Best West South Central United States Travel Books of 2025

The Birds of Texas Field Guide is a must-have for bird enthusiasts in Texas. The book features 176 species of birds found in Texas, organized by color for easy identification. With Stan Tekiela’s expertise, bird identification is made simple and informative. The book contains naturalist tidbits and facts, professional photos, and even a compare feature to help distinguish between similar species. The new edition includes updated photographs and range maps, revised information, and more expert insights. Overall, this guide is a valuable resource for bird-watchers, both novice and experienced.

The Dooky Chase Cookbook is a celebration of Creole cuisine and the legacy of Leah Chase, the longtime chef and proprietor of Dooky Chase's Restaurant in New Orleans. The book features a collection of recipes from the restaurant's menu and Leah's personal files, as well as anecdotes and memories that tell the story of the restaurant's traditions and origins. The revised and expanded edition includes a new chapter on drinks and honors Leah's legacy after her passing in 2019. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in Cajun and Creole cooking and the cultural significance of Dooky Chase's Restaurant in New Orleans.

The Birds of Arkansas Field Guide by Stan Tekiela is a comprehensive guide to bird identification in Arkansas. The book features 124 species of Arkansas birds, organized by color for ease of use. The guide includes a simple color guide, a compare feature, and professional photos, making bird identification simple and informative. This book is an excellent resource for bird watchers of all levels and is a must-have for anyone interested in identifying birds in Arkansas. Overall, the book is well-written, informative, and visually stunning, making it an essential addition to any birder's library.

The Ultimate Arizona Bucket List Guide Book by UrGod is a comprehensive guide for anyone planning a trip to Arizona. With over 110 places to explore, an illustrated map, and a travel journal section, this guidebook is perfect for adventurers who want to make the most out of their trip. The book also includes practical advice on budgeting, directions, and planning. The reviews from satisfied customers speak for themselves, making it a must-have for anyone looking to explore Arizona. Overall, The Ultimate Arizona Bucket List Guide Book is an excellent resource that stands out for its comprehensive content and practical tips.

Fodor's New Orleans is the ultimate travel guide to explore the best of the city, from Bourbon Street to City Park. Packed with detailed maps, practical tips, and honest recommendations, this guidebook provides everything travelers need to plan a perfect trip to New Orleans. The book features an illustrated ultimate experiences guide, multiple itineraries, and special features on Mardi Gras, New Orleans cuisine, and music history. The "Best of" features on what to eat and drink, what to buy, and where to listen to live music are photo-filled, sparking wanderlust. Overall, Fodor's New Orleans is a must-have guidebook for anyone planning a trip to the Big Easy.

The Wildflowers of Texas Field Guide is a must-have for anyone interested in identifying the beautiful wildflowers of Texas. The book features 200 of the most common and important species found in the state, organized by color and size for easy use. The full-page photographs and fact-filled information make identification simple and informative. The book also includes naturalist notes and expert insights. This new edition includes updated photographs and expanded information. The Wildflowers of Texas Field Guide is an excellent resource for any nature lover and is highly recommended.

The Delorme Arkansas Atlas and Gazetteer is a must-have for anyone planning outdoor activities or road trips in the Natural State. This comprehensive atlas is packed with detailed topographic maps, GPS grids, and information on hiking trails, campgrounds, and outdoor recreation areas. The atlas also includes information on historic sites, scenic drives, and other points of interest. The Delorme Arkansas Atlas and Gazetteer is a valuable resource for anyone exploring the state and provides a wealth of information that is not available on traditional road maps.

The Texas Road and Recreation Atlas - 2nd Edition, 2022 is an exceptional publication that showcases the vastness of Texas and its recreation potential with precision and detail. The Landscape Maps, which reveal back-roads and land-forms, are extensively field-checked and provide an amazing realism. The Recreation Guide, arranged by category, is the ideal planning tool for any adventure, from a simple day-trip to an extended exploration. This edition is bigger and better, featuring stronger covers & binding and a new map projection that widens the perspective on our Landscape Maps, resulting in 40 additional pages. Benchmark Maps has done an excellent job of making this the most comprehensive and reliable map product ever published for The Lone Star State.

The Big Bend National Park Map (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map, 225) is a comprehensive and expertly researched tool for exploring the largest protected area of the Chihuahuan Desert. With its waterproof and tear-resistant paper, this map is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. The map features detail of the Chisos Mountains, Rio Grande Village, and Burro Mesa, with hiking and primitive trails clearly marked. Additionally, the map includes helpful information about backcountry use, regulations, wildlife, and safety tips. Overall, this map is an invaluable resource for anyone planning to explore the Big Bend National Park region.

The Birds of Oklahoma Field Guide by Stan Tekiela is an essential resource for bird enthusiasts in Oklahoma. With 115 species of birds organized by color, the book makes it easy to identify birds in the area. The guide also includes professional photographs, range maps, and naturalist notes, making it a comprehensive and informative resource. The author, a naturalist, wildlife photographer, and writer, has authored over 190 educational books and is an expert in his field. Overall, this guide is a must-have for anyone interested in bird-watching in Oklahoma.