River Road Rambler Returns - by Mary Ann Sternberg (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

In River Road Rambler Returns: More Curiosities along Louisiana's Historic Byway, Mary Ann Sternberg follows up her successful River Road Rambler with new delightful histories from Louisiana's most famous route. Her latest explorations include a trip on a towboat as it pushes a fleet of barges down the river; the true story behind the Sunshine Bridge, fondly called the Bridge to Nowhere; a tour of one of the last working sugar mills along the River Road; stories about how two iconic plantation houses were saved; and much more.

Well researched and engagingly written, River Road Rambler Returns provides keen observations on unappreciated places and offers rich histories of unusual attractions along the winding road that lines the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

Review Quotes

Mary Ann Sternberg has gone rambling again, down that hundred-mile stretch of River Road she's claimed as her own, following Walker Percy's admonition to know (and presumably write about) your own neighborhood. The old homes are here, but not the ones the tourists flock to. . . . Those of us who love this part of Louisiana are delighted to see the return of this talented rambler.--Smiley Anders, columnist, Baton Rouge Advocate

Mary Ann Sternberg is the best possible road-trip companion: sharp-eyed and curious, she knows that around every corner, behind every fence, hidden within every nook of the batture, lies one more fascinating gem. These essays--blending history and reportage and top-notch storytelling--will remind you how endlessly wondrous the world is, and just might send you on your own quests down River Road.--Boyce Upholt, contributing writer, The Bitter Southerner

Traveling the River Road with Mary Ann Sternberg is an incredible opportunity to learn the answers to the multiple questions that inevitably arise when you drive it alone. Informative as well as exceptionally well written, her prose takes you on journeys that transport you to other times and other places. River Road Rambler Returns is an opportunity to learn about this fabulous state on a less traveled road that might otherwise remain an enigma.--Ernest Gaines, author of The Tragedy of Brady Sims

About the Author

A native of New Orleans and longtime resident of Baton Rouge, Mary Ann Sternberg is a freelance writer with a focus on Louisiana history, culture, and natural history. In addition to her books on the River Road--Along the River Road and River Road Rambler--she is also the author of Winding through Time, a portrait of historic Bayou Manchac, and a children's book, Gilly and Bloo.