Author Talk: Kathy Strong

Kathy Strong shares her personal path to her forty years in travel writing, from travel books to articles and columns. For those who want to journal their own adventures or simply find more travel surprises in their “own backyard,” Kathy will share highlights of her travels and favorite finds along the way. 

Secret Southern California was written for all the adventurers, those coming from both far and near, who seek truly unusual getaways. Secret Southern California is a totally updated guide that is a spin-off from the popular Off the Beaten Path Southern California, editions 1-8, by Kathy Strong. Still a guide to those hard-to-find spots, even in the most obvious destinations, this book is for the traveler who seeks something more than the usual: side-road explorations, “living” history lessons, new adventures, cutting-edge experiences and even secrets shared by locals and travel experts who know their destination best. No matter what your interests are, from Hollywood-movie-great haunts to lush, palm-lined Indian canyons or speakeasy bars, Secret Southern California will grant you some new ideas for your next vacation or weekend escape. Come along and discover those secrets that just have to be shared―especially when they are tied up in adventure, fun and anything but the expected. If you think you know everything about your favorite destinations in Southern California, consider this an opportunity to add a few more favorites to your list. For those who seek intrigue, pleasant surprises, let’s-not-tell finds and off-the-beaten-path treasures, this is just for you!  

Kathy Strong has been a travel writer for more than 30 years, having written or contributed to more than 20 travel guidebooks and countless magazine features, covering all areas of the world. Her former books sold in bookstores nationally are: Southern California: Off the Beaten Path; Recommended Bed & Breakfasts: California; Driving the Pacific Coast: California; Driving the Pacific Coast: Washington and Oregon; The Seattle Guidebook; and Recommended Island Inns: The Caribbean.  

Her newspaper column, GOING MY WAY, appeared in the Gannett/USA Today newspaper Travel section every Sunday in Southern California for a decade. Strong also was a regular contributor to USA Today’s travel magazine, “GoEscape.” She has also been a contributor to Forbes Travel Guide and USA Today weekly magazine and currently is featured in AARP Magazine and Bulletin. 

 Through the years, Strong has been a frequent talk show guest on both radio and television, recently appearing on “The Today Show.”   

Strong’s latest travel reveal is a new online travel website: PS Wish You Were Here Travel that covers both national and international travel news and explorations.  

This first edition of Secret Southern California is a culmination of the native Southern Californian’s knowledge and love for the off-the-beaten-path treasures of the southern part of the state, as well as “secret, authentic” finds at every turn. 

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