Hannah Pierce

City Guide Writer

Hannah Pierce is a City Guide Writer for City & Local, specializing in creating accessible and informative content for residents and visitors alike. Before joining City & Local, Hannah honed her skills as a travel blogger, focusing on hidden gems and local experiences in smaller towns across the region. Her background in urban planning gives her a unique perspective on city layouts and community development, which she brings to her writing. Hannah's work has been featured in several regional magazines, and she was awarded 'Best Local Guide' by the Community Advocate Group in 2022.

Expertise

local guidescity explorationfood and drinkcommunity eventsreal estate trendshidden gemsurban planningtravel tips

Coverage Areas

Best in City
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Latest Articles

The planet Mars entering the Gemini constellation, symbolizing a significant astrological event with cosmic energy and celestial influences.
Food & Drink

Mars enters Gemini for horoscope on June 28-29, 2026

On June 28-29, 2026, four major astrological events converge, promising an exceptionally volatile and transformative period.

Jun 28, 2026 · 3 min read

Split screen showing a traditional campaign office contrasted with a jubilant grassroots campaign celebrating a narrow election victory.
Best in City

U.S. Primary Elections Deliver Unexpected Outcomes and Voter Shifts

In Iowa, a first-time candidate with a shoestring budget unseated a three-term incumbent by just 27 votes.

Jun 28, 2026 · 3 min read

City inspectors surveying the Damen Silos site, which has been illegally paved into a parking lot, highlighting a violation of city code.
Best in City

Damen Silos owner violated city code with unauthorized parking lot

On June 18, city inspectors discovered the historic 23-acre Damen Silos site had been paved over, now operating as an unauthorized parking lot.

Jun 27, 2026 · 2 min read

A panoramic view of a modern, vibrant city at dusk, symbolizing high quality of life and livability in global rankings.
Best in City

Quality of Life and Livability: Top City Rankings for 2026

For the third consecutive year, a European city has claimed the top spot for quality of life in Monocle's global rankings .

Jun 26, 2026 · 5 min read

The J.J. Walser House, a historic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed residence in Chicago, captured in a sunlit exterior view.
Best in City

Austin nonprofit buys Frank Lloyd Wright's J.J. Walser House

A West Side Chicago nonprofit, Austin Coming Together, purchased a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home for just $125,000.

Jun 25, 2026 · 3 min read

Exterior of the first H&H Bagels store in Chicago's Fulton Market, showcasing its signage and inviting entrance on a bright morning.
Real Estate

H&H Bagels opens first Chicago store in Fulton Market

Get ready, Chicago! For the first time in its history, H&H Bagels is opening a company-owned store outside of New York, choosing Fulton Market for its bold expansion at 164 N. Peoria St. This move bri

Jun 25, 2026 · 2 min read

Families and children joyfully swimming and playing in the newly reopened Kennedy Park Pool on a sunny summer day.
Real Estate

Kennedy Park Pool Reopens After Liner Repair

The Kennedy Park Fieldhouse pool's liner broke on Thursday evening, abruptly delaying its scheduled Friday opening and leaving local families without immediate access to summer relief, Block Club Chic

Jun 25, 2026 · 2 min read

Dubuque cityscape at sunset with glowing local businesses, symbolizing workplace achievements and community pride.
Best in City

Local Businesses Earning Top Workplace Honors

In Washington D.C. alone, 342 organizations earned 'Top Workplaces' recognition in 2026, according to wtop . Yet, only eight local businesses in the Dubuque area received a similar 'Best Places to Wor

Jun 25, 2026 · 5 min read

Contrast between a traditional university with lost graduates and a modern polytechnic with successful, employed graduates.
Best in City

Conventional Top 5 Universities: A Critical Look

Last year, 60% of graduates from the #1 ranked university on our list struggled to find tech employment within six months.

