Frommer's Philadelphia & the Amish Country
by Jay Golan

Publisher:  Macmillan Publishing Company, Incorporated
ISBN:  0028624181

Written by experienced travel writer Jay Golan, Frommer's Philadelphia & the Amish Country has been revised and reprinted in a special 10th edition. Golan has an impressive educational background at Harvard, Oxford and Columbia Universities and extensive experience in culture-related fields. He is an excellent choice to write about one of the most culturally and historically rich cities in the world.

The author points out that 38% of the nation's population lives within 4.5 hours of Philadelphia, thus making Philadelphia a truly "central city". Philadelphia is fast becoming a major player in the tourist industry. The guide is very up to date, pointing out the latest development projects that either have already begun or are soon to start, including the improvements at Independence Mall, development of the Penn's Landing Waterfront and an increase in center city hotel capacity.

A highlight of any Frommer's travel guide is the initial chapter where the author introduces the destination and tells you his or her top choices for things to see or do in the subject area. Golan has recognized some of the best things in Philly and some of the things that make the city truly unique. The guide contains an excellent section on basic information that a visitor needs to know when "Planning a Trip to Philadelphia", including weather information, a detailed calendar of events and the various means to get to the city.

The guide also contains all of the detailed chapters of information, which has always been the strength of the company's travel guides. Extensive information is provided on accommodations, dining, attractions, shopping and nightlife. When a website is available, the web address is provided.

Other special highlights of the book include:
• A chapter just for the foreign tourist, to address ever-increasing foreign tourism.
• A chapter entitled City Strolls. Philadelphia is a city that is best enjoyed on foot and Golan has detailed several walks that will allow the visitor to appreciate the historic sites, Society Hill, the old city, Midtown, and the Parkway.
• Chapters to assist the reader in making day trips outside of the city to such areas as Valley Forge and the Brandywine Valley, as well as Lancaster County: The Amish Country.

This book also contains an extensive number of interior maps, which are quite detailed and helpful.

With over 200 pages of up-to-date information, Frommer's Philadelphia & the Amish Country is a must buy for either the first time traveler or return visitor to Philadelphia.

John Fischer, your Guide for Philadelphia, PA