Oklahoma: off the beaten path

Written by people who've spent considerable time in each location, this excellent series is for travelers who want to avoid tourist traps. The books spotlight options unknown to most visitors, like areas found beyond dead-end streets or scenic sites accessible only on foot. The authors take great care to emphasize that visitors must respect the cultures and preserve the natural habitats they encounter. The series starts with a glossary of terms used by locals. Every section includes a map, sidebars with facts and trivia about the area, geographical and historical details, and a list of places to stay and eat. The core of the series is its precise, folksy directions—turn left here, make a right there, go half a mile—which will make readers want to take this guide with them. VERDICT This is the perfect series for travelers who want to avoid doing touristy things.