Appearances

Hi there! I’m Theresa Goodrich, founder of The Local Tourist (est. 2002) and Your Chicago Guide (est. 2020). I’m the author and publisher of multiple books, including travel guides and novels. Click here to read my story.

I love sharing my passions for travel and writing, and I’ve been speaking professionally for years. I also enjoy meeting those who share these interests. I get a real kick out of meeting “my people.”

Here are my upcoming appearances. Many of them are public, so come say hi!

If you’re interested in booking me to speak, please see my Presentations page.

2026 Appearances

January 28: Travel Planning and Budgeting; In person and online; Elmhurst Public Library, Elmhurst, IL Register here

February 21 & 22: Planning Your Perfect Road Trip from Chicago; Chicago Travel & Adventure Show, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL Get your free or discounted ticket!

March 7: Planning Your Perfect Road Trip; Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show, Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, CA

April 7: Romantic Wisconsin Getaways; Glenview Public Library, Glenview, IL Register here

April 15: Indiana Amish Country; Vernon Area Public Library, Lincolnshire, IL Register here

April 16: Indiana Amish Country; Edgewater by Del Webb, Elgin, IL Private event

April 26: Kenosha Book Festival; Studio Moonfall, 5031 7th Ave, Kenosha, WI. Click here for info

April 29: Killer Destinations: The Real Places Behind Travel is Murder; Online. Become a Pollinator (free!) to register

June 18: Get Your Kicks: 100 Years of Route 66; Wilmette Public Library, Wilmette, IL

June 23: Day Trips from Chicago; Waukegan Public Library, Waukegan, IL

2025 Appearances

January 11 & 12: Planning Your Perfect Road Trip; Atlanta Travel & Adventure Show, Atlanta, GA

January 31: Travel Inspiration: Indiana Amish Country; Del Webb Sun City, Huntley, IL

February 1 & 2: Planning Your Perfect Road Trip from Chicago; Chicago Travel & Adventure Show, Rosemont, IL

February 22 & 23: Planning Your Perfect Road Trip; Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show, Los Angeles, CA

March 13: A Tour of Five Unique National Parks; West Chicago Public Library, West Chicago, IL

March 18: Think You Know Chicago? Surprising Tales from the City’s Most Beloved Attractions; JCC Chicago – Zoom

March 20: Armchair Travels: Asheville, NC – Now and Then; Wilmette Public Library, Wilmette, IL

April 9: Self-Publishing 101; Carol Stream Public Library, Carol Stream, IL

May 6: Living Landmarks of Chicago; Carol Stream Public Library, Carol Stream, IL

May 13: A Tour of Five Unique National Parks; Vernon Area Public Library, Lincolnshire, IL

May 14: All Aboard the Amtrak Empire Builder; Ela Area Public Library, Lake Zurich, IL

June 12: Chicago Summer Festivals; Elmhurst Public Library, Elmhurst, IL

June 12: Chicago Summer Festivals; Ela Area Public Library, Lake Zurich, IL

June 19: Midwest Road Trips; Northbrook Public Library, Northbrook, IL

July 3: Beyond Bricks & Mortar: Living Landmarks of Chicago; Mensa Annual Gathering, Chicago, IL

July 28: All Aboard the Amtrak Empire Builder; VIRTUAL – Winnetka Public Library, Winnetka, IL

August 13: Self-Publishing 101; Elmhurst Public Library, Elmhurst, IL

August 23: Local Author Fair; Elmhurst Public Library, Elmhurst, IL

August 24: Kenosha Book Festival; Studio Moonfall, Kenosha, WI

September 4: Unique Montana Attractions; Wilmette Public Library, Wilmette, IL

September 25: Beyond Bricks & Mortar: Living Landmarks of Chicago; Morton Grove Library, Morton Grove, IL

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Past Appearances

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