I am a writer and photographer based in Chicago.

I am the author of  Secret Chicago: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, Chicago Scavenger, and Secret Illinois, published by Reedy Press.

My work covering travel, food, history, arts, and music has ranged from major music festival coverage like Lollapalooza to all the fried food at the Iowa State Fair and hidden tunnels under Zagreb.

I contributed to the 2022 and 2025 editions of the Fodor’s Chicago guidebook and the 2025 edition of Fodor’s The Complete Guide to the National Parks of the USA.

My writing and photography have appeared in Condé Nast Traveller, GQ, Chicago magazine, Midwest Living, Thrillist, Time Out, National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Preservation magazine, AAA Traveler Worldwise, Architect’s Newspaper, Consequence of Sound, Flood Magazine, Under the Radar magazine, Do312, Third Coast Review, and elsewhere.

I founded urbnexplorer.com in 2010 to share stories about culturally curious travel.

I’ve never stopped exploring.

Originally from Cleveland, I’ve lived in Chicago for nearly two decades. I hold a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Miami University. I am a member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the Chicago Writers Association.

I have more than 18 years of experience in corporate marketing and communications, and I consult on marketing strategy.

I’m available for speaking engagements and on-air opportunities.