I love acting like a local everywhere I travel.
Being a Local Guide means that I not only have the opportunity to share my experiences with others but that I can use the resources given by other Local guides to elevate my experience. That is why, even when I’m home, I am constantly sharing my experiences, tips and photos. Sometimes the best places are hidden gems that you would have passed up without that little extra research.
Businesses like Big Wave Shave Ice Company, a tiny shave ice hut in Maui, could be easily missed as they are off on the side of a business. Luckily they have people sharing how great they are on Google Maps and other sites as well as through word of mouth. You not only can share great spots but also smiling faces through videos and great reviews after your visit. We heard about it from a local and ended up going back four times during our trip!
You can not only share the hidden gems but the not-to-be-missed specials!
As a Local Guide I make sure to update photos each time I visit so I can share different menu items, seasonal choices and even specials that come back once a year! This is a great way to get people pumped up about great food and help a local business reach more people so they don’t miss out on the fun. I’ll often go through pictures ahead of visiting a restaurant to see if something catches my eye! During Stockton Restaurant Week each year, Michael’s New York Style Pizza brings back the Triple Threat Pepperoni Pizza complete with giant pepperoni slices, pepperoni chunks and roni cups! With enough attention this family owned business could bring it back all year long. I know seeing this photo has my mouth watering every time!
Being able to help passionate people share their talent is priceless.
Through my food adventures I have been able to meet amazing people who have a passion for creating delicious food. They put so much love and energy into what they do and being able to share their stories, food and help others discover them is so rewarding.
Whether a restaurant is brand new or established they can always use a boost from Google Maps. As a local Guide, I love being able to update pages, write reviews and share my photography with others. When you help your community it helps people passing through to eat like a local and current residents to discover more at their fingertips!