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?

Missouri is called the Show-Me State for a good reason. From cosmopolitan rooftop bars to breathtaking mountain views, there are so many amazing things to do here that you could spend a lifetime exploring and still not cover it all. Make your goal easier with 100 Things to Do in Missouri Before You Die, a curated collection of the best from every corner of the state. Discover architectural wonders beyond the Arch, outdoor escapes like scuba diving in the Bonne Terre Mine, and museums and festivals celebrating everything from ragtime to road trips. Take the time to experience the legacy of George Washington Carver, Daniel Boone, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Harry S. Truman. Find ideas for exploring the Ozark mountains, Missouri’s big cities, unique small towns, and even prehistoric caves. Don’t miss insider tips to world-famous attractions, distinctive food and nightlife scenes, cultural creatives in fashion and the arts, and where to shop for everything from fine furniture to fine whiskey. Local authors John W. Brown and Amanda E. Doyle invite you to buckle up for this nonstop adventure ride around their home state. Special features such as seasonal and themed itineraries make planning a snap, so there should never be a reason for you or your family to say, “I have nothing to do!”

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.

Fall in love with Dallas and Fort Worth for the first time, or all over again. You’ll have a blast checking off the diversions and excursions in this go-to guide created for visitors and locals. Described are the most intriguing and noteworthy things to do, and places to see, in two of the world’s greatest cities. 100 Things to Do in Dallas Fort Worth Before You Die (Reedy Press) is a mixed bag of traditional favorites, trending activities, and lesser-known, unique options. Sit atop one of the tallest Ferris Wheels in America, drive a racecar at Texas Motor Speedway, enjoy America’s Team—the Dallas Cowboys—or watch money being printed. Then have a steak at one of the best steakhouses around or sip a margarita at Stephan Pyles’ Stampede 66. Dozens of other possibilities await! The authors’ exhaustive research and years of living in the Metroplex will serve you well as you explore the many captivating corners of the magnificent DFW Metroplex!

The Quad Cities—three hours from both Des Moines and Chicago—is a unique metropolitan area along the mighty Mississippi River, growing in both size and nationwide reputation. This region of 400,000-plus people has all the friendliness, affordability, and short, headache-free commutes of many small towns, but also a staggering variety and quality of things to do. 100 Things to Do in the Quad Cities is an invaluable source to help you track down some of the top places, events, and organizations that make the area pulse and thrive. Take a tour of the creative, intoxicating QC Ale Trail including Bent River and Front Street breweries. Taste some terrifically varied restaurants like Me & Billy, Tantra, and Food Affair Bistro or enjoy live entertainment at Circa '21 or the Adler Theatre. Abounding museums and art galleries like the Figge and Putnam make the QC a genuinely special, entertaining place. Veteran local journalist Jonathan Turner is your knowledgeable, friendly guide to all that is great about the QC and how to make the most of your visit—whether you’re here for a busy, rich weekend, or a satisfying lifetime. You’ll want to check all 100 things off your list and then come back around the River Bend for more!

The marble monuments and memorials may be what first come to mind when you think of Washington, DC, but there are so many reasons beyond the borders of the National Mall to visit the nation's capital. The city, and its surrounding suburbs, is a bucket list-worthy destination for foodies, arts and culture lovers, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. 100 Things to Do in Washington, DC Before You Die showcases the best of the city‚ from its iconic attractions to hidden gems. Get a taste of DC's signature dish on U Street, cheer on Presidents past at the baseball stadium, and tour the world's largest library. Watch the curtain go up on the country's preeminent performing arts venue, take a spin on a 100-year-old carousel, and find out where Darth Vader "lives" in DC. See the world-famous cherry blossoms, watch pandas play, and sip a cocktail while overlooking the White House. Whether you're here for a week or a weekend, Washington, DC offers an abundance of attractions to fit any itinerary. 100 Things to Do in Washington, DC Before You Die is packed with things to see and do, plus plenty of insider tips to help you discover what makes Washington, DC a must-visit city.