"This is the first book to tell the history of the Madonna family and the unique and unusual Madonna Inn."--Jacket.

A. A. Gill is one of the most feared writers in London, noted--according to the New York Times--for his "rapier wit." Some even consider the mere assignment of a subject to Gill a hostile act. But when the notice "AA GILL IS AWAY" runs in the Sunday Times of London, the city can rest peacefully in the knowledge that the writer is off traveling. "My editor asked me what I wanted from journalism and I said the first thing that came into my head--I'd like to interview places. To treat a place as if it were a person, to go and listen to it, ask it questions, observe it the way you would interview a politician or a pop star," Gill writes. Upon his return, readers are treated to an account of his vacations to places like famine-stricken Sudan, the pornography studios of California's San Fernando Valley, the dying Aral Sea or the seedy parts of Kaliningrad. The result is one of the most fascinating, stylish and irreverent collections of travel writing.

Southern California Off the Beaten Path features the things travelers and locals want to see and experience––if only they knew about them. From the best in local dining to quirky cultural tidbits to hidden attractions, unique finds, and unusual locales, Southern California Off the Beaten Path takes the reader down the road less traveled and reveals a side of Southern California that other guidebooks just don't offer.

The Road Awaits! Criss-cross the country on America's classic two-lane highways with Road Trip USA! Inside you'll find: 11 of America's favorite road trips with a flexible network of route combinations, color-coded and extensively cross-referenced to allow for hundreds of possible itineraries Mile-by-mile highlights celebrating the best of Americana, including roadside curiosities, parks, diners, and more Local history that reveals the unique personalities of small towns and big cities across the country Vintage snapshots, full-color photos, and beautiful illustrations of America both then and now Over 125 detailed driving maps covering more than 35,000 miles of classic American blacktop Expert advice from road-warrior Jamie Jensen, who cruised nearly 400,000 miles of highway in search of the perfect stretches of pavement Road Trip USA celebrates the great American road trip, and gives you the tools, resources, and inspiration to make it your own. Hit the road!

This updated compendium of facts, observations, discoveries, reviews, serendipities, humor, experiences, and more is not only for the road traveler, but the armchair traveler as well. Unlike typical guides, which read more like phone directories, Romancing the Roads is a shared diary of discoveries along America's highways and byways. Join Gerry on a tour of hotels, B & B's, restaurants, national parks, antique stores, consignment shops, boutiques, and little-known places that make America such a great place for road-tripping. Unless otherwise noted, the author has visited every place mentioned, from the ostrich farm along Interstate 10 in Arizona to the Biltmore hotel in Los Angeles. Even if you never get in the car and discover such wonders for yourself, you will enjoy this vicarious journey to places both sublime and ordinary as the author makes her way from Washington to California and east to the Mississippi River.

IMMENSE POSSIBILITIES is a stimulating book of 67 stories and articles. Scientific Topics are Journey Inside The Earth, The Moon Today And The Future, Garden Solariums, Fascinating Minerals And Gems, Changing Weathers and Flowers Grow In Unusual Places. Travel Topics are Beautiful Australia, Mexico's Enchantment, The Summer Place, Survival In The Wilderness and Iceland Wonderland. Social Topics are Tremendous Memories, Women And Men's Fashions, Teenage Behavior, Private Moments, Movie Stars Disillusion Us, School Day Experiences, City Life, Happy Times, Ursula's Life In Brookfield, Afraid Of The Dark, Express Yourself, Children Imitate Their Parents, The Will To Live, Dining Out, How To Be Liked By Others, Glamour Isn't That Important, Illusions May Fool You, A Normal Life, New Beginnings and Sparking Personalities. Philosophical Topics are Miracles Work, Phenomenal Changes, Reincarnation, The Seven Fold Path, The Golden Age, Awaken To God, Seek Peace Of Mind and Know Thyself. Career Topics are College Seminars, Librarians Succeed, Lawyers Appeal Cases, Maintaining A Car, Policemen Can Be Unfair and How To Become A Famous Painter. Psychological Topics are Raising A Gifted Child, Forgiving Enemies, Kidnapped, Overcoming Grief, Paranoia Revealed and Shocking News. Other Topics are Architectural Wonders, Presenting A Speech, Skin Care And Makeup, Using Different Maps, What Is Beautiful?, Cleaning House, Panoramic Visions, Modern Homes, Madonna Inn, Swimming In A Public Pool, American Propaganda, Vietnam Tragedy, Wearing Glasses, Panda Express Delights and Finger Prints Tell. You will enjoy reading about many worthwhile topics in this book to expand your awareness.

Discover the Open Road! From the evergreen giants of the Pacific Northwest to the beach- and brewski-filled city of San Diego, the Pacific Coast Highway is the best of the West Coast. Road Trip USA: Pacific Coast Highway is classic roadside Americana at your fingertips! Inside you'll find: Excerpted from Road Trip USA Mile-by-mile highlights so you can make the most of this winding highway through Olympic National Park, Cape Perpetua, Avenue of the Giants, and Hearst Castle Driving maps covering 1,500 miles of classic American blacktop from Oregon's ancient verdant forests down the coast to California's sunny beaches Full-color vintage and modern photos and illustrations of America both then and now in a slim, portable guide Roadside curiosities and detours reveal the personalities of small towns and thriving cities along the route Expert advice from road-warrior Jamie Jensen, who has zoomed along nearly 400,000 miles of highway in search of the perfect stretches of pavement Road Trip USA: Pacific Coast Highway is so full of the beauty of the American road, why wait to start your next adventure? Hit the Road!