AURORA, Illinois (October 15, 2007) Visitors can now explore the illustrious history of downtown Aurora in an exciting, new format as the Aurora Downtown property owners and the Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau announce the “City of Lights” podcast tour.

The tour features 12 historic “stops” – all within walking distance of the City of Aurora’s downtown. The lively and punchy narrative takes visitors through a walk back in time to the 1800s highlighting Aurora’s finest structures and citizens, its contribution to history and even the connection to famed historical figures.

On the tour visitors will learn about and view Prairie School architect George Grant Elmslie’s works listed on the National Register of Historic Places; the Civil War building—the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall; the Coulter Opera House; the Paramount Theatre (listed on the National Register of Historic Places); The Aurora Hotel; and the Leland Hotel.

The listener will be entertained by a tapestry of tales including the legendary blues recordings at the Leland in the 1930s, former mayor and eccentric Paul Egan Aurora’s Civil War building and about the booming industries that fueled growth in Aurora.

The tour is not only fun but educational, as well. Learn about Aurora native and child prodigy violinist Maud Powell and the who’s who of entertainers who graced the stage at the Paramount including John Phillip Sousa, Sarah Bernhardt and Oscar Wilde!

“Downtown Aurora is best seen by foot. We are so excited to offer this neighborhood tour using the latest technology. The audio tour is great for all ages and provides visitors with the convenience of taking the tour on their own time, at their own pace,” said City of Aurora Downtown Development Director Karen Christensen.

The tour includes recorded directions from one site to the next, accompanied by an easy- to-follow map that can be downloaded online from www.enjoyaurora.com or from www.auroradowntown.org. The tour can also be downloaded from iTunes and subscribe to Aurora Area podcast.

In addition to the Audio Tour, a “technology-free” walking tour is also available. Maps can be downloaded from the same websites listed above, or, alternatively, brochures can be obtained by calling 630-844-3670. The Audio Tour was locally recorded and produced by Schaumburg-based KRT Productions, Inc.

ABOUT THE AACVB:

The Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau serves as the tourism marketing and management organization for Aurora, Batavia, Hinckley, North Aurora, Montgomery, Plano, Sugar Grove and Yorkville. This not-for-profit organization provides numerous travel resources to visitors via the Web site at www.enjoyaurora.com and a toll-free number 1-800-477-4369