Jun 24, 2026 · 5 min read

Chicago skyline with a gavel hovering over an abstract Airbnb logo, symbolizing the city's lawsuit against the short-term rental platform.
Best in City

Chicago sues Airbnb over illegal short-term rentals

A single Chicago short-term rental operator, Slumber Stay LLC, allegedly amassed nearly 200 violations by using one hotel license for multiple properties, challenging existing regulations for short-te

Jun 24, 2026 · 5 min read

Diverse travelers in a busy airport terminal, with a subtle red alert symbol indicating a potential public health risk.
Best in City

Traveler with measles arrived at O'Hare Airport

For the second time this year, Chicago's O'Hare International Airport has been the site of a potential measles exposure.

Jun 24, 2026 · 5 min read

Diverse New Yorkers accessing community services like food banks and clinics, with NYC landmarks in the background, symbolizing accessibility and support.
Local Guides

What are local public services and how can you find them?

In New York City, a digital tool maps the presence or absence of community resources across 59 districts, helping residents locate vital local public services from food banks to healthcare clinics.

Jun 23, 2026 · 4 min read

The darkened facade of the Left Bank Brasserie restaurant in Menlo Park, with a 'Closed' sign on the door, symbolizing the abrupt shutdown of Vine Hospitality's establishments.
Food & Drink

Vine Hospitality Shuts Down Seven Restaurants, Including Left Bank and LB Steak

Approximately 300 employees across seven Bay Area restaurants, including the 28-year-old Left Bank Brasserie in Menlo Park, were abruptly laid off as Vine Hospitality ceased all operations.

Jun 23, 2026 · 5 min read

An artist's rendering of the proposed Bronzeville Trail elevated bike path, showcasing its modern design integrated with urban greenery and city skyline.
Best in City

Soil testing begins for Bronzeville Trail elevated bike path construction

Environmental soil testing has just begun for Chicago's Bronzeville Trail, a project estimated to cost $100 million and not expected to be fully completed until 2033, according to Block Club Chicago a

Jun 23, 2026 · 3 min read

A lively street filled with diverse, inviting independent restaurants, bustling with happy patrons enjoying outdoor dining and community atmosphere.
Food & Drink

What is a local restaurant and why does it matter?

Many independent restaurants offer incentives like '10% off curbside orders,' a direct benefit often overlooked when comparing them to larger chains.

Jun 22, 2026 · 3 min read

Diverse diners enjoying unique international dishes outside new restaurants in Montgomery County, illuminated by colorful neon signs.
Food & Drink

New Restaurants in Montgomery County for Unique Dishes

In Rockville, the April opening of Molly Tea, a new Shenzhen-based tea brand, instantly drew long lines, proving a rapid shift in local tastes.

Jun 22, 2026 · 3 min read

An intimate, warmly lit Italian restaurant in Seattle with patrons enjoying a meal, evoking authentic dining.
Food & Drink

Best Seattle Italian Restaurants for Authentic Dining

Securing a table at Seattle's Cafe Juanita often requires booking up to a year in advance.

Jun 22, 2026 · 5 min read

A lively farmers market scene with diverse shoppers and farmers, showcasing fresh, colorful produce under warm sunlight.
Local Guides

How to Support Local Farms and Farmers Markets

Farmers who sell directly to consumers earn a significantly larger share of the food dollar, bypassing intermediaries who often capture the bulk of the profit.

Jun 22, 2026 · 4 min read

A lively outdoor scene at a popular taco truck in Homestead, Florida, showcasing authentic Cuban sandwiches and a vibrant local atmosphere.
Food & Drink

Top 6 Hidden Gem Food and Drink Spots in Florida

In a state famed for its theme parks and beachfront resorts, a tiny, unassuming taco truck in Homestead, 'El Sabor Escondido,' recently earned national praise for its authentic Cuban sandwich, rivalin

Jun 21, 2026 · 5 min read

Families enjoying a sunny, affordable summer staycation in a vibrant city with parks and landmarks.
Best in City

Top Affordable Summer Staycation Cities for 2026

With inflation pushing travel costs higher, WalletHub's 2026 study reveals Orlando as the top city for an affordable summer staycation, offering a surprising escape from rising expenses.

Jun 20, 2026 · 4 min read