How to be a Local Tourist

The Local Tourist has a simple goal: we want you to experience the fascination of a tourist while feeling the comfort of the local, no matter where you are.

About The Local Tourist

Theresa L. Goodrich

The Local Tourist explores unique destinations, focusing on culture, background, beauty, and sheer awesomeness. Subjects that get nearly equal levels of obsession include, but are not limited to, anything outdoors, anything that can be eaten, art, history, architecture, and anything with an ABV above 3%. There’s no subtlety and no drama, but there is definitely a whole lotta kitsch and unmitigated, unabashed enthusiasm.

Christmas in River City: A winter visit to Mason City, Iowa

The Music Man Square in Mason City, Iowa
As I pulled into Mason City, Iowa, a trio of lyrics rotated in my head. Gary, Indiana, Gary, Indiana, Gary, Indiana Seventy-six trombones led the big parade And, my personal favorite... Trouble with...
Meet The Local Tourists
Travel Tips - Save time, money, and aggravation with these travel tips, designed to make your exploration more fun.
Tips and musings on writing in general and travel writing specifically

Destinations

Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Illinois
Indiana
Be a Local Tourist in Iowa
Michigan is a state in the Midwest that borders four Great Lakes.
Missouri
Nevada, USA
New Mexico
Oklahoma
South Dakota
Utah
Wyoming
 

Recently on TLT

Indiana
Fair Oaks Farm Billboard

A Day at Fair Oaks Farms: it's not just for kids

Spend a day at Fair Oaks Farms, an agritourism destination in Indiana that has been explaining the process of raising pigs, dairy cows, and crops through "adventures” since 2004.

How to Choose Road Trip Destinations

How to Choose Road Trip Destinations

Choosing road trip destinations can be difficult, but there are tips that make the experience easier. Check out these easy ways to find places to visit on your next road trip.
Montana
Graves of General Custer and Army soldiers at Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

More Than Custer's Last Stand: Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument provides a sobering look at one of the defining moments in U.S. history. In 1876, the 7th Regiment of the U.S. Cavalry, led by Lt. Gen. George Armstrong Custer, were resoundingly defeated by Native American warriors and became known as Custer's last stand.
Nebraska
Smith Falls is the tallest waterfall in Nebraska

Surprising Splendor in Nebraska: Smith Falls State Park

Tucked away in North Central Nebraska is a surprising discovery: a 70-foot waterfall! See why you should visit the surprising splendor of Smith Falls State Park.
Meet The Local Tourists: Tonya Prater of Travel Inspired Living

Meet The Local Tourists: Tonya Prater, Travel Inspired Living

Tonya Prater's site, Travel Inspired Living, is a bonanza of budget travel tips and unique destinations. Check out why she loves her home of Mansfield, Ohio, when she's not out and about exploring.
Harbor Country
Mural of Sawyer Michigan

Sawyer, Michigan: Land of Dunes, Brews and Garden Greatness

Sawyer, Michigan, is one of eight towns along the southeastern shore of Lake Michigan in an area called Harbor Country. Find out why you should visit. (Hint: beer.)
San Diego
San Diego Air & Space Museum

San Diego Museum Month Offers Half-Price Admission in February

February may be the shortest month of the year, but you can still pack plenty into a few weeks.
Harbor Country
Boats and grasses on Lake Michigan, Harbert, Michigan - photo credit John Menard

Get to Know Harbor Country: Carl Sandburg’s Harbert, Michigan

Harbert, Michigan, is Harbor Country’s mini slice of Scandinavia. It’s been a secret to many, and if you close your eyes, you might miss the Harbert sign.
Charles City
Red Cedar Lodge - luxury cabins in winter

A Much-Needed Winter Glamping Getaway in North Iowa

Iowa surprises me every time I visit. It shouldn't. I've been to the state often enough to know better.
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