Two years after Janet McKenzie Prince, travel editor for the local newspaper, wrote Day trips out of Reading, she found that she had so much material that she wrote a second travel book, Pennsylvania highlights. The author divides the southeastern and south central Pennsylvania areas into seven regions, mapping the boundary lines differently in several cases but still fanning out from the city . And she adds Berks County attractions to the book. There are so many places to see and things to do in the regions that she has had to be selective. Included are state parks and camping grounds, historical sites, museums and much more. The pictures in the book were taken by the author.

Some of my favorite places were represented as well as some I just never got around to seeing and there were several I had never heard about. The greatest disappointment was that she did not include Winterthur with the article about Longwood Gardens, although I can understand that she was strict about location; Winterthur is just over the Delaware state border. Unfortunately, I think of both in the same breath.

Be aware that the book was published in 1984 and things change. Prices and hours are usually different. In the article about the Ephrata Cloister, she mentions the Vorspiel, a play about the early monastic life. To many people's disappointment, it hasn't been presented in years. Other things, like outlet shopping in a real factory building in Reading and West Reading, have closed. Always check first before leaving home.

There are seven maps in the book, but they are a bit vague. Sometimes Prince will give directions but, in addition to highway numbers, she gives businesses which may or may not still be in business. A good map or Map Quest is a necessity. Enjoy seeing a wonderful section of the country along with the author as your guide! ( )