New York State's remarkable variety unfolds in its myriad splendors in the routes charted in Backroads of New York. Whether you flirt with the outskirts of Manhattan or follow the call of the road all the way to the Niagara Frontier, each off-ramp leads to scenic splendor or historical intrigue—from sandy ocean shores to forested mountain peaks, from shimmering vineyard-ringed lakes to thundering waterfalls, and from quaint villages to rolling farmland. Follow these routes, and you'll find that New York has a serene side that is equally stimulating to the senses as thehustle and bustle of the Big Apple. Just be sure to pack a sandwich, as the one thing you won't find is a slice of pizza at midnight.
Since 1998, Kim Knox Beckius has produced About.com's New England for Visitors web site (http://gonewengland.about.com), taking Internet users on a virtual tour of New England and providing lively, weekly commentary on travel and events and insight into Yankee tradition, history, and ingenuity. Among her previous books are Backroads of New England, The New England Coast, and The Everything Guide to New England, and her writing and photography have been featured on several travel-related Web sites and magazines. She lives in Avon, Connecticut.Carl E. Heilman II moved to the Adirondacks of upstate New York in 1973 and has been photographing the state\u2019s rich landscapes ever since. His images have been published in books, magazines, and calendars, and he has won awards both regionally and nationally for his calendar photography. He is the photographer of Voyageur Press\u2019 Wild New York (2005) and Our New York (2006). Carl resides in the town of Brant Lake, near Lake George.