In the 1930s, the Federal Writers' Project paid Stetson Kennedy and Zora Neale Hurston, along with other lesser-known writers, to create driving tours of Florida. The FWP and the State of Florida jointly published the results as Florida: A Guide to the Southernmost State. In Backroads of Paradise, Cathy Salustri retraces the routes these writers traveled, bringing a modern eye to the historic tours.

A brilliantly illustrated guide to the secret splendors, quieter haunts, and wilder side of Florida, from spectacular shores and otherworldly swamplands to historic sites and cultural gems.

Your All-in-One Guide to Florida’s Best Outings! If you’ve ever asked, “What should we do today?” then you’ve never seen Florida Day Trips by Theme. This comprehensive guide to the Sunshine State is jam-packed with hundreds of Florida’s top spots for fun and entertainment. Take a simple day trip, or string together a longer vacation of activities that catch your interest. Destinations in the book are organized by themes, such as Lighthouses, Festivals, Outdoor Adventures, and Amusement and Theme Parks, so you can decide what to do and then figure out where to do it. Useful for singles, couples, and families—visitors and residents alike—this guide by Florida author Mike Miller encompasses a wide range of interests. Discover the state’s unique attractions—historic buildings, museums, beaches, the Everglades, Keys, and more. The book’s handy size makes it perfect for bringing along on your road trips. Plus, with tips for other things to do in the area, you’re sure to maximize the fun on every outing. With Florida Day Trips by Theme at your fingertips, you’ll always have something to do!

This new edition of Bruce Hunt's popular guide reveals the real, old-time Florida still to be found on the back roads of the Sunshine state in little towns that lure you in with their quaintness and keep you there for a spell with their friendly occupants. The towns featured all have a population of less than 10,000. The author revisited all the towns in the book for this update. He chatted with the inhabitants to get the inside story on how things have changed--and how they haven't. He introduces each town's history, museums, galleries, antiques shops, local eateries, and anything else he could find, including fishing holes and unusual and endearing local characters. This travelogue and guidebook lets you experience the flavor of Florida's back-road burgs and provides directions, addresses, phone numbers, and websites. Illustrated with the authors photographs. Includes maps.

NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA BACKROADS TRAVEL takes you off the Interstate Highways and onto the quieter roads that defined this region in earlier years. Millions of people visit North Central Florida every year and never really see it. Everything looks pretty much the same from Interstate 10 and Interstate 75. The same old billboards, gas stations, chain restaurants and tacky tourist traps call out to you as you speed along. This guide will rescue you from interstate monotony and take you off the beaten path to what is called Old Florida. This part of our fast growing state is still a place of serenity, natural wonders and historic places. The guide is organized into several different sections so you can browse what you'd like at your convenience. Several historic North Central Florida towns are profiled including Cedar Key, Cross Creek, Gainesville, Madison, Mayo, McIntosh, Micanopy, Melrose, Monticello, Quincy, Steinhatchee and Tallahassee. The history of each town is discussed and photos are shown along with an antique postcard now and then. If a town has a good restaurant, the guide will mention it along with some favorite lodging choices. North Central Florida is famous for its universities. This guide will show you what to look for, especially on football game weekends. You will also learn about several Florida State Parks. These parks are quiet treasures that will make your visit even more interesting. The guide doesn't focus on popular tourist attractions. The towns and places are the best attractions. It does take you, however, to the outstanding Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville.

CENTRAL FLORIDA BACKROADS TRAVEL takes you off the Interstate Highways and onto the quieter roads that defined this region in earlier years. Millions of people visit Central Florida every year and never really see it. Everything looks pretty much the same from Interstate 4, Interstate 75 or the Florida Turnpike. The same old billboards, gas stations, chain restaurants and tacky tourist traps call out to you as you speed along. This guide will rescue you from interstate monotony and take you off the beaten path to what is called Old Florida. This part of our fast growing state is still a place of serenity, natural wonders and historic places. The guide is organized into several different sections so you can browse what you'd like at your convenience. Several historic Central Florida towns are profiled including Babson Park, Cassadaga, Clermont, Doctor Phillips, Eustis, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Fruitland Park, Haines City, Highland Park, Howey In The Hills, Lakeland, Lake Placid, Lake Wales, Mount Dora, Ocala, Okeechobee, Orlando, Sebring, St Cloud, Tavares, The Villages, Wauchula, Windermere, Winter Garden, Winter Haven and Winter Park. The history of each town is discussed and photos are shown along with an antique postcard now and then. If a town has a good restaurant, the guide will mention it along with some favorite lodging choices. Although Central Florida is noted for its major Orlando theme parks, the area is also famous for its vast agricultural lands, its Ocala National Forest and older quieter tourist attractions. This guide will show you where the best ones are. You will also learn about several Florida State Parks. These parks are quiet treasures that will make your visit even more interesting. The guide does not focus on the major theme parks, but does give you brief introductions to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Seaworld. Florida heritage and history are important parts of the culture of Central Florida. The guide tells you about festivals, including art shows, and gives you times and places so you can enjoy them during your visit. You will also find a list of all Central East Florida heritage sites, and will learn about the interesting history of this part of Florida. Last but not least, CENTRAL FLORIDA BACKROADS TRAVEL has a section on Florida day trips. You will be given recommended driving routes along with maps to help you enjoy your wanderings around this interesting region of Florida. The guide is written by Mike Miller, a 50 plus year resident of Florida. Mike is a graduate civil engineer from the University of Florida and has traveled all over the state on both business and pleasure. He writes for and publishes his own website, Florida-Backroads-Travel.com. Much of the material from this guide is from the website.

