Like A Local In NY

Most of the attractions New York has to offer have become household names, but what about the unique local spots that may become lost among the flash of the big city lights? Like A Local Tours strives to bring these special places into the limelight and give participants the “insider secrets” on the hottest spots only a local would know, while also touching on some of the crew’s favorite famous stops! I recently went on one of these tours and in a coming post I will be sharing my experience with some pretty awesome photos, but first...let me give you all of the logistics. Tour guides Lauren Beebe and Robert Stout share a passion for their city and the creative charm that it holds. The two are a perfect pair to show you hidden wonders. Founder Lauren describes herself as being “passionate about people and knowing the best places to go”. Robert is a well-traveled photographer, once working alongside photography legend Annie Leibovitz, who loves his adopted city and enjoys sharing his personal knowledge and experience with visitors. “There is no better way to know a neighborhood and savor its unique charm than by walking in the shoes of its residents!” Lauren says. They also pride themselves on not being your typical guided tour. “Like our mustache logo implies, we specialize in creating stylish and buzz-worthy tours. We seek out local entrepreneurs who have started their businesses from scratch, so that really gives it that authentic local feel.” So what tour should visitors choose to take? For the summer/early fall, or while the weather is still nice out now,  Like A Local Tours recommends their Williamsburg Bites and Sunday Funday Brooklyn tours. The Williamsburg Bites: A Brooklyn Food Tour allows tour-goers to indulge on gourmet foods from some of the best local spots while learning about the history of the neighborhood and how it became a foodie haven. Stops include many of the hot, single proprietor businesses influencing food trends including Odd Fellows Ice Cream, Momofuku Milk Bar, Mast Brothers Chocolate, The Bagel Store, Pies N Thighs and Best Pizza. Along the way, seven full portion tastings are provided on the two-and-a-half hour-long Saturday excursion. I did the Williamsburg Bites tour and I LOVED it! Costs for the above tours are $50 and $55, respectively. The company also offers multiple other tours including Take Me Out NYC nightlife tours, Flatiron Food & History Tour, and their newest, the North Fork Wine Tour. Private tours can also be scheduled any day of the week.  Step into the shoes of a local and get to know the charm that Brooklyn brings to the table! For more information, please visit: www.likealocaltours.com.