Along
Florida's Expressways (2nd Edition) ,
by Dave Hunter
A new regular feature that RoadTrip America is
developing revolves around the delightful concept of "fly-and-drive"
road trips. To help roadtrippers plan such combo trips, we're
now publishing articles with itineraries for day trips from
major metropolitan airports (like this one about day
trips from Las Vegas). Along Florida's Expressways,
a new guidebook by Dave Hunter (author of the outstanding
highway guide Along I-75),
is a perfect complement for a "fly-and-drive" road
trip. The book provides routes and information for crisscrossing
one of the most popular tourist states in the country.
One of the very best features
in this new second edition is right inside the front cover.
The Florida Map Index provides a quick overview of all the
sections of the eight interstate highways and eight expressway/toll
roads covered in detail inside the book. This is a major enhancement
over the first edition. With the Florida Map Index, a reader
can find information about any section of any covered highway
in a couple of seconds.
Dave and his wife Kathy drove
over 5,000 miles in 2007 researching these sixteen major highways
in Florida. The guidebook identifies all of the gas stations,
restaurants, motels, rest areas and special attractions found
at each exit. The table of contents page has been redesigned,
making it easier to learn how to use this guidebook.
If you have never seen one
of these types of guidebooks, you could, at first glance,
feel a little overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of information
as well as the complexity. Because Florida's major roads diverge
in every direction of the compass -- not only north/south
or east/west, but also in meandering diagonal routes across
the state -- Hunter has developed simple conventions that
help make what could be a navigational nightmare a "no-brainer."
Within a few minutes of browsing Along Florida's Expressways,
all becomes clear. Hunter has done an amazing job of presenting
comprehensive material about a complicated network of thoroughfares
in an easy-to-understand framework.
For non-Floridians, the information
provided in the introduction about Florida's traffic laws,
the history of Florida's native Indian population and the
almost perverse address numbering system used in the Florida
Keys would alone justify purchasing this book. But the addition
of the excellent "in case of hurricane" evacuation
route information, suggestions for which lanes to use at major
intersections, and insider's tips about attractions and travel
deals make this a must-buy for anyone planning a road trip
in Florida -- even locals. The author also provides some insider
tips for dealing with the "Unofficial Welcome Centers"
found along I-75 -- these are often venues promoting real
estate condominium options, and it's nice to know what to
expect before you stop.
Whether by car or armchair,
traveling with a road guru like Dave Hunter is a truly delightful
adventure. This new book is filled with choice discoveries
like the rollercoaster-like terrain in the Tallahassee Hills,
the intriguing story of the long-lost "Yellow Fever Treasure,"
the "Stretch Your Legs Trail," the Devil's Mill
sinkhole, the "Garden of Eden," and the nightly
performances of the "Mighty Wurlitzer" theatre organ
at the Roaring 20's restaurant in Ellington. In the "white
pages" section of the book, the author shares riveting
historical tales. Two that will stick with me are the story
of massacre at Matanzas Inlet (just south of Palm Coast) and
the successful landing of German saboteurs by submarine near
Jacksonville in 1942.
Along Florida's Expressways
is an invaluable companion for anyone who lives or travels
in Florida.
Mark
Sedenquist
4/11/08
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