Whether you are an ardent hiker or prefer to enjoy the great outdoors from your living-room armchair, Jeffrey Perls has written the essential guidebook on one of the most majestic natural areas of the eastern United States-the Hudson River.

From the rugged topography of the Hudson Highlands Gorge to the crowded towers of Manhattan, the Hudson has been an inspiration for poets, writers, artists, and countless others who have enjoyed the many wonders of the river. The area surrounding the Hudson abounds in history. It’s played a pivotal part in our country's development, from its strategic role in the American Revolution to its heritage as the nation’s primary entry point for immigrants to this country. The river also supports an incredibly rich diversity of flora and fauna, from the bald eagle to the short-nosed sturgeon.

Perls brings together the culture, history, nature, and recreational activities along the Hudson River in one convenient guide book. He not only maps out walks and bike trails, both urban and rural, but also introduces readers to the landscape, geology, history, and culture of the Hudson Valley region. Perls provides a practical and geographically comprehensive guide to exploring the area on foot and by bike. The trail routes bring readers as close to the river as possible and guides them to rewarding vistas, nature preserves, and historic landmarks. It’s a useful guide for visitors to the Hudson region and local residents as it acquaints them to the natural treasures to be found in their own backyards.

When renowned national food critic John Mariani ranked Philadelphia's food scene among the top ten in the country, placing it alongside longtime culinary destinations New York and San Francisco, nobody at PhiladelphiaMagazine was surprised. That's what the magazine's food critics—always in search of the best of Philly—have known for years. Now, the PhiladelphiaMagazine's Ultimate Restaurant Guide condenses their comprehensive knowledge—and thousands of meals—into one informative, easy-to-digest handbook, essential for both the Philadelphia foodie and the hungry tourist.

What's on the menu:
 * Profiles of Philadelphia's most influential chefs and restaurant owners, including Le Bec-Fin's Georges Perrier, and restaurant mogul Stephen Starr.
* A behind-the-scenes look at the Philadelphia food purveyors, who are responsible for some of the nation's hottest food trends—from La Colombe coffee to Metropolitan Bakery's artisanal breads to Jubilee Chocolates.
* Reviews of more than 230 of the best restaurants in the Philadelphia region, from Center City mainstays Susanna Foo and Morimoto to suburban destinations Alison at Blue Bell and Carmine's Café.
* Easy-to-use index of restaurants by cuisine and neighborhood.

Designed specifically for the amateur naturalist and filled with hands-on projects and activities, Pond and Brook introduces the readers to the intriguing world of freshwater life. Michael Caduto’s keen eye investigates all common freshwater environments, from wetlands and deep lakes to streams and vernal ponds. An important feature of the book is its holistic approach to both living and non-living components of freshwater environments, and how they fit together to weave an ecological whole. Readers will learn the unique properties of water, the basic principles vital to understanding aquatic life, and the origin of freshwater habitats.