Located smack-dab in the middle of the Sunshine State of Florida stands the City Beautiful of Orlando. No stranger to travel guides, Orlando is just the fourth-largest city in the state but one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, welcoming millions of visitors in an average year. In this updated third edition of 100 Things to Do in Orlando Before You Die, you’ll explore this ever-changing region and its newest attractions, coolest restaurants, and unique activities. Discover the best local microbreweries, the hippest ice cream spots, a place to skydive without getting into an airplane, and a lake where you can get a guided tour on a glowing, stand-up paddleboard. Naturally, many visitors are drawn to the top-tier attractions, theme parks, and award-winning hotels. And while those blockbuster sites may be the main attractions, you’ll find that in between those flashing lights and mouse-shaped desserts are endless experiences that don’t exist anywhere else in the world. Snorkel with gentle sea cows, soak in luxurious beer spas, visit historic parks where you can make your own blueberry pancakes, paddle on swan boats, ski indoors, and so much more. Join your Central Florida guides, Jon Busdeker and Brendan O’Connor, as they take you on a whirlwind tour of what makes this region so much more than just a place to buy a hat with ears or cosplay your favorite wizard.

Orlando is known as the "Theme Park Capital of the World," but did you know there is so much more to Central Florida than Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld? The region is home to some of the world's most unique restaurants, events, attractions and activities. 100 Things to Do in Orlando Before You Die is an insider's guide to what makes Orlando so special. Did you know you can go zip-lining over alligators at Gatorland? Did you know the region's largest concentration of pinball machines is at The Pinball Lounge? Have you ever been to Lee & Rick's Oyster Bar, one of the oldest restaurants in Central Florida? Whether you're a resident or a visitor to Orlando, the 100 Things to Do in Orlando Before You Die will help you discover the "real" Orlando.

For most people who live in Orlando, summer is spent inside, in the pool, or at the beach. In the cooler months, you may go to a theme park now and again for a special occasion. But if that’s all you do, you’re missing out on some amazing attractions right here in our own backyard. 100 Things to Do in Orlando Before You Die is a “bucket list” guide to a pantheon of Orlando activities. It features everything from behind-the-scenes tours at Disney World, to monster truck rides into an orange grove, to what is known as the world’s fastest zip line, to a lighthouse tour where you can see the sun go down and the moon come up at the same time. So how do you know where to start? That’s what this book is for, whether you are a local or a visitor to Orlando. Even if you’ve lived here your entire life, this book will help you discover why Orlando is Vacation Capital of the World.

Tampa Bay offers an array of interesting places to visit and explore, including beautiful beaches, aquariums, theme parks, breweries, art museums, parks, and restaurants. But whether you’re a local or a tourist, there are plenty of spots you might be missing. Why not step into the dark night in Ybor City to discover the streets and spaces where stories of early immigrants unfold on a walking ghost tour? Or watch the 1940s sponge diving video and then soak up the Greek culture and kooky kitsch at Spongeorama in Tarpon Springs. Climb through the great aboveground root forest at Edward Medard Conservation Park in Plant City. Or wait for the first weekend of each month and dig through the treasures at Brocante Vintage Market in St. Pete. In this second edition of 100 Things to Do in Tampa Bay Before You Die, you’ll find one hundred ideas to help you get to know Tampa Bay, or get to know it even better.

Oakland is in the middle of a renaissance and, in the past five years, has quickly become a melting pot for hipsters, techies and aspiring artists escaping the San Francisco fog. But at its heart is the families that have called this city home for decades, giving it a rare sense of community that’s dying in other parts of the San Francisco Bay Area. This can be experienced first-hand every month at Oakland First Fridays, where local bands and artists converge to put on the ultimate block party. Or the Grand Lake Farmer’s Market every Saturday provides another canvas for cultural and ethnic diversity. It only takes about 10 minutes at one of these city-wide events to see how Oakland, the birthplace of the Black Panther Party and other social justice organizations, is the definition of civic pride, welcoming any and all who visit to feel at home.

Missouri is called the Show-Me State for a good reason. From cosmopolitan rooftop bars to breathtaking mountain views, there are so many amazing things to do here that you could spend a lifetime exploring and still not cover it all. Make your goal easier with 100 Things to Do in Missouri Before You Die, a curated collection of the best from every corner of the state. Discover architectural wonders beyond the Arch, outdoor escapes like scuba diving in the Bonne Terre Mine, and museums and festivals celebrating everything from ragtime to road trips. Take the time to experience the legacy of George Washington Carver, Daniel Boone, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Harry S. Truman. Find ideas for exploring the Ozark mountains, Missouri’s big cities, unique small towns, and even prehistoric caves. Don’t miss insider tips to world-famous attractions, distinctive food and nightlife scenes, cultural creatives in fashion and the arts, and where to shop for everything from fine furniture to fine whiskey. Local authors John W. Brown and Amanda E. Doyle invite you to buckle up for this nonstop adventure ride around their home state. Special features such as seasonal and themed itineraries make planning a snap, so there should never be a reason for you or your family to say, “I have nothing to do!”

