The Brownstone Brooklyn tour grew out of tours New York Like a Native (NYLAN) founder Norman Oder has given friends visiting Brooklyn. That set in motion the tour guide's curiosity and requests by visitors. NYLAN believes in caffeine and visitors' capacity to cover a lot of ground. NYLAN is a member of the Guides Association of New York City.

Norman has done private tours for college groups, library groups, senior groups, singles groups, temple & Jewish groups, the Learning Annex, and numerous individuals, couples, and small and large family groups.

He is a licensed New York City tour guide, with a background as a journalist and still predominantly works in journalism. Norman was born in Brooklyn (who wasn't?), grew up on Long Island, and, after some detours, returned to Brooklyn in 1992. He lives in Park Slope. He has walked a good part of the borough, reviewed books on Brooklyn, and otherwise absorbed Brooklyn-iana. People regularly ask him for directions, even when he's out of town.

 He founded NYLAN in the spring of 2000. He volunteers for the Park Slope House Tour, the Prospect Heights House Tour, and Open House New York. In May 2004, he wrote an article for the New York Press on the city's new tour guide licensing requirements--and why the city changed its tune.

Since September 2005, he has written an influential, often critical blog, Atlantic Yards Report, about the controversial Atlantic Yards Development.

'"Williamsburg is such a diverse neighborhood, and it even becomes more so with Norman. You could wander through the streets without noticing the hidden treasures that Norman points out. It's a great workout, too."--Phil Encz, New York

"The New York Like a Native tour guide talks and walks fast, and expects you to hurry up and do the same. Not always easy, but you cover a lot of ground for $13."--New York Daily News, 6/22/03