Detour Maps Drops New Updates to Make Local Life Smoother, Smarter, and More Connected

By DM Friends May 7, 2025

Chicago, IL – May 2025 — Detour Maps, your friendly neighborhood web app and mobile-friendly platform, is rolling out fresh updates to make life in the neighborhood more connected, rewarding, and fun.
We’re not a big tech thing. We’re built from the ground up by people who live here, shop here, and want their community to thrive. With new tools that help local businesses get seen, events that bring neighbors together, and the launch of DM Shop, we’re doubling down on what really matters: real people supporting real places.

New Deals & Rewards That Actually Mean Something

Our upgraded Deals & Rewards Program helps local businesses get noticed — both online and around the corner. Neighbors can unlock exclusive offers while businesses improve their online visibility and connect with more people nearby.

Let’s Make Some Noise: Detour Events for Real People

We’re teaming up with cool partners to bring you community-powered events that feel just right. Think seasonal pop-ups, meet-the-maker days, neighborhood food tastings, and walk-throughs that spotlight hidden gems.

These events aren’t just for fun (though they are fun). They’re designed to help local businesses show up online, generate buzz, and get neighbors talking — and tagging.It’s simple: shop local, get rewarded, help your block grow.

Helping Restaurants Go Digital Without the Headache

Our Digital Menu Program gives local restaurants an easy way to get online without hiring a whole team. With QR menus, SEO-friendly listings, and mobile-friendly design, it’s quick to set up and easy to manage.

Let the food speak for itself — we just make sure people find it.

Detour Maps Experiences: Vote. Explore. Celebrate.

We’re shining the spotlight on groups of businesses with Detour Maps Experiences — themed journeys like Best Bagels, Mole de Mayo, Top Argentine Parrillas, or Brazilian Flavor Favorites.

Neighbors and visitors can vote for their favorites, creating friendly competition and serious community hype. Think People’s Choice, local-style — with rewards, stories, and plenty of love for small businesses.

Let the food speak for itself — we just make sure people find it.

DM Shop: Souvenirs with Soul

DM Shop is finally live — and it’s not your average online store. It’s the first marketplace built for neighborhood-branded souvenirs and local products that reflect the vibe of each community.

From tees that rep your block to mugs, totes, and gifts for coworkers or tias, DM Shop is where local creativity meets purpose. We also team up with nonprofits, business groups, and cultural collectives to create special collections that give back and celebrate the people behind the scenes.

Let the food speak for itself — we just make sure people find it.

“People always ask, ‘Where can I find something local to take home or gift?’ DM Shop is our answer.” says Manuel Pacheco, founder of Detour Maps.

We’re Not Big Tech — We’re Big on Neighborhoods

Detour Maps is here to make life easier for the everyday explorer. Whether you’re new to the area or born and raised, we help you discover what’s around the corner — and support the people who make it special.

Let the food speak for itself — we just make sure people find it.

Lifestyle

Shop Local: Benefits That Go Beyond Savings

By DM Friends February 21, 2025

Have you ever wondered what would happen if every purchase you made had a direct impact on the future of your community? When you shop at the corner market, the local bakery, or the small craft store, you’re supporting more than just a business. Each transaction becomes a boost for the local economy, the environment, and the culture that enriches our daily lives. Shopping local is more than a consumer act; it’s a way to strengthen community life and contribute to a vibrant and sustainable environment. Discover how every purchasing decision can make a profound and lasting difference in the place you call home.

7 Reasons That Power Local

1. Strengthening the Local Economy
When you shop locally, part of the money from your purchase stays in your community through taxes. This not only benefits businesses but also strengthens the local economy, creating jobs, better schools, parks, and more. By reinvesting in other businesses in the area, a cycle of prosperity is created where everyone wins: neighbors, merchants, and the neighborhood as a whole

2. Connection and Community
Local businesses not only sell products and services but are also places where relationships are built. Shopping local helps strengthen the sense of belonging and creates an environment where neighbors can connect and support each other. Every time you attend a neighborhood event or shop at a fair organized by local businesses, you’re contributing to a more united and healthy community.

3. Lower Environmental Impact
Opting for local products and services is an environmentally responsible choice. Local products travel shorter distances, reducing transportation pollution and lowering the carbon footprint. Additionally, many community businesses adopt sustainable practices, such as using eco-friendly packaging or selling organic products.

