Fodor's upCLOSE California, 2nd Edition: The Guide that Gets You to the Heart and Soul of the State [Paperback]

Fodor's (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 14, 2000 | Series: Fodor's upCLOSE

Fodor's upCLOSE California 2ed"Good writing and a sassy attitude." -- Chicago Sun-Times

"Takes you places locals love and tourists don't know about." -- American Way magazine

"Perfect for finding bargains." -- Shape magazine

Designed for people who want to travel well and spend less: With candid reviews and a fresh outlook, Fodor's upCLOSE points the way to authentic experiences that will take you away from the crowds and close to the culture -- without having to spend a fortune.

Great places to stay that don't cost a fortune -- From country B&Bs to ocean-view motels.The best places to eat, drink, and play with the locals -- From L.A. hot spots, to revival film houses and experimental theaterOn-the-money insights into local culture, history, and sightsGreat side tips and adventures beyond the obviousPacked with savvy trips and practical information -- From airfare deals to tips on losing the crowds.Clear, readable maps

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Fodor's upCLOSE California 2ed"Good writing and a sassy attitude." -- Chicago Sun-Times

"Takes you places locals love and tourists don't know about." -- American Way magazine

"Perfect for finding bargains." -- Shape magazine

Designed for people who want to travel well and spend less: With candid reviews and a fresh outlook, Fodor's upCLOSE points the way to authentic experiences that will take you away from the crowds and close to the culture -- without having to spend a fortune.

Great places to stay that don't cost a fortune -- From country B&Bs to ocean-view motels.The best places to eat, drink, and play with the locals -- From L.A. hot spots, to revival film houses and experimental theaterOn-the-money insights into local culture, history, and sightsGreat side tips and adventures beyond the obviousPacked with savvy trips and practical information -- From airfare deals to tips on losing the crowds.Clear, readable maps

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Traveling upCLOSE

Camp in a national park. Taste wine that's never traveled. Go to a festival. Catch a wave. Climb a mountain. Eat well. And if you want to experience the heart and soul of California, whatever you do, don't spend too much money. The deep and rich experience of California that every true traveler yearns for is one of the things in life that money can't buy. In fact, if you have it, don't use it. Traveling lavishly is the surest way to turn yourself into a sideline traveler. Restaurants with white-glove service are great -- sometimes -- but they're usually not the best place to find the perfect cassoulet. Doormen at plush hotels have their place, but not when your look-alike room could be anywhere from Düsseldorf to Detroit. Better to stay in a more intimate place that truly gives you the atmosphere you traveled so far to experience. Don't just stand and watch -- jump into the spirit of what's around you.

If you want to see California up close and savor the essence of its cities, deserts, mountains, or coast, and its people in all their laid-back glory, this book is for you. We'll show you the local culture, the offbeat sights, the bars and cafés where tourists rarely tread, and the B&Bs and other hostelries where you'll meet fellow travelers -- places where the locals would send their friends. And because you'll probably want to see the famous places if you haven't already been there, we give you tips on losing the crowds, plus the quirky and obscure facts you want as well as the basics everyone needs.

Our Gang

You're probably wondering who "we" are. We're artists and poets, slackers and straight arrows, and travel writers and journalists, who in our less hedonistic moments report on local news and spin out an occasional opinion piece. What we share is a certain footloose spirit and a passion for travel, which we celebrate in this guidebook. Shamelessly, we've revealed all of our favorite places and our deepest, darkest travel secrets, all so that you can learn from our past mistakes and experience the best part of California to the fullest.

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Fodor's; 2 edition (March 14, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 067900369X
• ISBN-13: 978-0679003694
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,030,234 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)