About Us
Who We Are
Like A Local Tours is an award-winning, certified M/WBE tour company on a mission to connect travelers and locals through immersive, meaningful experiences. Based in New York City, we spotlight the city’s hidden gems by partnering with small businesses and nonprofits to offer unforgettable tours rooted in food, fashion, art, and culture. Since 2014, we’ve been recognized for our authenticity, passion, and community-first approach—bringing people closer to the real NYC through curated storytelling and local expertise.
Authenticity
Community
We collaborate with small businesses and artisans.
Sustainability
We are committed to offering eco-conscious tours and promoting responsible tourism.
Our Story
I started my company organically, born from a deep love for my vibrant Williamsburg, Brooklyn neighborhood. A little over a decade ago, many Manhattanites still said, “I don’t go to Brooklyn,” but I saw something different—a community full of fascinating people, inspiring entrepreneurs, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
There were women leaving Wall Street to open dream pastry shops, vintage curators reviving old styles, and creatives turning passion into purpose. I fell in love with Williamsburg’s energy and began crafting custom itineraries for friends, showcasing the best places to eat, shop, and explore.
My mission has always been to connect both locals and tourists with the soul of the neighborhood—through its stories, people, and authentic experiences. The spark to turn this passion into a business came after reading about a woman in Chicago who launched spice market tours based on her love for Indian cooking. I thought—why not do something like that here?
Since then, we’ve grown beyond Williamsburg, offering tours across Brooklyn and Manhattan. But our core mission remains: connecting people to places through storytelling, supporting women and minority-owned businesses, and giving back to the communities we love.
– Lauren Beebe, Founder/CEO
Like A Local Tours is a Certified M/WBE (MWCERT2021-67).
Meet Our Core Team
the Founder
Lauren Beebe
Originally from Wisconsin, Lauren grew up across Minnesota, Texas, and Pennsylvania before earning her B.S. in Marketing and International Business from Penn State. She moved to NYC after graduation and has worked in tourism and hospitality for nearly 20 years.
Before starting Like A Local, Lauren was Head of Marketing at Algodon Partners, a private equity firm with hospitality holdings in South America. She’s a member of NYC Tourism and Tourism Cares, and has served on the advisory board of Reach the World, a nonprofit bringing global travel experiences to classrooms.
Lauren is a frequent speaker at industry events and a graduate of NYC Tourism’s ‘Tourism Ready’ program, where she now mentors others. She has also completed executive programs at the University of Pennsylvania, George Washington University, and Harvard Business School.
Like A Local, LLC is licensed, insured, and a registered trademark.
Chelsea Wangberg
Head of operations & community Impact
Chelsea ensures seamless experiences for guests. She has a decade of experience in tourism operations.
Chelsea was born and raised in Alaska, where she currently resides. She began her career in tourism as a tour guide and tour director leading tours all across North America. She received guide certification from the International Tour Management Institute in 2016 and has led tours from New England to the US Southwest to the Canadian Rockies.
After years of adventures bringing new destinations to life for guests she decided to make the transition to Operations to use her skillset to help tour companies bolster and grow their offerings and streamline their business. She is passionate about the tourism industry and excited for the future as tourism continues to evolve and grow.
Jocelyn Fine
Operations & Experience Specialist/Tour Guide
Jocelyn curates and promotes experiences, ensuring they reach the right audience. She also focuses on daily operations and guest communication, creating a seamless guest experience.
Hailing from Westchester County, NY, Jocelyn joins the team with 4+ years of Corporate Event Planning experience and a lifetime of being a serious foodie. The weirder, the better. She currently resides in Park Slope, and is a true Brooklyn Stan.
Jocelyn is a proud francophile who has completed several long stays in France, including teaching English in elementary schools across Montpellier. Yes – she does love escargot. She is excited to be on board, combining her passions for New York, food and entertainment.