4. Authenticity and Diversity
Local businesses reflect the authenticity and diversity of each community. These stores often offer unique, handmade, or customer-tailored products. This richness in variety and authenticity is hard to find in large chains and allows consumers to connect with items that truly represent their tastes and values.

5. A Legacy for the Future
Supporting local businesses is an act of generosity toward future generations. When you shop locally, you’re helping to build an environment where future generations will find a community full of life and opportunities. From the fresh bread at the family bakery to the community park filled with people, those experiences shape a legacy that will last over time.

6. Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Shopping local not only supports existing businesses but also fosters innovation and entrepreneurship. By choosing products and services from local entrepreneurs, you help create an environment where new ideas and projects can thrive. Small businesses are often more willing to experiment and adapt to the needs of their community, resulting in a vibrant and dynamic ecosystem. This innovative atmosphere attracts new entrepreneurs, further enriching the area’s commercial and cultural offerings.

7. Supporting Local Culture
Local businesses are a vital vehicle for preserving the culture and traditions of a community. Often, these businesses are deeply rooted in local history and celebrate the customs and values of their environment. By shopping at local markets, festivals, and stores, you’re not only supporting the owners but also helping to keep your community’s cultural identity alive. This support ensures that future generations can enjoy and learn about their heritage, creating a sense of pride and connection to their surroundings. Many local businesses also sponsor schools and promote sports, further strengthening community ties and the development of young talent in the area.

Conclusion: Make Every Purchase Count

Every time you choose to shop locally, you’re supporting a prosperous and sustainable future for your community. So, the next time you have the option, choose local and help build the neighborhood you want to live in.

Technology

How Technology Can Build Stronger Communities

By DM Friends February 21, 2025

What makes a community stronger and more connected?

It’s not just about having the latest tech—it’s about how we use it to bring people closer. These days, digital tools are shaking things up, helping us interact in new ways, support local businesses, and create events that actually bring people together.

Turning Simple Interactions into Real Connections

Let’s face it—technology has totally changed how we connect with others. Whether it’s a WhatsApp group or platforms designed to boost community life, these tools make it easier to share info, plan activities, and build strong support networks.

Take a simple neighborhood WhatsApp group, for example. It can be used to:

Organize fun activities or meetups.
Share safety updates or alerts.
Swap resources or lend a helping hand.

It’s amazing how something so simple can build trust and give everyone a real sense of belonging.

Digital Bridges: Making Every Connection Count

Now imagine a tool built specifically for making community life better. One that helps you:

Discover local events like street fairs, markets, or cultural activities.
Find and support nearby businesses, making it easy to shop local.
Join or even organize events that match what your neighborhood really needs.

Here’s how it might look in action:
Picture this: a community festival where neighbors vote for their favorite dish, shop at local vendors, and score rewards for joining in the fun. It’s not just about picking a winner—it’s about creating moments that matter and building relationships that stick.

Bridging the Digital Divide

Here’s the thing—not everyone has access to these tools. Plenty of communities still face challenges like poor connectivity or a lack of digital resources.

The fix? Investing in better internet infrastructure and offering tech education to make sure no one’s left out. Everyone deserves a chance to tap into these opportunities, whether they’re in the city or the countryside.

Innovation That Inspires Action

What makes these platforms so powerful isn’t just their ability to connect people. It’s how they spark action and encourage collaboration. Whether you’re supporting a local shop or joining a unique event, every interaction can turn into something that strengthens your community.

Building a Better, More Human Future

At the end of the day, technology isn’t just about cool gadgets or cutting-edge apps. It’s about creating tools that bring people together, strengthen bonds, and transform neighborhoods into vibrant, thriving spaces.

And it all starts with small steps: sharing, showing up, and working together. So, the real question isn’t if you’ll be part of the change—it’s when.

Experiences, Lifestyle

Cultural Events for Families and Kids: Safe and Educational Spaces for Your Community

By DM Friends February 21, 2025

Cultural events are more than just fun outings—they build a sense of belonging, foster learning, and strengthen community ties. Families benefit from shared experiences that inspire creativity and promote valuable life lessons. Our platform makes it easy to discover these opportunities, guiding you to activities that support growth, learning, and connection.

Why Family-Friendly Events Matter

In a world increasingly focused on screens, in-person events create a special chance for children to develop social and creative skills. Parents and caregivers also find joy in engaging with their community and seeing their kids thrive in enriching environments.

