Find Nearest Shopping with Google's Local

It used to be that shopping while traveling was a major deal, because, when you don't know where you are, it's hard to know which is the nearest grocery store, even when you've found a local telephone book.

But Google's new "Local" feature has fixed that.

To try it, go to the Google home page:

Google

Look for the word "Local" in the line of command words just above the search box.

That will bring up the Local search page.

Enter "Grocery" (or whatever you want to find) in the first box, and your starting address in the second box.

In just a few seconds, you'll have a list of grocery stores and a map with a bunch of push pins representing those stores.

You can narrow the search to "within 5 miles" or expand it to as much as "within 45 miles". Those selections are at the top right just above the map.

If you are traveling and don't have an exact address, you can enter the zip code or town name, then find a more specific information from the map Google displays.

When you enter an exact address, and ask for a nearby grocery store, Google displays a map with the exact route, with all turns and street names.

There's even an aerial photograph view! Just click the Satellite button at the top of the map.

Amazing!