Best Of The Midwest Rediscovering America's Heartland

Join Midwest Livingreg; magazine's Dan Kaercher as he revisits dozens of his favorite places across the Midwest. From vibrant cities to serene small towns and splendid parklands, Dan rediscovers the heart of the Heartland - its varied history, rich heritage, and unique scenery. Each lavishly illustrated chapter tells many fascinating stories of the twelve Midwestern states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. As the founding editor-in-chief of the magazine that knows Midwest travel like no other, Dan has visited every corner of this area, some many times over. In this dream road trip, he created a 10,000-mile, eight-week itinerary based on his all-time favorites - art museums, shopping meccas, grand resorts, big-league ballparks, and much more. The result is a moving tribute to the region that truly is the heartbeat of America. Kaercher's engaging accounts of little-known travel discoveries (even in the midst of places you thought you knew) offer a fresh look at classic Heartland destinations. He's a discriminating traveler, as well as a down-to-earth, die-hard Midwesterner who shares his insights and gentle humor along with history and insider tips that make his recommendations even more fascinating and fun. Within these pages you'll find everything from the latest attractions in Chicago, St. Louis, and the Twin Cities to off-the-beaten-path "secrets" like a first-class hotel in a small Iowa town, the perfect place to watch eagles along the Mississippi River, a historic winery in Missouri, and where to head for the best scenic overlook in the Great Lakes region. And let's not forget the food! Visit old-fashioned soda fountains, renowned steak houses, busy barbecue joints, mom-and-pop pie shops, and fancy gourmet restaurants. Recipes are included to make your armchair visit even more flavorful. As an added bonus, practical travel information for every state takes the guesswork out of planning your own trips to these destinations. If you love the Midwest, you'll appreciate Dan's passion for life in the Heartland, and you'll find a treasure trove of places you'll want to see for yourself. If you think of America's midsection as bland, boring "fly-over" country, you're in for a huge surprise. Whether you seek urban excitement or small-town traditions, you'll discover new places, old friends, and a warm welcome within these pages - the Best of the Midwest.Kaercher, Dan is the author of 'Best Of The Midwest Rediscovering America's Heartland', published 2005 under ISBN 9780762737819 and ISBN 0762737816.