The New York Times Weekends (Wonderful Weekends)

If you can't wait to get your hands on the Sunday "Travel" section of The New York Times, then you'll want to pick up a copy of Unforgettable Weekends, a compilation of travel essays written by Times reporters. This well-organized book covers 46 trips in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and most of New England. Interested in garden-hopping in Westchester? Read William Grimes's account of his forays among the flowers at Caramoor Gardens and Kykuit, the legendary Rockefeller estate. Ever considered biking from Manhattan to Montauk? You might think twice after reading Bruce Weber's absorbing cycling tale. The writing is, as expected, engaging and informative, and there's a good mix of tried-and-true destinations (Cape May, Mystic Seaport, Newport) with some unknown ones (Katonah's Muscoot Farm, Newark's Ironbound District). Wisely, detailed maps are included with each essay as well as concise, practical information: how to get there (listing specific highways and roads), where to stay (with brief hotel descriptions and prices), plus fun stuff like where to get a hot-air balloon ride (West Simsbury, Connecticut) and find good outlet shopping (Lancaster, Pennsylvania). --Jill Fergus