Local Scout

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New to the area or just looking for something new to do? Local Scout can help you find nearby places to eat, drink, shop, visit, and play. It also gives you relevant info about the different places to help you decide where to go. You can even get suggestions that are tailor-made for your tastes.

You can get ideas in each of these categories:

  • Eat + drink – Find restaurants, bars, coffee shops, diners, and cafes... anywhere you can grab a bite or quench your thirst.

  • See + do – Get ideas for ways to pass the time or have an adventure. Everything from museums to mini-golf.

  • Shop – Scope out the unique boutiques and the big box stores alike.

  • For you –See suggestions personalized for your tastes.

To use Local Scout

Press the SearchHandheld8 hardware search icon button button, then tap ScoutHandhedl8 local scout icon.

Tip

  • To pin Local Scout to Start, tap MoreHandheld8 more ellipses > PinHandheld8 basic icon pin.

  • To quickly share an idea in Local Scout, tap it, tap Share, then tap the method you want to use to send it.

  • Tap the map at the top of the screen to see the places recommended in each category on a map.

To get personalized suggestions

We can give you tailor-made suggestions for things you might like not only in Local Scout, but also in the Windows Phone Store and in Music + Videos. See What suggestions will I see? to get all the details.

  • In Local Scout, flick left or right to For you, tap Tap to get suggestions, and then follow the instructions.

    Handheld8 local scout screen for you

To see more details and options

Tap any item in any category to see the following things:

  • About – Get the address, directions, phone number, hours, website, and other info.

  • Buzz – If the place has ratings or reviews, you’ll see them here.

  • Apps – If you have any apps that would be useful when you’re trying to head out somewhere, they’ll appear here. When you tap them, the apps automatically get info about the place you're investigating. For example, if you open an app that helps you make reservations, the app will already know which restaurant you were looking at. If you don’t have any relevant apps yet, we’ll suggest some you might like to get.

To use filters and categories

Ideas are sorted for you by distance, but you can order them by rating or (if you've set up suggestions) by suggestions instead. If you're looking for something specific (Italian food, amusement parks, pet supplies), you can pick specific kinds of categories to show. For restaurants and stores, you can even filter out anywhere that isn't open now, or show only places that are offering deals.

  1. Under each category, tap Sorted by distance.

    Handheld8 local scout sort options

  2. Choose your sort order and any filters, then press the BackPhone back button icon button.

    Handheld 8 local scout screen sort options

Note

If you haven't set up suggestions, the option to tap in see + do is Show categories.

To get ideas in a different area

You can use Local Scout for other areas, too. For example, if you're in Seattle, WA and taking a trip to Boston, MA, you can use Local Scout to help you plan your trip ahead of time.

  1. In the App list, tap MapsHandheld8 maps icon.

  2. Tap SearchHandheld8 hardware search icon button.

  3. In the Search box, type the city or area you want to explore (it's a good idea to include the state, too).

  4. Tap Scout LocalHandhedl8 local scout icon.

Note

Local Scout may not be available in your country or region.

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