About Us - My Local Nooks

Welcome to My Local Nooks!

This website is a directory of local attractions from all around the US. Browse around and look up the coolest local treasures anywhere in your state.

We feature restaurants, cafes, bars, parks, museums, bookstores, and lots of other hidden attractions waiting for your visit.

Our Contributors

Jamie Benson

Contributor

Jamie grew up just outside of Springfield, Illinois, and has spent most of his life exploring the state’s mix of small-town charm and big-city energy. After earning a journalism degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he stuck around to cover local events, hidden gems, and the quirks that make Illinois unique. When not writing, Jamie can usually be found digging through vinyl at record shops in Chicago, hiking trails in Starved Rock State Park, or tracking down the best deep-dish pizza outside the city.

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Julie Moretti

Contributor

Julie is a freelance writer who fell in love with Arizona’s desert beauty after moving to Phoenix for a marketing job over a decade ago. She now spends her weekends hiking in the mountains, exploring quirky roadside attractions, and tracking down the best Mexican food around Tucson.

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Tom Wheylan

Contributor

An Ohio native who grew up just outside of Dayton. I spent most of my life exploring the hidden corners of the state I call home! I'm a high school history teacher turned small business owner who writes content and creates media for local businesses. I've got a passion for telling stories, hiking trails, and eating a solid brunch meal.

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Kathy Bayton

Contributor

I have been writing since college, after college I moved to Michigan for good. Nothing beats the Great Lakes in the summer or a cider mill in the fall. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me browsing indie bookstores or hanging out with friends. Michigan has the best sunsets and I will die on that hill.

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June Holloway

Contributor

June Holloway is a lifelong Tennessean who grew up in the shadow of the Smokies and now writes from her home just outside of Gatlinburg. She has a deep love for winding mountain roads, American barbecue joints, and stories passed down on front porches.

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Alicia Verville

Contributor

I love writing and I love Minneapolis! My favorite places to explore are charming small towns, vibrant arts scene, and hidden gems anywhere outdoors. Fall foliage with a good documentary is my version of heaven.

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Danny Russo

Contributor

I grew up on the Jersey Shore and now call Asbury Park home. Generally I write about local news and events, and local attractions around the state.

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What You’ll Find Here

Our curated directory focuses on almost any type of attraction, but we tend to cover a few key areas the most:

Restaurants & Cafés 🍔 — Cozy diners, hidden foodie havens, 5-star restaurants, and farm-to-table gems.

Museums & Historic Sites 🖼️ — Art galleries, history museums, science centers, and quirky local landmarks.

Parks & Outdoor Adventures 🌳 — Hiking trails, botanical gardens, scenic overlooks, and beach escapes.

Day Trips & Unique Experiences 🎡 — Escape rooms, tours, trampoline parks, weird day trips, and once-in-a-lifetime stops you won’t want to miss.

Each listing includes details, insider tips, and sometimes even personal recommendations to help you plan your visit with confidence.

Follow Us For More

We are constantly adding new locations into our site, and we have gained hundreds of thousands of followers on Facebook across our pages. Join the My Local Nooks family and spread the word!

New places are being added all the time, and we love hearing about your favorite discoveries too. So feel free to reach out with any suggestions of new attractions worth covering.