Connecticut’s pristine coastline, stunning fall foliage, and idyllic town greens are widely known, but if you’re wondering what there is to actually do here, 100 Thing to Do in Connecticut Before You Die is for you. Take the Essex Steam Train into the scenic Connecticut River Valley or hop aboard Sea Mist for a sightseeing cruise through the picturesque Thimble Islands. Catch a Broadway-bound musical at the Goodspeed or walk among 50 life-size dinosaurs at Dinosaur Place. Sample craft brews, world-famous pizza, and fresh-from-the-ocean seafood. Feel the thrill of floating over farmland and forest in a hot-air balloon or the joy of standing in a field of sunflowers. With glittering casinos, amusement parks, destination-worthy architecture, and museums showcasing everything from American art to World War II aircraft, Connecticut packs a big punch for a small state. So whether you’re a jazz fan or history buff, baseball lover or antiques hunter, you’ll find plenty of ideas to keep you busy. Curated by one of the state’s top travel writers, 100 Thing to Do in Connecticut Before You Die offers both visitors and locals a checklist of the state’s most exceptional places, experiences, and tastes along with helpful itineraries, seasonal ideas, and insider tips. How many have you done?

Amarillo. Yellow City. Bomb City. Any name you choose, it’s unique. Rooted in Texas lore but full of modern surprises around every turn, Amarillo is much more than an overnight stop on the way somewhere else. With 100 Things to Do in Amarillo Before You Die, get the best insider itineraries and ideas to make the most of your time, whether you spend it eating, exploring, or just taking it all in. Well known are the Big Texan Steak Ranch with its 72-ounce steak challenge and the Cadillac Ranch, perhaps the best-known roadside public art installation in the nation. They anchor either end of Route 66 as it passes through Amarillo but complete your cruise with a visit to Historic Route 66, a one-mile neighborhood in the center of town with galleries, shops, restaurants and clubs. Think about searching for the railroad highlights of Amarillo’s past, or catching the growing number of murals all around town, or visiting the impressive number of museums in the area. Palo Duro Canyon is a magnet for all sorts of outdoor activity, but so are Lake Meredith National Recreation Area and Wildcat Bluff Nature Center. Local author Eric W. Miller’s 100 Things to Do in Amarillo Before You Die definitively answers the question of what to do in Amarillo. It’s more than a bucket list; it’s an open ended ode to his adopted hometown.

From sunrise in the shadow of the Beavertail lighthouse to sunset on the deck of the Coast Guard House, 100 Things to Do in Rhode Island Before You Die will fill your days with experiences of a lifetime in the Ocean State. Fuel up for adventure with “only in Rhode Island” treats like Del’s lemonade, coffee “cabinets,” and New York System Wieners, then set course for a 12-meter yacht sail on Narragansett Bay, a day trip to Block Island to collect glass orbs and scale the Mohegan Bluffs, and a walk on the wild side of historic Newport’s Cliff Walk. You’ll meet polo ponies, harbor seals, and some leafy green animals by day, and fill your nights with the sounds of live music at the Ocean Mist beach bar and the Rhythm and Roots festival and take in the sights (and smells) of Providence’s Waterfire. Author Robert Curley has always lived within hailing distance of the sea, moving from his native Long Island to Rhode Island more than two decades ago and quickly falling in love with the quirky character and rich history of his adopted home. His carefully curated attractions and itineraries are your personal “Rhode Trip” for creating big memories in the littlest state.

While the Jersey Shore is known as a destination where salt water taffy and frozen custard were born, Miss America was crowned and The Twist was invented, there's even more to the Shore just waiting to be discovered. With 100 Things to Do at the Jersey Shore Before You Die as your guide, you'll find the best places to thrill, eat, fish, party and swim on the 130 miles of the New Jersey shoreline from the Sandy Hook Lighthouse to Cape May Point. Climb inside a giant elephant, stroll the world's most famous Boardwalk and observe a vast migration at North America's number one birding destination. Admire the Painted Ladies mansions and discover the town chosen by seven U.S. Presidents as the Nation's Summer Capital. Learn about fun ideas for your family on rainy days, find free beaches (and parking), and choose the hottest nightclubs. Beyond the summer, this guide helps you enjoy the Shore year-round. Discover fall foliage at historic battlefields; take a brisk walk in the winter with a llama or hear the hottest rock bands at the legendary Stone Pony. Local author and Shore expert R.C. Staab deftly leads you through top tips and itineraries, whether you've spent many summers at the Jersey Shore or are looking for your next beach vacation. His book will help you dive deeper into Shore life and enhance your trip.

Washington, DC, is so much more than a political hot spot and 100 Things to do in Washington DC Before You Die (Reedy Press) is your insider guide to all the city has to offer. The nation’s capital is bursting at the seams with memorials, monuments, and museums. It’s a hub for artists, musicians, and writers. It’s a dream destination for foodies and a favorite of history buffs. There’s much to see and do in this four-season destination; so many of the attractions are free! DC is doable in a weekend and it’s worth the trip again and again. Come see the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the Washington Monument. Explore the heritage trails and historical sites. Experience what makes this destination truly one of a kind.

Stroll through Central Park? Shop in Soho? Eat at Bubba Gump in Times Square? No. This book isn’t another phoned-in guide for befuddled tourists searching for T-shirts. It’s a detailed action plan for bon vivants and creatures of the night who want to be a part of the vibrancy and diversity that makes up the greatest city in the world. The fun comes in all shapes, sizes and price points—MoMA’s permanent collection, a pastrami sandwich at Katz’s Delicatessen, midnight gigs at the Bowery Ballroom, following Walt Whitman’s footsteps across the Brooklyn Bridge. Each “thing” is a singular experience and offers expert advice on how to get the most out of the very best of New York City.