Lonely Planet Austin, San Antonio & the Hill Country (ISBN 1740595564)

Sometimes Less is More:
The Lonely Planet guide books typically provide an indispensable resource for an eager traveler ready to explore. Unfortunately LP's Austin, San Antonio and Hill Country handbook falls flat, offering little more than the occasional groan. This reference rides on empty and awkwardly over explains basic information to the point of abstraction. For instance, fruit cobbler was described as a, "pudding-like pastry dessert that resembles smashed pie". The whole book is written in such a tone. The text does not flow and is full of pointless jargon that simply fills out line. One could compare this guide to an empanada, flakey and full of filler.

Recommended:
After seeing the one-star review after my purchase, I was afraid I'd made a mistake, for I bought the book as a gift for someone and several weeks later another for myself out of curiosity. But I disagree having received my copy. I grew up in San Antonio and studied at UT-Austin. So, I'm acquainted with both towns as well as the Hill Country. Although I've yet to delve into it, the author seems to have done her homework and knows the ins and outs, the places to go, the eateries and so on. I would recommend this.