The Local Tourist began waaaay back in 2002 as a guide to Chicago’s River North neighborhood. The site grew, extending to the entire Chicagoland area, quickly becoming a recognized resource for the Windy City. In 2016, TLT expanded its reach to explore unique destinations, focusing on culture, the great outdoors, road trips, 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
- 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.
I’m Theresa Goodrich, a publisher, author, and content creator with a penchant for storytelling and a keen eye who’s dedicated to telling in-depth stories of magnificent, quirky, and unique places.
I’m an Emmy-winning author who’ is’s slightly obsessed with road trips, camping, and history. I’ve turned these passions into the Two Lane Gems book series, first-person travelogues highlighting the beauty and diversity of the U.S.A.
I’m also the publisher of Midwest Road Trip Adventures, 2nd Edition and Midwest State Park Adventures. I’m the author of Living Landmarks of Chicago, Planning Your Perfect Road Trip, and the Alex Paige cozy mystery series.
I’ve spoken across the country at the Travel and Adventure Show and the Chicago Auto Show, mentored at Bloghouse, and lead the Midwest Travel Network’s intensive multi-day Writing Workshop. In 2023, I was awarded Midwest Travel Network’s Collaboration of the Year with Dannelle Gay for our work on the Midwest Adventures book series.
I’m driven, often literally, to inspire my readers to get off the interstates and explore the towns and communities that make this country a constant and welcome surprise.
Work With The Local Tourist
I specialize in bringing destinations to life. I do this through engaging and captivating storytelling combined with beautiful photography.
If you’d like me to tell your destination’s stories, I typically plan three-day, two-night visits. All expenses should be covered, including transportation (as a road trip enthusiast, this is often a gas card). I do not charge a fee to visit and write about your destination.
However, as the publisher of multiple books and the creator of Simple Self-Publishing, I do offer a unique service:
I will write and publish a book about your destination!
This book can be focused on a specific theme, i.e. romantic getaways, great outdoors, arts and culture, history, etc. We can also include multiple themes.
Each book will be between 10,000 and 20,000 words featuring my signature storytelling and include full-color imagery. You’ll get an e-book edition that readers can access on any device.
We can also produce print editions, to be distributed in your visitor center, as well as an audiobook, recorded by the talented Jim Goodrich.
This book will be a charming asset for your destination, bringing it to life through an independent creator’s eyes.
I’d love to use my decades of experience to help you reach even more visitors and get those “heads in beds.”
Contact me today for more information and to schedule a visit!