I live in the closest city to Idaho, so I figured that if I went to the city library to find tour books on the potato state, there would be a multitude available to me. I was sadly mistaken. This was the only guide book I could find for that state. It’s size and shape and the fact that it was hard-bound made it seem an unlikely choice to take on a road trip. As it turned out, however, this book was to prove the existence of fate. This book was meant for me and I for this book. You see, I am now Boise’s biggest touristic fan because my Idaho book helped me to fully understand and appreciate that town. The guided tour was full of detail and precisely laid out for our one day drive around Boise. But it doesn’t stop there, this book offers complete coverage of all the small towns and natural wonders of the state. I have come to the conclusion that the reason I was only able to find one touristic guide book about Idaho is simply because the only one which will ever be needed has already been written – and it is called Idaho for the Curious. And I am the Curious. One small note, however, is that this book is slightly out of date. The hilltop destination called “Table Rock” above Boise no longer lays at the end of a dirt road. The road is now paved.
Another amazon reviewer wrote:
If every state could offer up a tour guide as thorough as this one, travelers would have much to cheer about, no matter where they were. This is a major achievement in the field.
Conley has arranged the book into three major sections (Lakes and Forests – North; Rivers and Canyons – Southwest; and Mountains and Deserts – Southeast), and then by major highways within each section. He takes the traveler along each route, pointing out historic sites, geological formations, archeology, towns and cities, and all kinds of points of interest along the way. When appropriate he will venture down side roads to highlight sites.
Much historical information is related by Conley (the book is 700 pages long), and there are photographs (mostly historical) galore. As useful as the guide is on the road, it is equally as entertaining and informative for the armchair traveler as well. This book will not help you with finding motels, restaurants, or modern day tourist attractions; it is strictly written with the history of the state in mind. And in that regard, it’s a beauty. Travelers in Idaho or those interested in the state’s history should be sure to get a hold of this book – you won’t be disappointed.
123 Idaho 