Book Reviews - Just Around The Bend Travel

May 4, 2024July 5, 2024

It’s A Perfect Day For A Trip

Sara Broers, a native of Iowa and accomplished author, once again captivates readers with her latest work, Perfect Day Iowa. Through her insightful books, Sara effortlessly bridges the gap between visitors and communities, crafting the quintessential Iowa experience.

In Perfect Day Iowa, her third book, Sara shares 174 recommendations for day trips and weekend getaways in her home state of Iowa. Sara aims to dispel Iowa’s unpopular label as a “flyover” state as she challenges readers to discover the hidden gems and breathtaking vistas scattered across the Hawkeye State.

Perfect Day Iowa is an immersive journey with detailed insights and vibrant photography that vividly showcases each destination. Sara’s engaging writing style transforms the book into an entertaining companion for armchair travelers and adventurers alike.

Navigating through this travel guide is a personalized experience; whether you prefer to flip through the pages, immerse yourself in colorful photographs, or dive straight into the narrative, the book accommodates every reader’s preference.

Fort Museum & Frontier Village, Fort Dodge, IA Page 82

With its user-friendly layout, you can explore the contents at your own pace, whether you read from front to back, back to front, start in the middle, or follow your curiosity from chapter to chapter. You can also start your journey by first reading the table of contents or the index. The order does not matter, as both features will direct you to the destination of your choice.

Decorah Fish Hatchery, Decorah, IA Page 27

Embark on an adventure through “Perfect Day Iowa,” where every page promises a new revelation and every destination beckons with its unique charm.

So, are you tempted to explore? Let Sara’s captivating narratives and expert recommendations inspire your next getaway, whether it’s this weekend or any day you crave an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Iowa.

March 1, 2024March 30, 2024

Discover the Secrets of Wisconsin with Tom and Kristi Flick Manus

Join travel writers Tom and Kristi Flick Manus as they lead you on a journey through their home state of Wisconsin in a quest to find the “weird, wonderful, and obscure.”

Tom and Kristi share their excitement and love of travel with fellow adventure travelers in in Secret Wisconsin, A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure.

The couple share 168 stories of some not-so-common attractions and some popular attractions that will drive road warriors to get out and explore the two-lane roads of Wisconsin.

You will have to read Secret Wisconsin, A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure more than once because it contains hundreds of tidbits about Wisconsin. Trivia players will not be disappointed with all the information in this book. There is plenty to add to their repository of knowledge.

Following are some questions, that the book answers.

What is the name of the school Laura Ingalls Wilder and her sisters attended when they returned to Pepin, WI in 1871?

Where is the world’s largest musky fish hatchery located?

In what year did John Schrank shoot President Theodore Roosevelt in Milwaukee?

What Wisconsin city is home to the Riverside International Friendship Gardens?

Tidbits

The writers also included an additional tidbit of information for each of the 168 stories in the book which in itself is very interesting. For example, on page 110, readers will learn that the map used by Charles Lindbergh to plan his route for the 1927 flight from New York to Paris is located in the rare room at The American Geographic Society Library.

Pro Tips

Each story also includes a helpful summary of information to make visit’s convenience – what, where, and cost – for visitors. Tom and Kristi even share a pro tip with every story. For example, story number 158, A Lake Superior Treasure, the pro tip is Don’t worry about looking like a tourist. Bayfield’s motto is, “Real Tourists Eat Whitefish Livers.”

In addition to all the information, the book is filled with many pictures. Plan your trip on the back roads of Wisconsin now. Maybe you will cross paths with Tom and Kristi.

Where Can I Buy Secret Wisconsin A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure

Secret Wisconsin A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure is one book in the Secret series, written by travel experts and published by Reedy Press. The softcover is 6” x 9” is 192 pages, and costs $19.95. The book can be purchased through Reedy Press, Amazon, Barnes & Nobel, and independent book stores. ISBN 9781681064949

Small Town Plus Size

Whether you are a seasoned traveler or just starting out on your journey, there is something for everyone in Secret Wisconsin A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure. For more travel adventures by Tom and Kristi, visit their website, www.smalltownplussize.com. Also follow Tom and Krisiti on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/smalltownplussize.

November 6, 2022March 1, 2024

Explore Iowa with Travel Writer Sara Broers

Experience the real Iowa with lifelong Iowa resident and travel writer Sara Broers. Broers shares 100 authentic Iowa adventures with residents and visitors in her recently released book, 100 Things To Do In Iowa Before You Die.

Broers is also the CEO of TravelWithSara.com, self-described as a website for folks that enjoy travel. The book features well-known attractions, restaurants, mom-and-pop stores, wineries, breweries, and festivals, and some not as well-known that Broers has visited. After reading just one of Broers suggestions, readers will be eager to get out and explore the culturally and historically rich and scenic Iowa that Broers lives and breathes.

Broers makes road-tripping fun, and she shares plenty of insider information that is sure to get readers revved up and ready to start exploring. In the back of the book, Broers offers suggested itineraries to help plan day and multi-day trips. There are also travel tips scattered throughout the book.

There is no one-way readers can tackle the book. Readers can start at the front of the book, they can begin at the back, or can flip through the book after reviewing the table of content or the index. No matter what approach to reading the book is selected, it will take reading just one adventure to be hooked and ready to head out on their first trip.

Did you know that pearls were found in the Mississippi River or that billions of pearl buttons were manufactured in Muscatine, the Pearl Button Capital of the World? To find out more about this industry, plan a visit to the National Pearl Button Museum in Muscatine.

Des Moines is home is a world-class skate park. 88,000 square feet of concrete to enjoy on four wheels and a board. Broers mentions that roller skates are allowed in the park.

Relive the fifties at the legendary Surf Ballroom the first weekend in February. The town of Clear Lake recreates the last concert of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper at the annual Winter Dance Party.

Visit Fort Dodge’s Gaga & Hoo Korean restaurant serves world-class authentic Korean food. Broers adds, “If you’re lucky, your server will pick up a guitar and serenade you while you dine on this delicious Korean food.”

Travel to the northeast quadrant of the state and ‘Meet the Man Who Fed the World’ Nobel Peace Prize winner, Norman Borlaug. Borlaug is recognized for his work developing a strain of wheat that can be cultivated throughout various regions of the world. Visit his birthplace and childhood home outside Cresco.

100 Things to Do in Iowa Before You Die is part of the 100 Things to Do Before You Die series, written by travel experts and published by Reedy Press. The softcover is 5.5” x 8.5” is 192 pages, and costs $19.95. The ISBN is 9781681063508.

Broers can be reached at travelwithsara@gmail.com and her book can be purchased online at https://www.reedypress.com/shop/100-things-to-do-in-iowa-before-you-die/.

Broers enjoys talking with fellow travelers, so if she sees you carrying a yellow 100 Things To Do travel book, don’t be surprised if she stops to talk and asks to take a selfie with you.

Enjoy traveling I