Discover the hidden treasures of the Sunshine State with the second edition of this illustrated road trip guide featuring thirty-one new routes to explore! Apart from its world-famous attractions, Florida is full of natural splendor and historic charm that can’t be found unless you know where to look. The second edition of Backroads of Florida contains all-new routes along timeless backroads with new, vibrant photography and pithy stories of what can be found on your drive. As you explore the roads less traveled, you’ll follow in the footsteps of the Spanish explorers, pirates, and cowboys who shaped Florida’s early history. Whether it’s skimming across the Everglades in an airboat, snorkeling with manatees in a crystalline river, or paddling your kayak through a cypress swamp teeming with alligators, orchids, and tropical birds, there’s a world of excitement and beauty waiting for you. Leave Disney World and the hectic bustle of Miami Beach to the tourists. With this book, you’ve got a one-of-a-kind trip in store.

Discover the strange, sublime, and breathtaking sights of Texas with this illustrated guide featuring thirty backroad excursions. The second largest state in America, Texas is home to a vast array of hidden treasures waiting just off the beaten path. Backroads of Texas guides readers to intriguing sites, offbeat characters, and glorious landscapes that are typically missed by interstate travelers. Watch frenzied bats as they fly by the thousands from San Angelo’s Foster Road Bridge. Catch your breath as you drink in the majestic Guadalupe Mountains. Get ready for goosebumps when you spelunk into the shadowy depths of Inner Space Cavern. And try not to get spooked when you see the paranormal “ghost lights” near the eclectic town of Marfa. These off-road sights are what truly set the Lone Star State apart from its neighbors. Completely reimagined for a new generation of road-trip takers and explorers, Backroads of Texas is lavishly illustrated with photographs, maps, and vintage advertising of Texas’s many scenic, historic, and cultural attractions.

Offers a comprehensive look at the history of the state of Florida, from its discovery, exploration, and settlement through its becoming a state, to notable events in the early twenty-first century.

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA BACKROADS TRAVEL takes you off the Interstate Highways and onto the quieter roads that defined this region in earlier years. Millions of people visit Southeast Florida every year and never really see it. Everything looks pretty much the same from Interstate 95, Interstate 75 or the Florida Turnpike. The same old billboards, gas stations, chain restaurants and tacky tourist traps call out to you as you speed along. This guide will rescue you from interstate monotony and take you off the beaten path to what is called Old Florida. This part of our fast growing state is still a place of serenity, natural wonders and historic places. The guide is organized into several different sections so you can browse what you'd like at your convenience. Several Southeast Florida towns are profiled including Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Homestead, Key Biscayne, Key West, Miami and Palm Beach. The history of each town is discussed and photos are shown along with an antique postcard now and then. If a town has a good restaurant, the guide will mention it along with some favorite lodging choices. Although Southeast Florida is noted for its sprawling urban population, the area is also famous for the Florida Keys, the Everglades, its beaches and older quieter tourist attractions. This guide will show you where the best ones are. You will also learn about several Florida State Parks. These parks are quiet treasures that will make your visit even more interesting. Florida heritage and history are important parts of the culture of Southeast Florida. The guide tells you about festivals, including art shows, and gives you times and places so you can enjoy them during your visit. You will also find a list of all Southeast Florida heritage sites, and will learn about the interesting history of this part of Florida. Last but not least, SOUTHEAST FLORIDA BACKROADS TRAVEL has a section on Florida day trips. You will be given recommended driving routes along with maps to help you enjoy your wanderings around this interesting region of Florida. The book is written by Mike Miller, a 50 plus year resident of Florida. Mike is a graduate civil engineer from the University of Florida and has traveled all over the state on both business and pleasure. He writes for and publishes his own website, Florida-Backroads-Travel.com. Much of the material from this guide is from the website.