A Fun Way to Learn: Activities like art, music, or science workshops turn education into a joyful experience.
Fostering Community Bonds: Events bring families together, creating a sense of shared purpose and unity.

A Resource for Discovering Events

Our platform is designed to connect families with local, meaningful events:

Simple Search Options: Browse by location or interest to find activities that suit your family’s needs.
Events That Inspire: From eco-friendly initiatives to cultural celebrations, there’s something for everyone.

Highlighted Experiences Across the City

Some neighborhoods have embraced cultural and educational activities, offering great examples of what’s possible:

Berwyn: English classes for all ages promote inclusivity and skill-building.
Pilsen: Free art workshops provide creative outlets for children in culturally rich settings.
Logan Square: Farmers’ markets combine education with sustainability, teaching families about healthy living.

Collaboration with Local Organizations

Through partnerships with community groups, libraries, and nonprofits, our brand ensures that families have access to well-organized and impactful events. These collaborations enable families to participate in enriching activities without barriers.

Commitment to Safety and Quality

Every event featured on our site meets high standards of safety and relevance. Parents can feel confident that their children are in environments designed to nurture their well-being and curiosity.

Themes That Resonate: Topics like environmental care, teamwork, and creativity are woven into the activities.
Memorable Experiences: Each event is an opportunity for kids to learn and grow while having fun.

Discover, Learn, and Connect

Cultural events for families and kids are an essential part of building stronger communities. With our platform, every family can find activities that spark joy, inspire growth, and create cherished memories.

Make your community the classroom for your children’s bright future. Start exploring today!

Experiences, Lifestyle

Detour Maps: Connecting Communities and Local Businesses with Practical Solutions

By DM Friends February 21, 2025

Looking for a simple, effective way to find and join local events? Detour Maps is here to make that easy. This platform gives neighbors access to a clear, organized calendar of activities and experiences in their own neighborhoods, giving them the chance to discover unique events and connect with their community in an intuitive way.

How Does Detour Maps Do It?

Detour Maps brings together neighbors, organizations, and local businesses, creating a space where anyone in the community can share and promote their activities. With easy-to-use tools, Detour Maps makes it simple to:

Local Events and Activities

Find events and activities shared by local businesses, community groups, and nearby organizations. Detour Maps is a platform where neighbors and local businesses—from schools and academies to parks and shops—can promote and participate in events seamlessly. This option can be found on our homepage and by selecting a specific community. Browse and choose the neighborhood you’re interested in to discover available events and local activities.

Exclusive Experiences for the Community

Check out our Experiences section, designed for organizations and local businesses to create lively, personalized event pages. From the homepage, you can dive into four main categories, each with its own unique theme. Take the Mole de Mayo Festival, for example—you can not only discover and support participating businesses but also join the community in voting for the best mole. Navigating Detour Maps is a smooth, user-friendly experience that helps you connect with the heart of your neighborhood, offering a central spot where locals can find, support, and enjoy each event to the fullest. This section also highlights sponsors and participants, giving neighbors a go-to place for community info and connections.

Benefits of Joining Local Events Through Detour Maps

Building a Stronger Community: Every time you attend a local event, you’re supporting small businesses and local talent, which boosts the area’s economy. Detour Maps also makes it easy to organize contests and themed activities, adding creativity and excitement to community life.
Creating Memorable Moments: Each event is an opportunity to make special memories with family, friends, and other community members.
Building a Support Network: Going to local events helps you connect with others in your area, encouraging friendships, collaborations, and a stronger sense of community.

Detour Maps is more than just a tool for finding local events; it’s a practical solution for those who want to make the most of connection opportunities in their community. Get involved in what’s happening around you and make every experience count with Detour Maps!

Impact Stories: Neighbors in Action

Planning an event or festival in your neighborhood? Detour Maps is your go-to tool. The platform makes it easy to connect with local vendors for equipment rentals, coordinate catering services, and promote your event to the community. Plus, you can use the announcements feature to notify neighbors, boosting visibility and ensuring a great turnout. With Detour Maps, everything you need to make your event a success is at your fingertips—from planning to promotion.

Conclusion: A Call to Join In

If you want to be an active part of your community, local events are the perfect way to start. Detour Maps makes participation easy by connecting neighbors with activities that enrich the neighborhood. More than just attending an event, it’s about building lasting relationships and creating a supportive community where everyone has each other’s back. Join Detour Maps and start discovering experiences just a click away.

