The Local Tourist provides inspiration for your next adventure, focusing on road trips, culture, history, the great outdoors, and destinations large and small.

The Local Tourist has a simple goal:
to help you experience the fascination of a tourist while feeling the comfort of the local, no matter where you are.
Please allow me to introduce myself
Hi. My name’s Theresa and I’m The Local Tourist. Have we met? Well, then, please allow me to introduce myself.


Slow Down & Discover Indiana Amish Country
Are you ready for a relaxing getaway?
Show Me Shipshewana: a Guide to Indiana Amish Country invites you to step away from the frenzied pace of day-to-day life. You’re invited to relax. To eat (a lot). To enjoy connecting with your loved ones, with nature, and with yourself.
Show Me Shipshewana is more than a travel book; it’s a companion that invites you to experience the third largest Amish community in the world and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Recently on The Local Tourist
Find travel inspiration and tips with these stories and guides.
- Delightful Things to do in Brown County Indiana & the Making of a Tourist Destination
- Indiana’s Greatest Outdoors: Brown County State Park
- Beyond the Buggy: Things to do in Shipshewana
- Tour Cook’s Bison Ranch & Feed the Fluffy Cows
- Dinner with the Amish: A Traditional Wedding Feast Unveiled
- Shipshewana’s Davis Mercantile, a Tale of Survival and Community
Writing & Publishing
Not only do I write about travel, I can also teach you how to tighten your writing, bring destinations to life, be found by the readers who need you, and get raving fans. I can also help you learn how to publish your own books and control your author life.






Mother Nature’s a magnificent artist with limitless creativity.
Step into her gallery and get some fresh air.
Road Trips
There’s nothing like hittin’ the road for a great adventure! Check out these guides before you venture out.
- Driving the Scenic Great River Road In Illinois
- Ultimate Road Trip Planner: Tips, Tools, and Inspiration for your next Adventure 2023
- Attractions and Things to do on Route 66 in Illinois
- Printable Road Trip Planner for your best vacation 2023
- 33 Beautiful Road Trips in the USA: Best Scenic Drives 2023
- 9 Best Road Trip Organization Tips and Tools: How to Organize your Road Trip Plans 2023

Destination Guides
Go beyond the standard “what to do” with these in-depth destination guides.
- Delightful Things to do in Brown County Indiana & the Making of a Tourist Destination
- Beyond the Buggy: Things to do in Shipshewana
- 28 Best Things to do in Fort Wayne, Indiana
- 27 Things to do in in Marinette Wisconsin: A Touch of Royalty, a Dose of History, and the Great Outdoors
- The Captivating Allure of Scottsdale, Arizona
- A Groovy Getaway: 14 Cool Things To Do on Kelleys Island

The Local Tourist began as a Chicago guide in 2002. Explore the Windy City and fall in love.
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Our philosophy is all about making the world a better place through meaningful and fun experiences.