The Hudson River and lush forests frame Albany, while its dynamic political scene contrasts with a nostalgic charm as authentically American as apple pie. New York City may be the Big Apple, but “Smallbany” tempts with apple picking, warm cider donuts, and the adult-only flavors of farm cideries. 100 Things to Do in Albany Before You Die reveals the beauty, excitement, and surprises of New York’s Capital City. Ever seen a building that defies description? Meet the Egg, Albany’s architectural wonder. Walk amidst giants at the Empire State Plaza, where one of the country’s tallest buildings reaches for the skies. And within its confines, find an art collection so stunning it belongs in a museum. In a city infamous for the Capitol building’s haunted Million Dollar staircase, there’s also the colossal presence of the largest Walmart Supercenter in the US and the world’s largest indoor roller-skating rink. And yet, the immense is offset by the enchantment of mini hot dog stands, thrilling water ski shows, and retro drive-in movie theaters. Penned by local travel writer Sandra Foyt, this book isn’t just for tourists. Both new visitors and longtime residents will find a bucket list jampacked with insider tips, covering well-trodden paths and the delightfully obscure.

You may know Illinois as the former home of Abraham Lincoln or Chicagoland. But Illinois is more than just the Land of Lincoln or the location of one of the US’s largest cities. 100 Things to Do in Illinois Before You Die introduces you to the state’s rich history, showcasing the places with some of the best food and entertainment Illinois has to offer. Discover Cahokia Mounds and Dickson Mounds State Museum, which reveal sacred sites and customs of indigenous tribes who dwelled here before it became the United States. Experience Mark Twain–style paddleboats, world class museums, and unique lodgings like a train caboose or a treehouse. There are boulders for climbing, hot air balloons for riding, and some of the best spectator sports to enjoy—all just beyond the borders of your neighborhood or region. Local author Melanie Holmes shares her favorite tips about her home state. Whether you’re a lifelong Illinoisan or visiting for the weekend, you’ll find something in these pages to add to your bucket list. From sandstone-lined waterways to the best of theater, dance, and comedy clubs, Illinois has it all.

In a state bookended by world-famous attractions—New York City to the southeast, Niagara Falls due west—Syracuse is often overlooked. It shouldn’t be. At the state’s geographic core, Central New York’s largest city is the bullseye of the Empire State. In 100 Things to Do in Syracuse Before You Die, you’ll get the inside scoop on the places, faces, and spaces that make this area distinctive, memorable, and welcoming throughout the year. Learn how Syracuse earned its nicknames Salt City and Snow City. Sample local specialties like chicken riggies and the six-pound frittata. Celebrate the arts and ethnic culture at seasonal festivals around town. Follow the historic Underground Railroad and the Erie Canal. At the eighth biggest mall in America, race a go-kart, climb the world’s largest indoor suspended ropes course, wander a mirror maze, or solve an escape-room puzzle. Enter the gates of the Great New York State Fair, the East Coast’s biggest end-ofsummer blast, where food, music, and the thrills of the midway attract 1.3 million attendees annually. Syracuse-based writer Linda Lowen—a former radio and TV producer and talk-show host—shares 25 years of media-insider knowledge, highlighting longtime favorites and revealing unexpected discoveries. Described in detail, these finds will entertain both visitors and longtime Central New York residents.

Explore the Cheyenne, Wyoming, region in ways you’ve never considered. Delving into one of the most iconic Western cities in America, 100 Things to Do in Cheyenne Before You Die delivers in-depth planning advice for visitors and solves the “what should we do” conundrum for even the umpteenth-generation Wyomingite. Peer 11,000 years into the past at the High Plains Archeological Dig Site or feel the grit of a bison’s tongue at Terry Bison Ranch. Find the best times and tips for paddling in the solitude of nature at Curt Gowdy State Park and visiting a world-famous rodeo arena during Cheyenne Frontier Days. This guide will offer myriad ways for the whole family to have fun as you earn pinball-wizard status at Flippers Family Arcade, sip hyper-local spirits at Pine Bluffs Distilling, and eat flapjacks with your 10,000 closest friends at the Pancake Breakfast. Authored by travel-insider Andi Jaspersen, this book compiles knowledge from her years of experience at the Visit Cheyenne tourism office. Explore Cheyenne with a local’s insight and the adventurous spirit of a tourist to discover your own rendition of the Wild West!

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.

Ithaca is Gorges! This is partly due to the more than 100 waterfalls within 10 square miles of Ithaca. But it’s also partly due to the gorgeous people, restaurants, museums, and organizations that call Ithaca home. 100 Things to Do in Ithaca Before You Die is your guide to finding out what makes Ithaca such a unique, vibrant, and creative place. Savor a taste of Ithaca icons by dining at Moosewood Restaurant and Purity Ice Cream Company. At the heart of downtown, stroll through the Ithaca Commons where you’ll find shopping, festivals, food, and entertainment. Discover what the colleges have to offer at the prestigious Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the renowned Ithaca College School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. Learn about viticulture and sample some of the country’s finest wines along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. Then hike to Buttermilk Falls, Cascadilla Gorge, or Ithaca Falls to experience for yourself the beauty and wonder of the region’s gorges. You’ll get an insider’s perspective of the city and region with Ithacan Amanda Jaros Champion, whose life in Ithaca has included everything from giving tours on the Cayuga Lake tour boat to raising two children to serving on the County Legislature. This book details adventures and experiences for anyone looking to get to know this special upstate city, whether you’re a short-stay visitor or a longtime Ithaca-lover.

Many Texas travel guides are all hat and no cattle, put together by temporary or transplanted Texans who aren’t well familiar with the state in its entirety, much less the experiences and marvels that express bona fide Lone Star spirit. Award-winning author E. R. Bills’s 100 Things to Do in Texas Before You Die is a definitive, quick-reference travel guide put together by a native-born, lifelong Texan who has traveled the state all his life and spent the last several years writing about its distinct treasures, attractions and history. From the Big Bend to the Big Thicket, the Panhandle to the Padre Island National Seashore and all points in between, join Bills in this Lone Star bucket list that emphasizes authentic Texas in in all of its amazing diversity, stark beauty and unparalleled presence in the lower forty-eight.