Bonni's Bookshelf
Check out your local library for any of the following helpful books on your next adventure!
The Best Coast, A Road Trip Atlas by Chandler O’Leary
Colorful, dreamy and highly informative, this guide is great for any western wanderlust you may have. Multiple itineraries and kitschy stops along the way, The Best Coast is your first step on the winding 101 or checking out the many Missions along the western coast.
Check out her book and other work here .
EZ 66 Route 66 Guide for Travelers by Jerry McClanahan
McJerry, as he’s called by devotees of the Mother Road, has some of the most updated Route 66 information out there with EZ updates on his website here
McJerry even operates a museum in Oklahoma. Be sure to contact him in advance if you’re in the area and wish to stop by!
Check out his informative guide here.
50 States 5000 Ideas by National Geographic
National Geographic presents a concise yet visually organized and engaging guide for ins and outs of each state to springboard your next road trip. Each state receives equal opportunity on a four page spread to spur your interest!
Check out more ideas here.
How The States Got Their Shapes by Mark Stein
From the TV Show every geography enthusiast loves, these books will answer the really burning questions. Why are there two parts of Michigan? Why is there a notch cut out of the top-right corner of Arkansas? Why does Oklahoma have the skinny panhandle? Since there are so many questions, a second book was released!
Map out more here.
The Unofficial Guide Disneyland
After finding an Unofficial Disneyland guide at my local library, immediately it was clear the wealth of knowledge and efficiency offered in this mouse-minded manual. Constantly updated both online and annually in book form, this resource is a must-have for any future Disney-bounder.
Island Time, A Traveler's Atlas by Chander O’Leary
Another great guide from the visionary artist and author, O’Leary gives a local’s perspective with this stunning and informative guide about the Pacific Northwest and its finest coastal destinations.
Breeze into more about this colorful guide here.
The Complete History of Peanuts on Parade by William Johnson
Peanuts are indeed on Parade in California! Volume 1 of William Johnson’s book covers the original statues’ installation in Minnesota where Peanut’s creator, Charles M. Schulz was born. Volume 2 focuses on the second public art sculptural display in honor of this beloved artist in his later residence of Sonoma County. Schulz’s legacy remains strong with the popular destinations of Schulz Museum and Snoopy’s Home Ice along with a multitude of unique Charlie Brown, Woodstocks and Lucy statues around the Santa Rosa area making it a must-see destination within the greater Bay Area!
Read more about his work here.
Bay Curious by Olivia Allen-Price
From the popular San Francisco Bay Area KQED-produced podcast, Bay Curious , Allen-Price takes us to treasures of this foggy, yet fantastic place.
Quench your curiousity about this book here.
Birnbaum’s Disneyland Resort The Official Vacation Guide
Annually updated and officially The Book of Disneyland Resort, it’s a must-add to your toolkit for your future pixie-dusted adventure to the “happiest place on Earth!”
Land’s End from The Golden Gate National Park Conservancy
Interactive booklet aimed at younger readers, yet informative for anyone with interest in the history of Cliff House , Sutro Heights and other San Francisco sites of times past.
Sold online here.
Cherokee Heritage Trails Guidebook by Barbara R. Duncan & Brett H. Riggs
Follow the footsteps of those who first inhabited the hills of the Appalachians and who still thrive there today. This rich resource walks through sites of the Southeast for anyone wishing to explore the Cherokee people’s story both before and after the Trail of Tears.
Find your copy here.
Dollywood: Ultimate Guide of Things to See, Eat & Do” by Marcy Conway
This handy guide is your go-to when heading to the hills of Tennessee and the home of Dolly Parton’s own Dollywood! Complete with parking tips, details of each area, and highlights of the upcoming seasons, I urge Dolly fans to add this to your own bookshelf.
Add to cart here.
Fun Along the Road: American Tourist Attractions by John Margolies
Found on the shelf of a used book store in Sonoma County, CA, a few years after I moved to the area. I flipped to the first page, and it was an image of Lover's Leap at Rock City which was visible from the small town in Georgia where I grew up.
This adventure-lover's treasure trove explores the marketing campaign that led the world to "See Rock City!" to other roadside kitsch such as "Santa Claus, AZ."
Creating a Fairyland by Randal J. Metx and Tony Jonick
Explore a gem of Oakland, CA, home to Children's Fairyland. This book focuses on the first 60 years of operation from inception to how the park has endured and changed over the years. Step back in time if you're in Oakland or look for a copy at your local library.