Book Review: Warwick Ford’s
“Fun on Foot in New England”
Posted July 16th, 2007 at 12:15 PM by Katie Drummond
Section: Motivation, Books, Special Features, TFS Reviews
Whether you’re a first time visitor or you live and breathe Red Sox and clam chowder, “Fun on Foot in New England”, the new guide to running and walking America’s east from guide-writing pro Warwick Ford and his wife, Nola, is an invaluable resource for those seeking diverse areas, both well-known and obscure, to explore in the eastern region.
While Ford is no stranger to the world of running and walking guides, having penned the award-winning “Fun on Foot in America’s Cities”, his new guide offers a more in-depth profile of the region (including Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont) he has called home for more than 10 years. Rather than brief descriptions of common walking and running routes, this detailed resource offers a variety of paths and loops throughout New England, each one outlined with a clear map and step-by-step steering for easy navigation.
In fact, the book is a standout when it comes to detail and precision. In addition to maps and navigational tips, Ford begins each route with a table cataloging comfort (including route safety and distance), attractions (the sights to take in along the way), convenience (how easy the route is to access) and an ultimate route destination to keep tired feet moving towards a goal. With this clear, consistent model focused on four key features, Ford ensures that readers can easily compare routes and make decisions about which path best suits their interests.
But don’t think the book only offers up maps and outlines – Warwick and Nola cram each route description with historical tidbits and interesting facts about the areas you’ll navigate. Even those native to the region are bound to learn something new about that monument they’ve walked by for years, or the 19th century roots of a particular region they may be less familiar with. For tourists, the guide is an ideal balance between a fail-safe way to explore new areas and a noteworthy lesson in local culture.
For Ford, local culture means more than just history – we’re talking a serious cultural navigation of New England’s finer foods. Most navigational outlines offer tried and tested café and restaurant recommendations, from a classic brewery for a cold beer en route, to a quaint coffee shop that dishes up a killer Sunday brunch. Neat boutiques and roadside attractions are also frequently mentioned as spots for readers to take a break and enjoy shopping or sightseeing. Sure, the main goal of Ford’s book is to encourage an active lifestyle, but he infuses exercise with a focus on fun that tourists and locals alike are sure to appreciate.
Whether you want to fit in a workout on vacation or enjoy a warm Sunday afternoon with a little bit of local adventuring, “Fun on Foot in New England” is the ideal travel companion for roving wanderers.
As an added bonus, Ford’s website, www.funonfoot.com, offers updated route details, a forum to post route suggestions, and additional maps to peruse. So while you may not squeeze in that 10-mile tempo run on your next holiday, Ford’s new guide means you’ve got no good reason not to do a little bit of active exploration.
***Note: We encourage EVERYONE to see a doctor before altering their diet, taking a supplement and/or performing athletic, fitness or other strenuous physical activity. It is your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of any information, instruction, opinion or advice contained in the content. Please also see our complete disclaimer.***
Tags: book review, Connecticut, fun on foot, fun on foot in americas cities, fun on foot in new england, Maine, maps, Massachusetts, navigational tools, new england, new hampshire, nola ford, review, rhode island, running guide, running routes, Vermont, walking guide, walking routes, warwick ford
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The Final Sprint