Best Mid Atlantic US Travel Books of 2026

American Ramble is a captivating memoir about Neil King Jr.'s 26-day walk from Washington, D.C. to New York City. The journey takes him through historic battlefields, cemeteries, farms, and trash mounds, revealing forgotten pockets and overlooked people. King shares his personal story, making the narrative both personal and political. The writing is beautiful, and the book offers an exquisite account of personal and national renewal. American Ramble is a must-read for anyone seeking to rediscover what matters in life and see our national story with new eyes.

"Walk With Me: New York" by Susan Kaufman is a stunning collection of over 200 photographs that capture the beauty and charm of New York City. The author, a longtime fashion editor and photographer, invites the reader to see the city from a different perspective: from the sidewalk. Kaufman showcases the often-overlooked spots that make NYC so beautiful, from its parks and cafes to building facades. This coffee table pick is perfect for both denizens and strangers to the Big Apple's streets. "Walk With Me" is a lovely reminder to slow down, be reflective, and appreciate the small discoveries that offer us balance in a fast-paced world.

Day Trips Around Rochester, New York is a comprehensive guide for exploring the hidden gems of the Rochester area within a two-hour drive. The author, Debi Bower, offers detailed guides and suggested activities for the city of Rochester and the Finger Lakes region, as well as nearby destinations in Central and Western New York and the Southern Tier. The book is perfect for both residents and visitors looking to experience the best of the region. With its wealth of information and insider tips, Day Trips Around Rochester, New York is a must-have for anyone interested in exploring this beautiful part of the state.

Frommer's New York City 2023 (Complete Guide) is a comprehensive and up-to-date guidebook that offers smart itineraries, local knowledge on the best places to eat, detailed maps, and exact pricing for hotels, restaurants, attractions, tours, and more. The guidebook also includes fun, informative self-guided walking tours, picks in all price categories, and a handy pull-out indexed map of New York City. The book's author, Pauline Frommer, has created a highly personal guide that has twice been named "Best Guidebook of the Year" by the North American Travel Journalists Association. Overall, this guidebook is an excellent resource for anyone planning a trip to the Big Apple.

The Birds of Pennsylvania Field Guide by Stan Tekiela is a must-have for bird enthusiasts in Pennsylvania. With 123 species of birds, the book is organized by color, making it easy to identify birds at a glance. The guide also includes naturalist tidbits, updated photographs and range maps, and expert insights. The book is perfect for beginners and experienced birders alike. The stunning full-page images and Stan's Notes make it an excellent resource for anyone interested in the birds of Pennsylvania.

Northeast Foraging: 120 Wild and Flavorful Edibles from Beach Plums to Wineberries is a comprehensive guide for foragers in the Northeastern United States. The book includes clear photographs, identification tips, and suggestions for eating and preserving wild plants. It also provides a seasonal planner to help readers know which plants are available during every season. Written by a lifelong forager and certified ethnobotanist, Leda Meredith, the book emphasizes local varieties and traditions, and provides information for safe identification and sustainable harvesting. Overall, this book is an invaluable resource for both new and experienced foragers in the region.

The Birds of New York Field Guide is an indispensable tool for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. This guidebook features 126 species of New York birds, organized by color for ease of use. The book includes naturalist tidbits and facts, along with crisp, stunning full-page images. Author Stan Tekiela has updated this new edition with more species, updated photographs and range maps, revised information, and even more of his expert insights. The guidebook is perfect for identifying birds in New York and making bird-watching even more enjoyable.

The StreetSmart NYC Map Midtown Edition by Van Dam is an essential tool for navigating Manhattan. The map includes all top attractions such as museums, hotels, theaters, shopping destinations, and the subway system. The legible scale of 1:32,000 and 3-D building illustrations make it easy to read from three feet away. The map is laminated and pocket-sized, making it convenient to carry around. With transit information and an address finder covering all of New York City, this map is a must-have for both tourists and locals. The stunning dimensional detail of Midtown Manhattan with Times Square at 1:17,000 scale at its center is a unique feature. Overall, this map is an excellent resource for exploring the city.

Northeast Medicinal Plants by Liz Neves is a comprehensive guide to identifying, harvesting, and using 111 of the region's most powerful wild plants for herbal medicines. The book includes clear plant profiles with identification tips, medicinal uses, and herbal preparations, as well as suggestions for safe and ethical foraging. With lists of what to forage for each season, this guide is a valuable resource for foragers, naturalists, and herbalists in the Northeast. Overall, this Timber Press book is a must-have for those interested in herbal remedies and the benefits of wild plants.

Hamptons Private by Dan Rattiner is a must-read for anyone interested in the lavish lifestyle and the beautiful surroundings of The Hamptons. This book showcases the unique quality of light that artist Willem de Kooning dubbed a "miracle." The author, a resident of the East End since he was sixteen, has captured the essence of The Hamptons' boho-chic spirit through his words and photographs. From tennis at The Meadow Club to exclusive parties and polo matches, readers will get a glimpse of the quintessential leisure of The Hamptons. The book is a beautiful addition to any coffee table and a great gift for anyone who loves travel and luxury lifestyle.