The Capital Times, Lifestyle
Saturday, December 6, 2003
By Mary Bergin
New, Quirky Books Will Delight Travel Buffs

My travel library contains a few new and odd titles, thanks to unsolicited material and my inability to part with a book after I've somehow bonded with it.

Two new Jones Books titles are particularly fitting for people who want to know more about Madison. "Madison Walks" (by Harriet Brown and Jamie Young, $15.95) and "Madison Restaurant Guide" (by Gwen Evans, $14.95) are appropriate for newcomers to the city as well as longtime residents, college students and visitors.

"Madison Walks" contains 18 scenic hikes around the city, listed by length of walk and type of terrain. Some of these self-guided walks are in parks or on Arboretum trails, full of the bounty of nature. Others are urban outings that emphasize points of historical or architectural significance.

"Madison Restaurant Guide" divides the city into eight geographic areas, then describes dining options by place and personality. Other chapters concentrate on specific foods, cuisines or settings. So brew pubs get attention, as well as Thai restaurants and fish fries. None of the places are chain or franchise restaurants.