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?

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.

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.

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!

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!

Detroit enjoys a rich history, having forged the American landscape with sexy muscle cars and the toe-tapping rhythms of Motown. But there’s more to love about Detroit than merely its history. And there’s never been a better time to explore than today, as the Motor City buzzes with a spirit of renewal. 100 Things to Do in Detroit before You Die paves the way to a rediscovery of this great Midwestern city, revealing tucked-away gems like the Grand Trunk Pub and the world’s oldest jazz club, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge. You’ll find in these pages a Detroit brimming with renewed energy, where young chefs innovate with urban farm-grown food and where manufacturing know-how crafts trendy Shinola watches. And since oldies really can be goodies, we’ve also included classic sights like the Ford Rouge Factory Tour and the Motown Museum. Whether you’ve lived in Detroit all your life and want to dig deeper or you’re a traveler eager to discover the city for the first time, 100 Things to Do in Detroit before You Die will help you create—and complete—your very own Motor City bucket list.

It’s time to discover Buffalo, the city that combines the sophistication of the Northeast with the affability of the Midwest. From world-class modern art to the world’s best chicken wings, Buffalo offers visitors a rich banquet of intriguing history, iconic architecture, lush scenery, fun food, and relentless nightlife. Stand in the mist of Niagara Falls, kayak the Buffalo River, stroll through a neighborhood of Victorian homes, eat at a downtown hotspot, and finish up with a dose of blues, Americana, chamber folk, jazz, or alt-rock. With a cityscape featuring masterpieces by Frank Lloyd Wright, H. H. Richardson, Louis Sullivan, and Frederick Law Olmsted, Buffalo is a nonstop visual feast. Its institutions include some of America’s oldest and most distinguished, founded by the industrialists who helped build America. Within twenty minutes of downtown, a generous menu of day trips includes charming villages, nature preserves, beach towns, and historic resorts. Find out why this city on Lake Erie is becoming a cult hit among savvy travelers.

Located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Denver has always been a center for outdoor recreation. But today, Colorado’s booming capital city is becoming as well known for its chef-owned restaurants, breweries, live music, galleries and trendy young neighborhoods. Whether you’re a transplant looking for a bucket list of adventures in the Mile High City, or a first-time visitor searching for vacation ideas, let 100 Things to Do in Denver Before You Die be your guide. Here are places to bike, hike, walk, drink, climb, taste and explore. From LoDo to LoHi, Cherry Creek to Longs Peak, this is the guide to experiencing the best that the Front Range of Colorado has to offer.