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.
Recently on The Local Tourist
Find travel inspiration and tips with these stories and guides.
- Road Trip Planning Tools
- Palmer House Hilton: Myths & Romance in Chicago’s Oldest Hotel
- 16 Best Road Trip Apps to help you plan, save money, book hotels, and more {2023}
- 2023 Los Angeles Travel and Adventure Show: Plan an EPIC Vacation
- Chicago Field Museum: the Beloved Institution that Almost Wasn’t {includes free days}
- Road Trips and Getaways: Most Popular Articles of 2022
Travel Writing
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.
Explore the Heartland of America
One scenic drive at a time.
Ready to hit the road? Don’t miss this action-packed anthology highlighting the best road trips in the Midwest. Explore storied highways and byways, including Route 66, the Great River Road, Ohio River Scenic Byway, Lincoln Highway, and many more.
From canyons in Kansas to authentic fish boils in Wisconsin to North America’s largest powwow in Nebraska, you’ll be astounded by how many cool things there are to see in these twelve states.
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.
- Road Trip Planning Tools
- 16 Best Road Trip Apps to help you plan, save money, book hotels, and more {2023}
- 2022 Travel Year in Review: a Topsy-Turvy Route to Find Balance
- Legends and Lore: Driving the Iconic Great River Road In Illinois
- A Dozen States, Dozens of Scenic Drives: Midwest Road Trip Adventures
- San Diego to Seattle in 8 Days: a Pacific Coast Road Trip Adventure
Destination Guides
Go beyond the standard “what to do” with these in-depth destination guides.
- Things to do in Brown County Indiana: the Making of a Tourist Destination
- 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
- A Door County Love Letter: How this Cancer Survivor got Her Life Back at Death’s Door
- Frosty Treats, Cheese Curds, and Burgers in Bed: a Romantic Getaway in Sheboygan
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.