North America

There is a fine line between optimism and stupidity. Sometimes I wonder whether I cross that line too often. But what is life without a little risk? It's too easy to sit back and avoid all jeopardy and discomfort, and I suppose that's all right as long as you're comfortable with a life without spice. Life is short enough without wasting it away on the couch.

Many Americans remember a family road trip to visit one of our 63 national parks. Why did Americans start preserving these sites of natural and historic interest? How were these parks selected, and what steps did conservationists, activists, philanthropists, politicians, and others take to protect millions of acres against the booming developments of an expanding nation? An award-winning writer, researcher, and American Studies scholar, Dr. Megan Kate Nelson tackles these questions as she takes you on a marvelous journey through some of the most beautiful places on Earth.

The Mountains of California: Explore the Towering Sequoias, Glacial Valleys, and Wild Landscapes That Shaped John Muir’s Love for Nature. The book is both a personal adventure and a call to preserve the beauty of California’s wilderness, making it a classic piece of environmental literature.

Discover the exquisite beauty of peonies and the art of growing them in cold climates with this guide. The Art of Growing Peonies is an essential resource for anyone interested in cultivating these stunning blooms, explicitly tailored to thrive in colder environments. Listen about Charlotte Kilcher’s Peonies and get Peony Tips and Tricks from Rita Jo Schultz, Alaska’s Peony Pioneer.

From learning about the culture and customs to finding the best restaurants and attractions, these guidebooks provide comprehensive information to ensure a hassle-free unforgettable journey. Each guidebook is packed with insider tips and recommendations, tailored specifically to the location, so you can make the most of your time and truly get to know the destination.

With travel tips and culture in our guidebooks written by a local, it is never too late to visit Sandusky. Greater Than a Tourist- Sandusky, Ohio’ by Chelsea Vallejo offers an in-depth look and guide through the city of Sandusky and surrounding areas, including some of the beautiful Lake Erie islands. Most books on this area cover basic attractions, which is great, but this book offers a complete guide to the biggest attractions and popular hidden gems in the area.

Eat Like a Local—State College, PA by Brian Douglas offers the inside scoop on food and where it can be found in and around the State College, PA area.

Are you excited about planning your next trip? Do you want an edible experience? Would you like some culinary guidance from a local? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this Eat Like a Local book is for you. Eat Like a Local – Michigan by Karen Harris offers the inside scoop on food, dining experiences, wineries, local dishes, breweries, and travel destinations that are unique to the Mitten State. Culinary tourism is an important aspect of any travel experience. Food has the ability to tell you a story of a destination, its landscapes, and culture on a single plate.

“50 Things to Know about Birds in Kansas,” by Rachel McBride offers an easy and simple approach to finding the most beautiful and varied species of birds on the continent. Most books on birding tell you to travel to specific locations and hotspots for one or two prize species on your list. Although there's nothing wrong with that, this book takes another approach.

The Travel Fam Park Guide for Acadia National Park is designed to help you enjoy, connect with, and immerse yourself in Acadia's mountains, sea, wildlife, and culture in a refreshing way. It guides you toward expansive activities and supports your independence. Now you can successfully navigate vacation with family members who have different needs and preferences. You'll uncover insights, tips, opportunities for self-expression, and insider scoops that can enhance your visit – whether with, or alongside, your travel fam.