Although Gainesville may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of Florida, it has steadily been making a name for itself. This not-so-small-town is full of eclectic eateries, a vibrant arts scene, beautiful natural wonders, and so much history. Gainesville has no shortage of nearby activities, with world-class beaches, theme parks, and metropolitan areas such as Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville just a quick drive away. But it is a haven for those looking for a slower pace and tight-knit community just outside the hustle-and-bustle. In 100 Things to Do in Gainesville Before You Die, you’ll discover the must-dos and learn where the locals go, even if you’re just passing through. Catch a play at the historic Hippodrome Theater and grab dinner and drinks at one of the many local spots downtown. Head out to Paynes Prairie and search for alligators and wild roaming herds of bison. Or kayak through crystal-clear natural springs on a day trip down the Santa Fe River. Learn about Gainesville’s extensive history at interactive spots like Dudley Farm or the Florida Museum of Natural History. Grab a slice at one of the most iconic and quirky restaurants in town, Satchel’s Pizza. Or climb down a 120-foot sinkhole into a mini rainforest at Devil’s Millhopper. 100 Things to Do in Gainesville Before You Die is an insider’s guide to the best things to do, see, and taste in Gainesville. Travel writer and Gainesville local Lauren Gonzalez takes you through her hometown, sharing both the tried-and-true experiences and the hidden gems, along with tips and itineraries to help you make the most of your time in Gainesville.

Branson, Missouri may simultaneously be the most fun, toe-tapping, memory-making, laugh-inducing, family-loving experience you will ever have. A gem nestled in the Ozark Mountains, visitors have been coming for over one hundred years to cruise "The Strip" and sample the best of the past and the thrills of tomorrow. It all started with a famous book - The Shepherd of the Hills (still an outdoor theater play) and continued with the award-winning 1800s theme park, Silver Dollar City. Country music and comedy soon took the stage with the Presley's and Baldnknobber shows, until today, where the Live-Entertainment Capitol of the World is home to tens of thousands of theater seats, multiple museums, culinary delights to tempt every taste, and the natural beauty of three extensive lakes. In just one vacation, you can rise to the top of the tower at Inspiration Point, plumb the depths of Marvel Cave, discover the old homestead at Lakeside Wilderness, eat a "foot" of chocolate, honk a wacky quacker, and shop an old-time five-and-dime. From outlet malls to boutique stores, Branson is also the place for bargains. When night falls, find your groove on the Branson Landing's boardwalk as the fire and fountain show blazes into the night, eat at a floating restaurant, and watch the city glow from the top of the 150-foot Ferris Wheel. You won't want to miss a moment of the excitement....unless, of course, you do. In that case, kick back in a cabin at Big Cedar Lodge and watch the sun set over Table Rock Lake. Have a late breakfast at Top of the Rock, then paddle along Taneycomo and fish for rainbow trout. Finish out the day with a lazy scenic drive and a flea market find. National forests and state parks offer hours of happy wandering with wildlife, and you just might stumble on a secret even the locals haven't found yet. Whether you yearn for city fun or country quiet, there's something for everyone here in the Ozarks. In Branson, you can have the trip you've always dreamed of.

100 Things to Do in America Before You Die is a fun guide to understanding the complex fabric of the United States and the people that call it home. This book isn't simply a listing of places to visit but a catalogue of uniquely American experiences. From sipping on southern sweet tea to standing where the Wright Brothers tested their first "flying machine", each experience makes up an important piece of our American story. You'll find an enlightening mix of history, entertainment, art, food, sports, and even places to cross off your "selfie" bucket list. As an added bonus, you'll also find amusing trivia questions on every page. Most important of all, 100 Things to Do in America Before You Die was written to inspire road trips across the country. Mountains, museums, fried chicken, small towns, and yes, even the world's tallest mailbox—they all await you. Buckle up. It's going to be a fun ride.

If you think you know what Houston is all about, think again. Long recognized as a business capital, today the Bayou City is a destination for those seeking unique culinary and cultural experiences. Driven by the most diverse population in the nation, Houston offers restaurants, festivals, museums and more that celebrate cultures from around the world. Far more than your typical travel itinerary, 100 Things to Do in Houston Before You Die is a definitive guide to the real H-Town experience, from off-the-beaten path attractions like the Orange Show to eclectic eats on Long Point Road. You'll learn about the people and places that have shaped Houston through the decades and create your own experience in the nation's fourth-largest city. Whether you're visiting Houston for the first time, are a new resident or simply want to reengage with the city, this is the book you need for the journey.