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Apple's America: The Discriminating Traveler's Guide to 40 Great Cities in the United States and Canada
Unpretentious, sophisticated, and always appetizing advice from a celebrated authority
For more than thirty years, R. W. Apple Jr. has roamed the United States as an eyewitness to history. Here, in Apple's America , his robust enthusiasm for the food and culture of New England, the South and West, the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, and his native Middle West carries him to forty great cities, where he proves to be our ideal guide--amused and amusing, knowledgeable, indefatigable, and endlessly curious.
From Boston to Honolulu, from Montreal to Las Vegas, Cincinnati to Seattle, Johnny Apple explores the landmarks, architecture, business, culture, and, of course, the food and beverages of his favorite urban communities. Capturing the tone and style of American city life to perfection, he shows us the hidden treasures, the best buildings, the famous landmarks, the historical aura, and the present-day realities that make each city so memorable. And in each he recommends several places to stay, numerous places to eat, and sites or activities you shouldn't miss. No traveler in the United States will want to do without his recommendations.
For more than thirty years, R. W. Apple Jr. has roamed the United States as an eyewitness to history. Here, in Apple's America , his robust enthusiasm for the food and culture of New England, the South and West, the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, and his native Middle West carries him to forty great cities, where he proves to be our ideal guide--amused and amusing, knowledgeable, indefatigable, and endlessly curious.
From Boston to Honolulu, from Montreal to Las Vegas, Cincinnati to Seattle, Johnny Apple explores the landmarks, architecture, business, culture, and, of course, the food and beverages of his favorite urban communities. Capturing the tone and style of American city life to perfection, he shows us the hidden treasures, the best buildings, the famous landmarks, the historical aura, and the present-day realities that make each city so memorable. And in each he recommends several places to stay, numerous places to eat, and sites or activities you shouldn't miss. No traveler in the United States will want to do without his recommendations.
- GenresTravelNonfiction
Paperback
First published April 7, 2007
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January 30, 2009One of those books that inadvertently ends up precisely measuring a generation gap. Apple is basically your cultured, well-travelled, much-loved 80-year old uncle-in-law. He roams the country with a focus on the traditional pillars of tourism: fancy hotels, expense-account restaurants, art museums, and the performing arts.
All well and good, but... the country inevitably comes across as deracinated and bland, because he's ignoring everything that provides unique local flavor. Apple goes to Santa Fe without partaking of green chile, visits Philadelphia many times without eating a cheesesteak, and practically lives in Baltimore without opining on the best crabcake. He never hears country music, mariachi, or polka. History and science oriented sites get short shrift, outdoor activities are unknown, and sporting events make only a modest appearance even in sports-mad towns like Chicago.
Basically made me happy not to have lived in a USA so class-stratified by high and low cultures.
All well and good, but... the country inevitably comes across as deracinated and bland, because he's ignoring everything that provides unique local flavor. Apple goes to Santa Fe without partaking of green chile, visits Philadelphia many times without eating a cheesesteak, and practically lives in Baltimore without opining on the best crabcake. He never hears country music, mariachi, or polka. History and science oriented sites get short shrift, outdoor activities are unknown, and sporting events make only a modest appearance even in sports-mad towns like Chicago.
Basically made me happy not to have lived in a USA so class-stratified by high and low cultures.
Displaying 1 of 1 review