Everyone knows the capitals of each state, but how many know the Sock Capital of the World? (Fort Payne, Alabama) Or the Garlic Capital of the World? (Gilroy, California) "World Capital" fame is the pride of towns across America. Now this unique travel guide showcases 350 of America's "capitals of the world." Whether it's a famous food or crop (bagels or cherries) or a popular sport (rope jumping), a natural phenomenon (Big Foot) or even a supernatural one (UFOs), the communities featured in this book honor their local culture and celebrate their special claims to fame with festivals, parades, museums and landmarks. An American Festival of World Capitals is an intriguing resource for Americana buffs as well as travelers interested in venturing off the beaten path for the "real" America.

• Includes a complete traveler's guide to key sites, including addresses and phone numbers as well as an index of festivals, museums, and offbeat and historic landmarks



• 101 black and white photographs include both historic prints and modern action shots

LAURA BERGHEIM (Alexandria, Virginia) writes for Licos Communications, reviewing travel and pop cultural resources published on the Internet. She is the author of Weird Wonderful America.