006-06-21</p>I liked the combination of facts and opinions.  Interesting suggestions.  Good walking tours.  Good color maps.
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<img src="http://www.bill88.com/images/stars-4-0.gif" width="64" height="12" alt="4 out of 5 stars" border="0">
<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="orange">Great guide, BAD index</FONT>.......2006-04-04</p>What makes this a great guide is the fact that the listings for attractions/ shops / etc all have map numbers, which makes them very easy to find on the book's maps.  Also, the maps have their own little mini tables of attractions.  So, it's easy find where to go (if you are looking for something in particular) or what's around you (if you're already there).  Unfortunately, the index is sorely lacking.  Suppose you want to go for a horse-drawn carriage ride in Central Park, and you want to know where to find the carriages.  You will not find out through the index.  There is no mention of them under "Central Park."  There is no listing for "carriages" nor "carriage rides" and the listing for "horse-drawn carriages" is about the ones in Philadelphia.  Luckily, there actually is an extensive paragraph telling you all you need to know about this, and it is in the book's description of Central Park (which makes sense).  But you wouldn't know by looking at the index.  So, if you're planning a trip to N.Y., and you don't see a particular attraction in the index, do some research on the web, find out where it's supposed to be, and then turn to the section on that particular neighborhood in the book.  Maybe you'll find it there.  Use a highlighter to mark the page.
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<img src="http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/310KQQ4RD8L.jpg" alt="Lonely Planet New York State" border="0">
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<b>Average customer rating: </b>
<img src="http://www.bill88.com/images/stars-4-0.gif" width="64" height="12" alt="4 out of 5 stars" border="0">
<UL>
<LI>A bit brief</LI>
<LI>Best Travel Book Ever!  Fun Read and Guide!</LI>
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<b>
<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="red">Lonely Planet New York State</FONT></b>
<br>Becca Blond ,  and China Williams
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<b>Manufacturer: </b>Lonely Planet Publications
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<b>ProductGroup: </b>Book
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<b>Binding: </b>Paperback
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<b>
<FONT COLOR="orange">Similar Items:</FONT></b>
<OL>
<LI>Lonely Planet New England</LI>
<LI>Moon Handbooks New York State</LI>
<LI>Frommer's New York State (Frommer's Complete)</LI>
<LI>Lonely Planet Road Trip New England (Road Trip Guide)</LI>
<LI>Lonely Planet Road Trip Hudson River Valley (Road Trip Guide)</LI>
</OL>
<br>
<b>ASIN: </b>1741041252</td>
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<p>
<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="orange">Book Description</FONT>
</p>Soak up the spray of thundering Niagara Falls, marvel at Manhattan's soaring skyscrapers or enjoy leisurely meanderings along tranquil back roads - New York State's varied offerings will awe and inspire you.  Whether you want to scale the Adirondacks or sample local vintages at Finger Lake wineries, our definitive guide offers detailed regional coverage for the perfect getaway.  
<p>&#149; MAP YOUR WAY - more than 30 detailed maps help you navigate the sidewalks of Manhattan and the scenic byways across New York &#149; SURVEY THE CITY - sample the shopping, sights, dining and buzzing nightlife of New York City before heading upstate &#149; HIT THE BACKCOUNTRY - new outdoor activities chapter gives you the lowdown on the best spots for hiking, rafting, skiing, fishing and more &#149; INDULGE YOUR SENSES - our author's top picks for savoring the exploding colors of fall, the spicy bite of the Buffalo wing or the rush of a Lake Placid bobsled ride
<p>
<b>
<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="green">Customer Reviews:</FONT></b>
</p>
<p>
<img src="http://www.bill88.com/images/stars-3-0.gif" width="64" height="12" alt="3 out of 5 stars" border="0">
<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="orange">A bit brief</FONT>.......2006-06-21</p>I like the information included in this book, but for a such a big, historic state it seems that 300 pages is not enough.  The section on New York City is pretty good and the suggestions thoughout the state turned out well.  I wanted more information about upstate.  The history section doesn't mention the war of 1812 that played an important part in the state.  
<p>
<img src="http://www.bill88.com/images/stars-5-0.gif" width="64" height="12" alt="5 out of 5 stars" border="0">
<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="orange">Best Travel Book Ever!  Fun Read and Guide!</FONT>.......2005-04-24</p>We took our sons to NYC over their spring break, and we all loved this book.  The kids read the introduction parts before we left, and one quoted from the book when we saw our first panhandler.  We went to most of the places the book described, and felt we got so much more out of what we were seeing since we already knew something about each place.  I especially appreciated the warning about the $20 mac and cheese, the deli speak glossary, the NYC character advice -they're not rude just absorbed-, and too many other tidbits of information to list.   Very useful and a good read as well.
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<br>
<b>Average customer rating: </b>
<img src="http://www.bill88.com/images/stars-3-5.gif" width="64" height="12" alt="3.5 out of 5 stars" border="0">
<UL>
<LI>Great book for a weekend trip</LI>
<LI>not a primary guide</LI>
<LI>Moderately helpful but a bit thin on details</LI>
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<b>
<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="red">Lonely Planet Road Trip Hudson River Valley (Road Trip Guide)</FONT></b>
<br>China Williams
<br>
<b>Manufacturer: </b>Lonely Planet Publications
<br>
<b>ProductGroup: </b>Book
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<b>Binding: </b>Paperback
<br>
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<img src="http://www.bill88.com/images/lbball3.gif" width="14" height="14" alt="General" border="0">General
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<br>
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<b>
<FONT COLOR="orange">Similar Items:</FONT></b>
<OL>
<LI>The Traveler's Guide to the Hudson River Valley: From Saratoga Springs to New York City (Traveler's Guide to the Hudson River Valley) (Traveler's Guide to the Hudson River Valley)</LI>
<LI>The Hudson Valley Book: A Complete Guide (Great Destinations)</LI>
<LI>Moon Handbooks Hudson River Valley (Moon Handbooks)</LI>
<LI>Lonely Planet New York State</LI>
<LI>Lonely Planet Road Trip New England (Road Trip Guide)</LI>
</OL>
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<b>ASIN: </b>1740595734</td>
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<p>
<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="orange">Book Description</FONT>
</p>Discover a rural paradise at New York City's doorstep!  The Hudson River Valley is an enchanting blend of rustic and urbane pleasures.  Winding country roads, bucolic farms, rugged mountains and woodsy parks share the landscape with elegant towns, cutting-edge art centers, noted restaurants and opulent manors.  Our handy guide covers both sides of the river for a perfect getaway.  
