Florida, Off the Beaten Path, 10th edition

The Insiders Guide, Florida, Off the Beaten Path is now in its 10th edition and was published on November 18, 2008.

Format: Paperback
Page: 208 pages
Publisher: Globe Pequot
Date: November 18, 2008
ISBN: 0762748583
Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches

It is typically republished every two years and has been updated to reflect the changes over the last two years.

Florida, Off the Beaten Path is written by Diana and Bill Gleasner, veteran Florida vacationers and illustrated throughout with finely execute pen and ink drawings.

It is more of a journal than a guide book and leads you to some of the quirkier corners of Florida and gives you ideas on alternative activities like where you can go kayaking, tubing, snorkelling, scalloping, sail on a 19th century schooner or take a ghost tour.

It will lead you to un-developed beaches and many other lesser-known places like the distinctly old-fashioned mermaids show at Weeki Wachee Springs; away from the more traditional attractions and sights of Florida.

Intertwined with the history of the area, are details of alternative attractions, restaurants, museums, shops and small B&B establishments all within the same area. For each entry, they give the address, telephone number, website and opening times where appropriate.

The main chapters divide the state up into six regions with a map and suggested tour of each region. There are also details of all the State Parks, Visitor Centers and local Chambers of Commerce plus suggested places to stay and eat with addresses, telephone numbers and websites.

The first chapter gives you a host of facts about Florida including a list of famous people who were born, lived or died in Florida and one of the appendices lists suggested reading for both adults and younger readers.

Scattered throughout the book are details about the lives of people like Henry Flagler who brought the railroad to Florida and the circus magnate, John Ringling who built Ca'd'Zan.

Note that most guide books are re-published annually so you can often pick up a bargain if you don't mind last year's edition.