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
Exploring New York City with a Local: Hidden Stories from Vibe Tours
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
New York City is one of the most visited destinations in the world—but how much of it do we actually understand?
In this episode, I sit down with Dana, founder of Vibe Tours in New York City, to uncover the stories hiding in plain sight across Lower Manhattan. A Brooklyn native and former Wall Street trader, Dana brings a unique insider perspective to the city’s history, culture, and energy.
We talk about what makes New York so special, why each borough has its own personality, and how walking the city with a local can completely change your experience.
From the real story behind the Charging Bull to the unexpected origins of New York’s jaywalking culture, this conversation is packed with fascinating insights—and plenty of travel inspiration.
If you’re planning a trip to New York (or just love the city), this episode will make you see it in a whole new way.
What We Cover in This Episode
- How Dana went from Wall Street trader to NYC tour guide
- What makes Lower Manhattan one of the most fascinating neighborhoods in the city
- The surprising history behind the Charging Bull statue
- Why New Yorkers really jaywalk
- The inspiration behind Dana’s Hamilton walking tour
- The overlooked women who shaped Wall Street
- Why New York City feels especially magical during the holidays
- Dana’s favorite food spots and hidden gems in NYC
- What she hopes visitors take away after exploring the city with her
If You’re Planning a Trip to NYC
Dana shares some great insider tips in this episode, including:
- Where to find one of the best classic New York pizza slices
- A hidden coffee shop inside a historic bank building
- Why Lower Manhattan is the perfect area to explore in one day
- When to visit popular spots like the Charging Bull to avoid crowds
Learn More
Check out Dana’s tours here:
👉 https://www.vibenyctours.com/
Connect with Me
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to The Gomes Guide on Substack for more travel inspiration, tips, and stories.
And if you love the podcast, I’d be so grateful if you left a review—it really helps others discover the show.