're a first-time visitor seeking surf, sun, and sand, or a lifelong local craving a deep dive into the region's rich cultural history, this book will guide you to the best Orange County has to offer. Discover where to capture postcard-worthy photos, fill your shopping bags with dapper duds, and stuff your belly with out-of-this-world eats from incredible restaurants and under-the-radar rooftop bars. Escape to Laguna Beach's secluded coves, discover Disneyland originals that you won't find at any other park, chase waterfalls in Holy Jim Canyon, and learn where to raise a glass to Seal Beach's infamous Prohibition-era rum runners. Local author Robin Rockey brings an insider's eye and a SoCal spirit to this indispensable guide. Expertly crafted itineraries take the guesswork out of planning your day, so you can spend more time exploring or simply lounging by the beach. Your Orange County adventure starts now!

Nestled in the amethyst-tinged Blue Ridge Mountains, this eclectic town in Western North Carolina has been called many things. Asheville is known as “Land of the Sky,” “Beer City, USA,” “Paris of the South,” and “Climate City,” among other monikers. Whatever you call Asheville, one thing is certain: once you visit, it’s hard to escape its charm. Consider 100 Things to Do in Asheville Before You Die your handy guide for digging into all the highlights and lesser-known adventures this incredible city has to offer. Though more than 92,000 people live here, you’d be hard pressed to find a more intimate and community-driven city. Tour America’s largest private home, the Biltmore. Dine at the restaurants of numerous James Beard Award-winning chefs who oversee innovative menus that reflect Asheville’s inventive spirit without abandoning their roots. Follow the trails through lush forests that beckon visitors, and revive your soul with an almost endless display of music and art. Local journalist Kristy Tolley is your source to make the most of your visit. This book provides insider tips and itineraries for enjoying all the “musts” within this eclectic city. With outdoor adventures, restaurants, shopping, and a thriving arts and music community—there’s something for every type of traveler.

Touring Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (UP) is like taking a two-week trip by station wagon. Not in terms of time—you can sample plenty if four days is all you have. It’s about stepping back and appreciating a place of raw scenic beauty dotted with roadside attractions, blinker-light towns, rustic cabins, and hand-painted signs advertising smoked fish and homemade jam. With the second edition of 100 Things to Do in the Upper Peninsula Before You Die, discover a land mostly surrounded by the Great Lakes Huron, Michigan, and Superior, linked to the state’s mitten-shaped Lower Peninsula by a five-mile suspension bridge spanning the Straits of Mackinac. The UP surprises with Victorian-era and car-free Mackinac Island, millions of acres of forests, waterfalls, wildlife, remnants of the prosperous copper mining era, and 1,700 miles of spectacular shoreline. It’s home to about 311,000 hardy Yoopers (UP-ers), just 3 percent of Michigan’s population across a third of the state’s territory. Cell phone service can be spotty and the top speed along two-lane highways is 55 mph—all the better to slow down and embrace the UP, whether you’re in search of extreme sports experiences, soft adventure, or a simple slice of solitude.