Restless Legs, a NYC reading series for travelers

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I’ve been around a lot of journalists in my career, but I have a special love for travel writers. It’s invigorating to be around others who have dedicated their lives to seeing the world. In their company, wanderlust is a virtue.

Which is why travel writer David Farley’s NYC reading series, Restless Legs, is such a great idea. Every other month, Farley hosts travel authors at Lolita, a bar on New York’s Lower East Side, to read from their books and articles. He’s been doing it for about 18 months, showcasing writers such as Tony Perrottet, Mary Morris, New York Times’ Frugal Traveler Matt Gross, as well as authors from WorldHum.

The readings are usually held on Wednesday nights, but Farley scheduled one on Saturday to coincide with the New York Times Travel Show, “an after party of sorts,” he told the packed downstairs room. The timing meant that we were able to hear Don George, a prolific and legendary travel writer (who has just signed on with Gadling as a senior features editor), read some of his favorite pieces. Few paint as vivid a scene with words as Don; there’s a reason that he writes the Lonely Planet’s Guide to Travel Writing.

Journalist and travel writer Douglas Rogers also read from his new book, The Last Resort, which tells the story of his parents coping with life in Zimbabwe under dictator Robert Mugabe. The passages that Rogers chose were hilarious, as well as thought-provoking; it’s a book that would appeal to a wide audience. I’ve added it to my must-read list.     

Look for the next Restless Legs reading sometime in mid-April; Farley hasn’t set a date yet. He advertises them through a Facebook fan page and through his Twitter account. If you’re in NYC or just passing through, check it out.