Eccentric California

Eccentric California is a wonderful travel guide for those visiting California! It is full of great leads and information about the quirky and fun places and events California has to offer! I highly recommend bringing this book with you on your next visit to the Golden State!

As a native Californian (who ran away from San Francisco because it was getting too mainstream and conservative) I am very familiar with many of the things reviewed in this book, most particularly in the Central and Northern coastal areas. But, much to my surprize, areas that I thought I knew well house many previously unknown and interesting places to visit and things to do. Cool! Definitely worth dropping a few bucks for if you are planning on discovering what makes Californians tick. (Just remember, Northern and Southern California really are two different states, lol.)

The author Jan Friedman has touched base on so many eccentric places, things and events in California. Her detailed explanation of each place makes me want to pack my bags and go see them all. Coming from Phoenix, AZ I have not seen or been too much in the Golden State, but with 2006 around the corner and a great book. My News Year's resolution is to travel and get coffee stains all over this fantastic read. And to all you want to be PRICE IS RIGHT CONTESTANTS. This author has hit the nail on it's head. Not only did I stay at the Farmer's Daughter Hotel and was prepped with the best insiders information. I also started milking the cows about 4:00am just to become the: Showcase Showdown Winner. Yes, I said WINNER!!!!!! I'm very excited to see more with this book in 2006. Thanks for the great information on California.

There are many misconceptions about the Golden State and one of them is that California is an eccentric place. And, in truth, eccentricity there is not the same as eccentricity in, say Utah. California is known for it's cutting edge social conventions, and admittedly, many first originated in the Golden State (from Frisbees and motels to skateboards and drive in churches). Clearly, author Jan Friedman has her work cut out for her, but she seems up to the challenge, discussing festivals and events, peculiar pursuits, museums and collections, "quirkyvilles" (towns with a twist), offbeat tours, unusual cuisine , kitschy attractions, and anything and everything else that is different to say the least.