Founder of LittleChicagoGuide.com
Travel Journalist · TV Contributor · Founder, LittleChicagoGuide.com & MyMichiganBeach.com
I’m Jill Halpin — Chicago and Midwest travel expert, journalist, and the founder of LittleChicagoGuide.com and MyMichiganBeach.com. I’ve appeared on Fox 32 Chicago, Fox 17 West Michigan, WDIV Detroit, and Fox 2 Detroit sharing travel tips with a combined audience of hundreds of thousands of viewers across the Midwest.
Little Chicago Guide exists to help you experience Chicago the way locals do — beyond the tourist trail, into the neighborhoods, restaurants, and hidden gems that make this city worth coming back to.
My Story
I’ve spent years exploring Chicago neighborhood by neighborhood — from the taquerias of Pilsen and the galleries of West Loop to the beaches of the North Side and the bookstores of Hyde Park. That firsthand experience is the foundation of everything on this site.
Splitting my time between Chicago and Michigan, I’ve spent years uncovering the Midwest’s most memorable places — big and small. That combination gives me a unique perspective: I understand what visitors want to see and what locals love most about their hometown.
Professional Background
- Public Speaker & TV Guest: Regularly invited to discuss local tourism trends, family getaways, and seasonal travel ideas across multiple Midwest media outlets
- Journalism & Media: Bachelor’s in Journalism and Master’s in Library & Information Science from Wayne State University (Detroit, MI)
- TV Contributor: TV Contributor: Regular appearances on Fox 32 Chicago’s Good Day Chicago, Fox 17 West Michigan, WDIV Detroit’s Live in the D, and Fox 2 Detroit — covering Chicago and Michigan travel for Midwest audiences since 2021
- Print & Digital Media: Featured in outlets such as The Detroit News, Wanderlog, and The Loyola Phoenix
- Founder & Editor: LittleChicagoGuide.com and MyMichiganBeach.com — trusted online resources for regional travel inspiration
In the Media
Jill has appeared on television more than 40 times across four major Midwest network affiliates — covering Chicago travel, Michigan destinations, seasonal guides, and Great Lakes safety.
Television: Fox 32 Chicago · Fox 17 West Michigan · WDIV Detroit · Fox 2 Detroit · WSBT South Bend
Print & Digital: The Detroit News · Wanderlog · The Loyola Phoenix · MSN Travel
Radio: WNMU-FM Northern Michigan Public Radio
👉 See every appearance with links →
My Approach
Every guide on Little Chicago Guide is based on personal visits and firsthand experience. I don’t write about places I haven’t been, restaurants I haven’t eaten at, or neighborhoods I haven’t walked through. When I recommend something, it’s because I’d send my own family there.
I also cover the practical details most travel guides skip — parking, accessibility, what to bring, what time to arrive, what’s actually worth the money and what isn’t. Because the best travel advice isn’t just inspiration. It’s the information that makes your trip actually work.
A Personal Note
When I’m not writing or appearing on TV, you’ll usually find me exploring Chicago’s neighborhoods (I love Lincoln Square and Andersonville) , or walking along the lakefront. I believe the best travel advice comes from experience — and I love sharing the discoveries that make Chicago so special.
Work With Me
I partner with tourism boards, hotels, attractions, and Midwest-based brands on sponsored content, social campaigns, TV segment tie-ins, and giveaways. My audience spans two established platforms — LittleChicagoGuide.com and MyMichiganBeach.com — plus a combined email list of 16,000+ subscribers and active social followings on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.
Recent partners have included Boyne Mountain, Visit Michigan, and others across the Midwest travel space.
Reach out at info@littlechicagoguide.com or visit the Work With Us page for full collaboration details.
Connect
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