The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast
The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast is where travel, food, and culture meet. Hosted by San Francisco–based travel writer, storyteller, and mom of two teens Shannon Gomes, the show features thoughtful conversations with experts in the food and wine world, avid travelers, creators, tastemakers, and locals who reveal what truly makes a destination memorable—and how to experience it like a local, with food always at the center of the journey.
From unforgettable meals and hidden neighborhoods to meaningful cultural experiences and practical travel insight, each episode is designed to inspire curious travelers—especially Gen X listeners who value depth, connection, and great food—to explore the world more intentionally and to bring a sense of discovery back home.
Shannon is also the writer behind The Gomes Guide (https://thegomesguide.substack.com), a weekly travel-focused Substack filled with stories, recommendations, and inspiration for meaningful travel. Listeners are invited to subscribe for fresh ideas, insider tips, and destination inspiration delivered each week.
Whether you’re planning your next trip or simply dreaming about one, The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast celebrates connection, community, and the joy of experiencing new places through food and travel.
The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast
A Local’s Guide to Seattle: Food, Neighborhoods & Hidden Gems with Natalie Compagno
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Planning a trip to Seattle? This episode is your insider guide.
I sit down with Natalie Compagno, a California native who’s been living in Seattle for the past decade (and has traveled to over 100 countries), to talk about what makes this city so special, from its creative energy to its deep connection to nature.
We get into the soul of Seattle, a place shaped by First Nation cultures, Scandinavian roots, and a thriving food, music, and coffee scene that goes way beyond the stereotypes.
We cover all the essentials (yes, Pike Place Market is worth it), but also the hidden gems you might miss, like:
- A historic tower with one of the best views in the city
- A quick water taxi ride to a Hawaiian-inspired local favorite
- Ferry rides to nearby islands that feel like a totally different world
We also talk neighborhoods, from funky Fremont to hip Ballard and up-and-coming Georgetown, each with its own personality, food scene, and local flavor.
And of course… we talk food and drink.
Fresh seafood, next-level brunch, craft cocktails, local breweries, and one of the most exciting dining scenes in the country right now, including Filipino and Laotian cuisine that’s putting Seattle on the map.
We also get into when to visit (hint: don’t sleep on spring and fall), how to embrace the rain like a local, and the best ways to experience the outdoors, from paddleboarding on Lake Union to catching sunset views over the water.
If you’re planning a trip to Seattle, or just love discovering cities through a local lens, this episode is packed with tips and inspiration.
👉 For more travel inspiration, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories, subscribe to my Substack at The Gomes Guide.
Chapters
00:00 The Soul of Seattle
02:58 Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
06:08 Best Times to Visit Seattle
08:57 Cultural Influences and Music Scene
11:57 Sports and Community Pride
14:47 Neighborhood Vibes and Unique Experiences
17:54 Culinary Delights and Food Culture
20:41 Drinks and Nightlife in Seattle
23:52 Outdoor Adventures and Nature
26:50 Moments that Define Home