I know this is stating the obvious but to get out and about in Florida, a car is absolutely essential…..as is a half decent road map.
During my previous visits I have managed to accumulate a variety of pocket-sized versions covering different parts of the State and usually at a cost of between $5 and $10 each. They have all been fit for purpose in that they cover all the major routes but I never found them comprehensive enough to be confident of taking some of the lesser roads and byways.
Recently we were browsing in a bookstore at the Florida Mall when I came across the ‘Florida Road Atlas’ published by American Map, part of the Langenscheidt Publishing Group at $16.95.
Here is a comprehensive Road Atlas similar in size and scale to the AA Road Maps seen in the UK. Not only does it show all minor roads in detail but also contains large-scale easy to read street maps of all the major cities and resort areas, including of course, Walt Disney World and Lake Buena Vista.
There are mileage charts between Florida cities and a comprehensive list of all Florida Interstate exits.
For the visitor there are pages displaying regulatory road and service signs.
But it is far more than just a map book.
Within its front section is a ‘Salute to Florida’ which covers the natural history of the Sunshine State and is supplemented by photographs of wildlife species such as manatees and alligators. There are also features on the main towns and cities (again with photos) all subdivided into convenient geographical order. This is followed by a comprehensive ‘Florida Discovery Guide’ which has sections on Places of Interest, Recreation and Vineyards and Wineries.
For those who enjoy the great outdoors the pages covering ‘State Recreation Area Facilities’ should prove particularly interesting.
Florida is renowned for its great golf and this Road Atlas dedicates ten pages to ‘Golfing in Florida’ and lists the names and telephone numbers of all the golf courses throughout the State. Not only that, but the location of each is clearly depicted on the individual map pages making it easy to plan where and when to play.
As you leaf through the 160 or so pages many other interesting facts and figures come to light. This is a tourist guide, historical reference book, sporting and recreational gazateer…and a road atlas rolled into one superb publication. For the money it’s an absolute bargain.
During my previous visits I have managed to accumulate a variety of pocket-sized versions covering different parts of the State and usually at a cost of between $5 and $10 each. They have all been fit for purpose in that they cover all the major routes but I never found them comprehensive enough to be confident of taking some of the lesser roads and byways.
Recently we were browsing in a bookstore at the Florida Mall when I came across the ‘Florida Road Atlas’ published by American Map, part of the Langenscheidt Publishing Group at $16.95.
Here is a comprehensive Road Atlas similar in size and scale to the AA Road Maps seen in the UK. Not only does it show all minor roads in detail but also contains large-scale easy to read street maps of all the major cities and resort areas, including of course, Walt Disney World and Lake Buena Vista.
There are mileage charts between Florida cities and a comprehensive list of all Florida Interstate exits.
For the visitor there are pages displaying regulatory road and service signs.
But it is far more than just a map book.
Within its front section is a ‘Salute to Florida’ which covers the natural history of the Sunshine State and is supplemented by photographs of wildlife species such as manatees and alligators. There are also features on the main towns and cities (again with photos) all subdivided into convenient geographical order. This is followed by a comprehensive ‘Florida Discovery Guide’ which has sections on Places of Interest, Recreation and Vineyards and Wineries.
For those who enjoy the great outdoors the pages covering ‘State Recreation Area Facilities’ should prove particularly interesting.
Florida is renowned for its great golf and this Road Atlas dedicates ten pages to ‘Golfing in Florida’ and lists the names and telephone numbers of all the golf courses throughout the State. Not only that, but the location of each is clearly depicted on the individual map pages making it easy to plan where and when to play.
As you leaf through the 160 or so pages many other interesting facts and figures come to light. This is a tourist guide, historical reference book, sporting and recreational gazateer…and a road atlas rolled into one superb publication. For the money it’s an absolute bargain.