Brand

Digital Marketing: Your Strategic Ally for Business Growth

By DM Friends February 21, 2025

If you own a small or medium-sized business, or if you’re starting a new project, we understand that expanding your presence in the digital world can be challenging. Entire Marketing Group LLC (EMG) is here to be your strategic ally on this journey, developing creative solutions that will make your brand stand out on every platform. With the support of our division, Detour Maps (DM), we not only plan but also execute customized solutions to ensure your business connects memorably with its ideal audience.

How Does Detour Maps Bring EMG’s Strategies to Life?

Detour Maps is dedicated to making EMG’s strategies a reality, focusing on executing each visual and tactical action to ensure you have a consistent and powerful brand presence. Here are some examples of the solutions EMG designs and DM implements:

Event Promotion: We elevate your events with high-visibility campaigns to maximize attendance.
Merchandising and Souvenirs: We create unique promotional products that reflect the essence of your brand and leave a lasting impression on your customers.

Rewards and Loyalty Programs: We attract and retain customers through loyalty programs designed to boost engagement.
Promotions and Special Offers: We execute persuasive campaigns across social media and digital platforms to capture new customers and enhance your sales.
Online Sales: We develop and promote your online store, driving traffic and effectively increasing your conversions.

EMG and DM: A Partnership for Your Growth

At Entire Marketing Group (EMG), we provide comprehensive digital solutions that position your business in the digital landscape, while Detour Maps (DM) executes each strategy. Here’s how EMG can assist you in key areas:

Social Media Content Development: We create engaging and relevant content that connects with your audience on key platforms, increasing your brand’s visibility and interaction.
Web Development: We design professional websites that represent your brand effectively, offering an optimized user experience to attract and retain customers.
eCommerce Solutions: We set up functional and secure online stores that make the shopping process straightforward and effective, boosting your sales and fostering customer loyalty.

Through this collaboration, our commitment is to help you achieve key objectives such as:

Increasing your reach and capturing new customers across various platforms.
Building a strong brand image that reflects professionalism and trustworthiness.
Boosting your sales and strengthening the loyalty of your current customers.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

At Entire Marketing Group LLC, we make digital marketing accessible and effective. Contact us to discover how we can help elevate your business to the next level in the digital world!

Lifestyle

Daily Chats – Improving Community Life

By DM Friends February 21, 2025

In today’s fast-paced world, time is one of our most valuable resources—and we often lose it to the chaos of everyday life. With our neighborhoods constantly growing and changing, daily challenges (which we call “Daily Chats”) can seriously impact the quality of life for both residents and local businesses. DM is here with a simple, effective solution to help you save time and make your daily routine easier.

The Problem

In the middle of all the hustle, people often feel like they’re losing precious time every day. New neighbors struggle to adapt and find the things they need nearby. They miss out on what their neighborhood really has to offer and end up traveling farther than necessary. This disconnect also affects local entrepreneurs, who could be thriving with more community support.

The Solution

DM cuts through those everyday hassles—what we call “Daily Chats”—and helps you save time. By making it easier to tap into your neighborhood’s resources, you can focus more on the things that matter—family, passions, or supporting local businesses. DM gives you a “shortcut” to improve your quality of life while strengthening the sense of community.

Our Commitment to the Community

Being part of a community isn’t just about living in the same area. DM encourages you to play an active role in making our neighborhoods better. We make life easier while creating stronger connections between neighbors and local entrepreneurs. Our mission is to help you discover, support, and grow the businesses and opportunities around you.

How to Build Community

Support Local Businesses: Explore and shop from local entrepreneurs. Every purchase helps boost your neighborhood’s economy.
Share Your Time and Knowledge: If someone needs help or you’ve got useful advice, don’t hesitate to offer a hand. Small actions strengthen community ties.
Get Involved in Neighborhood Activities: Whether it’s a local event or a new initiative, participating helps everyone feel more connected and supported.
Join DM: Our platform offers easy solutions that save you time and let you contribute to your community’s growth.

Example of Daylichats: Today’s “Daily Chat” for Daniel? We’re helping him find a nearby school for his son. It’s just one way the DM simplifies the everyday life of our neighbors.

Detour Maps Drops New Updates to Make Local Life Smoother, Smarter, and More Connected

New Deals & Rewards That Actually Mean Something

Let’s Make Some Noise: Detour Events for Real People

Helping Restaurants Go Digital Without the Headache