I ordered Rome for my husband's stocking (shhh), because that's where he'd like us to go next (hey, I'm game). We'd also like to go to Amsterdam, so I ordered that one too. The maps, the little illustrations and the type design are very engaging - I can't wait to try them out in the field.
I ordered the Austin guide just for fun - I live in Austin, and was curious as to what the author would include. I liked that he included places like Callahan's, a feed store that is not normally considered a tourist-spot, but is fun to visit, especially for a non-Texan.
As I mentioned in my earlier post, these maps are not geared specifically to people traveling with children. However (at least in these particular guides) the very personable descriptions will give you a pretty good idea of whether a site would be appropriate for your child - and many are entirely appropriate. The Rome guide identifies a favorite toy shop, for example; both Rome and Amsterdam note excellent art supply shops, and each of the guides I ordered identify pleasant outdoor sites.
