PICK OF THE WEEK
“History Just Ahead: A Guide to Wisconsin’s Historical Markers”
(State Historical Society of Wisconsin, $12.95)
If you’re like me, you probably can’t resist stopping at the many historical markers that you come across in your travels. And if you happen to be planning a trip to the Badger State, be sure to pick up a copy of “History Just Ahead,” which contains information on 400 historical markers in Wisconsin. The markers commemorate famous and infamous characters, great events and tragic disasters, industrial and agricultural inventions, military forts, ethnic settlements, and places of natural beauty and wonder. The book is divided into five regional sections. Within each region, counties are arranged alphabetically. In 1994 the state of Wisconsin expanded the Historical Markers Program by adding a series of thematic markers, including the Green Bay Ethnic Trail and the Black Hawk War Trail. What is really impressive about the ambitious program, though, is its diversity. The more unusual markers featured in the book include where the ice cream sundae originated, the site of the first African-American church built in Wisconsin, Delavan’s circus colony, Indian mound sites and, the most poignant, a marker describing that other devastating fire that took place in October 1871 — the deadly Peshtigo fire. On a brighter side, there’s even a marker for the Green Bay Packers, fitting for such a football-mad state. Contains 100 illustrations. (800-621-2736)
“Oddball Illinois: A Guide to Some Really Strange Places”
(Chicago Review Press, $12.95)
If you’ve ever wanted to know where the strangest restaurant in Illinois is located or what is the weirdest museum in the state, you will probably find Jerome Pohlen’s goofy “Oddball Illinois” one irresistible guidebook. Some of the sites are well known but nevertheless indispensable (the Leaning Tower YMCA in Niles , for example, or the male and female hot dog sculptures atop the Superdawg Drive-In at the intersection of Milwaukee, Devon and Nagle) while others are just as striking but less familiar (such as the crashed plane on a country road near Norway). It’s also full of fun trivia. How many people know that Robert (“Brady Bunch”) Reed is buried in Skokie’s Memorial Park Cemetery or that Danville in central Illinois boasts several famous sons (Dick and Jerry Van Dyke, Donald O’Connor, Gene Hackman and Bobby Short)? For truly oddball, though, consider the case of the young lawyer who, taking off his glasses when chasing a co-worker through the Prudential Building, missed a corner, flew through a window and plunged 39 floors to his untimely death. And how about the Jesus in a tree illusion in Quincy or the world’s largest catsup bottle in Collinsville? Oddball, indeed.
“Alternative Chicago: Unique Destinations Beyond the Magnificent Mile”
(Cumberland House, $10.95)
A neighborhood-by-neighborhood account of unusual places in the city, from resale and vintage shops to record stores and book shops to bars and clubs. Author Bill Franz offers brief takes on what he considers the most unique sites in town. They range from Kasia’s Polish Deli on Chicago Avenue in West Town to Simon’s Tavern in Andersonville. The book holds few surprises, though; indeed, anyone who knows Chicago fairly well will probably recognize most of the selections, including such local institutions as Manny’s Coffee Shop and Deli in Maxwell Street or the venerable Old Town Ale House in Old Town. Unfortunately, some of the most interesting places listed in the book have already shut down: Lounge Ax, Xoinx Tea Room, Caffe Pergolesi, No Exit Cafe.
BASEBALL TRAVEL
“Fodor’s Baseball Vacations”
(Fodor’s, $18)
This second edition by husband-and-wife team Bruce Adams and Margaret Engel is for anyone who loves travel and baseball. Subtitled “Great Family Trips to Minor League and Classic Major League Ballparks Across America,” it’s full of entertaining little anecdotes and wonderful baseball lore. From Grapefruit League spring training to the Cactus League and desert baseball, Adams and Engel and family traveled almost 50,000 miles, making stops in 45 states, to help readers plan a vacation around the national pastime. They not only describe individual teams and stadiums, they also tell you the best places to stay and eat as well as sights to see while in the area. Includes a listing of the addresses and Web sites of every major and minor league team in North America. So if you’re searching for the addresses of the Kane County Cougars or the Schaumburg Flyers, look no further.
FAMILY TRAVEL
“100 Best Family Resorts in North America”
(Globe Pequot, $17.95)
Authors Janet Tice and Jane Wilford describe places where adults and children can enjoy “interesting and age-appropriate activities.” They have taken into consideration different styles, price angles and geographic locations, where both adults and children can share some common ground. Here, in this book subtitled “100 Quality Resorts With Leisure Activities for Children and Adults,” you will find descriptions of ski lodges, beach resorts, dude ranches, country inns and more. The resorts are arranged geographically from New England to the West (several Canadian provinces are also included). Only one resort in Illinois is cited: Eagle Ridge in Galena. The entries are rather lengthy, with generous information on setting up the scene, accommodations, dining and children’s activities.
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Contact Resourceful Traveler in care of Toni Stroud at tstroud@tribune.com.
