The Local Tourist Chicago

Chicago is a city of neighborhoods. When I moved to Chicago in October of 2001, from Indianapolis, Indiana, I heard that statement over and over again. I learned quickly that I hadn't moved to Chicago, I'd moved to River North.

After an extensive Internet search to get to know my neighborhood, I realized there weren't ANY comprehensive neighborhood-based websites. And none that would encompass everything residents and visitors would need to know. So, with a journalist's eye to detail and a new resident's curiosity, I created this site in February of 2002. I realized I couldn't be the only person who wanted a central location to put me in touch with my neighborhood.

For the first three years, the business portal aspect of the site was focused on River North. It now includes other downtown neighborhoods (Loop, Mag Mile/Streeterville, Gold Coast) and will concentrically expand. Soon each neighborhood will have its own Local Tourist portal.

To this day, there are no sites that offer everything The Local Tourist does: restaurants, things to do, nightlife, shopping; and links to government, transportation, and media sites. The free weekly events newsletter provides a featured article and highlights upcoming events for downtown Chicago. Concierges are part of the loyal subscriber base who know they can count on The Local Tourist to provide accurate, up-to-date details on events and openings and closings.

I've created this site because I wished I had something like it when I moved here. And, since The Local Tourist's inception I've heard that desire repeated by residents and visitors alike and received thanks for addressing that need.

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