#local discovery

Google is testing Gemini AI inside Maps to help people discover local spots in a more conversational way. Instead of typing basic searches, users can ask for things like hidden gems or niche recommendations, and the AI suggests places based on context and preferences.

In testing, Gemini was able to pull together lists of restaurants, cafes, and attractions that felt more curated than standard search results. It can also refine suggestions through follow-up questions, making the experience feel closer to chatting with a local who knows the area well.

The feature builds on Google’s existing data from reviews, ratings, and location info, but layers AI on top to make it easier to explore without knowing exactly what to search for. It’s part of a broader push to integrate AI across Google’s core apps.

There are still some rough edges, though, with occasional mismatches or overly broad suggestions. But overall, it points toward a more interactive way of navigating cities and finding new places.

EYE CANDY & INSPIRATION from SCOUTED makeup artist, Gohar Beaver of GOHAR MAKEUP, who is also a Fashion Designer under label Ayvazyan & de Beauvoir Couture.

The goal was to create a uniquely styled bridal shoot in Charlottesville. Located in Canterbury Hills, this private garden proves that not all wedding locations have to be far away from home, but can be as close as a secret garden tucked away in your neighborhood.

The colors were bright fuchsia, orange, and green, representing a mix of two changing seasons as we transition from summer to fall. Both the bride’s flowers and the amazing central table bouquet, created by Charlottesville’s A New Leaf florists, represent this change in seasons.

The bridal gown by Ayvazyan & de Beauvoir looks gorgeous on model DeeAna Barilics. She appears like a mermaid stepping off of a lily pad in the middle of the garden, accentuated by delicate makeup by Gohar Ayvazyan Makeup and hair by Vanessa of Bristles Hair Salon. 

Delicately written calligraphy was done by Simply Handwritten by Anna, and a unique wedding cake featuring frosting covered with fruit is surrounded by a tray of baklava and wedding cookies which were baked by Granatus.

Photography: 3 Cats Photo Styled Shoot: Hovhannes & Gohar Beaver Gown: Ayvazyan & de Beauvoir Model: DeeAna Barilics Hair: Vanessa of Bristles Hair Salon Makeup: Gohar Ayvazyan Makeup Flowers: A New Leaf Florist Calligraphy: Simply Handwritten by Anna Desserts: Granatus

Those of you that follow along here on The Sonoma Vine know that I have had quite a year in 2012. I quit my job and started a consumer internet/mobile application company called Locally. After many months of long nights, hard work and time away from home, we have finally released our location based discovery application.

Let me tell you the basics.

Have you used Foursquare? Google Maps? How about Yelp? These are cool, valuable tools for many reasons. However, one thing they don't do for us is tell us what is happening, right now wherever we are. We can find places, tips and reviews, who checked in and see some photos but we can't open these apps, view a map and see which wineries are open and hosting an event within 5 miles of where we are standing. 

Instead, we need to use Google Maps to find a winery, go to the winery Google Places (Plus Local) page or the winery website, find the hours of business, read their events tab and then decide if it is close enough or within the area of our intended travel. Then we need to research the next winery on the list. With Foursquare and Yelp, you really don't get anymore benefit as a consumer other than maybe a deal for checking in with Foursquare and consumer reviews. As a business owner, especially a winery owner, it is hard to keep these sites up to date with your hours, events and featured offerings.

Locally solves all of these issues by allowing wineries to build a profile with all your best web copy, info and logo, then "broadcast" live when you are open. Consumers open the Locally app and instantly see who is "broadcasting" within a few miles of their location. They can quickly determine what's open and which events are happening, right now. If you are a winery owner or visitor reading this you know what I am talking about. 

Our app, Locally, let's business, event planners, vendors, food trucks, venues and just about anyone to share where they are and what they are offering in real-time. 

Those of you that have read my wine blog know that I go to Sonoma, the Finger Lakes and so on. This tool is something I wanted when I was visiting. Now we have it available. If you are a winery owner or wine-related venue manager, we would love to have you on board for our beta. It is free to use and will truly become the best way to discover amazing local wine experiences. Find us at www.locally.fm and request access to our beta. We'd love to have you join us. 

Find us on Twitter: @locallyfm

Good Morning, While you were sleeping, TruckyLove has been transformed, mostly just our brand name. We received feedback about our software that indicated to us that we were leaving the door shut for other awesome, locals who may want to use our platform. In response we discussed our findings with event planners, business owners and other vendors to gauge interest in using our software. The response was favorable! With this in mind we wanted to create a brand that was open

to many local establishments, thus Locally was formed.

Since Pluto Mobile first entered Private Beta at the beginning of September, we've added hundreds of businesses in a bunch of new neighborhoods to our app. Now you can use Pluto in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens to help you find exciting stuff in your nabe... like Debasaki's stuffed chicken wings gyoza! Slurp.