<p>&#149; TOUR THE TOWNS - explore romantic Rhinebeck, historic Hyde Park or bohemian Woodstock &#149; ADMIRE ART - visit innovative museums, view avan-garde architecture and wander through outdoor sculpture gardens &#149; SLEEP IN STYLE - curl up at a cozy B&amp;B, splurge at an ornate Victorian castle or unwind on a 40-acre horse farm &#149; BE INSPIRED - breathtaking fall foliage, spectacular gardens, sparkling lakes and snow-dusted mountains &#149; GET OUTDOORS - top places to hike, bike, climb, ski and kayak &#149; DIG IN - the tastiest local food, from haute cuisine at the country's top cooking school to flapjacks at an authentic chrome diner
<p>
<b>
<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="green">Customer Reviews:</FONT></b>
</p>
<p>
<img src="http://www.bill88.com/images/stars-5-0.gif" width="64" height="12" alt="5 out of 5 stars" border="0">
<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="orange">Great book for a weekend trip</FONT>.......2006-03-12</p>I bought this book before I read the reviews, and I'm glad I did.  The Hudson River Valley is expensive.  That's why no cheap lodgings are in the book.  We stayed at the Peekskill Inn and found it very affordable as well as charming.  The book is small enough for an easy carry - as befits a weekend tripper.  It's nicely divided into possible weekend trips so the reader can choose which area fits their mood. Each area gets a thorough review of what it has to offer - not just food, lodging, cultural events, but an understanding of where the area has been and what it has to offer the traveler.  The icing on the cake is that the book is fun to read, e.g. "Woodstock feels like an unmade bed - comfortable but disheveled."  
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<img src="http://www.bill88.com/images/stars-2-0.gif" width="64" height="12" alt="2 out of 5 stars" border="0">
<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="orange">not a primary guide</FONT>.......2005-11-03</p>I am a Lonely Planet enthusiast and usually use them as my main source during trips and collect them for armchair reading.  I saw this and picked it up since I live near the area and have not ventured there in a long time.
<br/>
<br/>This book should only be purchased if you already have the Moon Handbook to New York.  I just got the Moon after using this and another guide on previous trips and I feel foolish.  
<br/>
<br/>First of all, the money you save by buying this little diary may very well be spent anyway since Ms. Williams doesn't seem to have any interest in anything but high end B&amp;Bs, so if you are on a budget and don't mind a clean but boring room there are no listings, that's none: zero.  I found places like this but at random, and almost stayed in a dangerous area because I knew of no alternatives.  Moon lists all acceptable motels and B&amp;Bs and lets you decide what you want and how much dough you have.
<br/>
<br/>Second, Ms. Williams likes cool coffee shops, eatieries, shops, but doesn't seem too keen on turning out much copy on historical and cultural sights, so there is precious little coverage.  Moon's background info is superior and again, they list all the options and let you decide.  Moon New York has more overall info on Hudson Valley despite the fact that it covers the rest of the state as well, and if your car can go over 40 mph I'm sure there's something in a neighboring area that suit your tastes.
<br/>
<br/>And I know LP has other regional guides, but would it kill them to throw in more coverage of the Catskills?  We're not talking about Miami to Greenland here, just what's within a two hour drive.
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<img src="http://www.bill88.com/images/stars-3-0.gif" width="64" height="12" alt="3 out of 5 stars" border="0">
<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="orange">Moderately helpful but a bit thin on details</FONT>.......2004-08-20</p>I just returned from a trip to the Hudson River Valley using this book as my primary guide.  WIlliams' style was entertaining, and her restaurant advice terrific when it came to The Calico Restaurant in Rhinebeck (we had a fabulous meal) but important details were neglected.
<br/>
<br/>WIlliams' accurately described the town of Hudson, with the town center choc-a-bloc full of antique shops, surrounded by urban decay.  With a love of antiques, I planned a trip to Hudson to for an extensive 'tique crawl only to discover 99% of the shops are open ONLY Friday-Sunday.  Hudson being far north of my base, the travel time ate much of the day making a last minute change of plans a real challenge.
<br/>
<br/>Likewise, she neglected to mention in any detail the Institute for Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, which is a fascinating place with an excellent perennial garden and very pleasant, helpful and knowlegable staff.  Fortunately, we stumbled onto this place by accident, but it was a trip highlight.  
<br/>
<br/>Short shrift was similarly given to the many wineries in the area, merely mentioning their existence but with few details.
<br/>
<br/>The maps were helpful, and as I mentioned earlier, our lunch in Rhinebeck at the Calico Restaurant was divine so she gets credit for that.  Otherwise, think of this book as a basic intro only and plan on doing much more research before you depart for the Hudson River Valley.
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<img src="http://www.bill88.com/images/notrated.gif" width="66" height="15" alt="Not rated" border="0">
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<b>
<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="red">Lonely Planet New York City Map</FONT></b>
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<b>Manufacturer: </b>Lonely Planet Publications
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<b>Produc