Less Beaten Paths of America: Unique Town Names
A RoadsideWonders Book Review:
Less Beaten Paths of America: Unique Town Names (Volume 1)
by David Kravetz
I have had a fascination with odd, weird, colorful, and tacky roadside establishments since childhood. I used to stare wistfully through the backseat window at every oddly-shaped ice cream joint, tacky neon sign, absurd cement statue, or junky “tourist trap” (as my grandfather labeled them) on every car trip or vacation that I took with my parents or grandparents.
I wanted to stop at EVERY one. We didn’t . . . and I always took it personally. Of course, had I been humored, a cross-country trip may have taken years instead of days. My appreciation for crazy eyesores, giant advertising, and tourist attractions also lends itself to having no hesitation in traveling to a small town in the middle of nowhere just because it has a unique name (and perhaps a unique story to tell).
That’s where author David Kravetz and I are completely simpatico. He has no problem zigging out of his way to visit Bugtussle, Kentucky or zagging in another direction to document Uncertain, Texas. He will visit Hell, Michigan or Tightwad, Missouri just because the of the town’s unique or humorous name. I love that!
In his new book Less Beaten Paths of America: Unique Town Names (Volume 1) David documents his adventures and shares interesting details about peculiarly named towns. It is a quick, quirky, and informative read whether you are planning your own adventures or you just want to experience David’s obscure town visits from the comforts of home.
Download the digital copy and keep it with you. Better yet, order the book and keep it in your car, your RV, your backpack, your motorcycle bags … wherever it will be close when you’re out and about and need a funny name fix.
Also, keep up with David on his blog Less Beaten Paths. He also has a number of books planned for the future. I can’t wait to read what he has in store!
Wendy:
Thank you so very much for such a wonderful write up about my new book! Really appreciate the time and I agree that we are both of the same fabric in terms of travel! You RAWK!
My pleasure 🙂
Definitely sounds like a great guidebook for going way off the beaten path. …. Or perhaps see it as a challenge: He found THESE quirky places. What spots can intrepid explorers find that he missed?
Chris:
It is a fun guidebook. I have been to every place I wrote about in the book. I left out dozens of others due to lack of room. I may do a follow up. The places are no fun to write about unless you actually go there!!
Hope you’ll check the book out. ENJOY THE RIDE!
I’ll definitely check out the book, great review! And I’m going to go look at the blog right now!
Marty:
Thanks. Hope you’ll get a chance to visit some of these unique places.
ENJOY THE RIDE!
I share your love of such places and am definitely going to buy this book. Happy holidays!
Happy Holidays to you too 🙂
I’ve been a fan of David’s wacky travels for several years now. Really love his book! I’ve got the ebook, but can hardly wait for the paperback to arrive. This is a must-have for planning quirky road trips of my own!
p.s. Nice to meet you, Wendy! I can totally relate to your wistful roadside yearnings! I’m doing my best to fulfill them now that I’m an adult. 🙂
Nice to meet you as well, Tui 🙂
Wendy/Tui:
Glad the two of you were able to hook up. You both are inspirations to me!!
Thanks for all and may you both have an amazing holiday!!
Cheers – Merry Christmas – Happy New Years, etc.