At Stuff To Do Near Me, recommendations are not just about ratings. We built a planner that uses context to make activity ideas easier to compare.
Beyond Star Ratings
A rooftop bar is not useful at 9am. A beautiful park may not fit every rainy day. Context helps turn a long list into a smaller set of options.
The Context Stack
Our engine considers multiple layers simultaneously:
- ●Time of Day: Morning activities vs. evening experiences
- ●Weather: Real-time weather data adjusts suggestions
- ●Day of Week: Weekend vibes vs. weekday efficiency
- ●Season: Cherry blossom spots in spring, ski lodges in winter
- ●User Mood: Date night vs. solo exploration vs. family fun
- ●Budget: Free activities to premium experiences
- ●Proximity: Walking distance vs. worth-a-drive spots
The Scoring Algorithm
Each potential recommendation gets a composite score based on all context factors. A quiet cafe scores high on a rainy Tuesday morning. That same cafe scores lower on a Friday night when someone selects "nightlife."
Review Before You Go
The system uses available place details where possible, but venue hours, tickets, closures, and conditions can change. Treat the itinerary as a draft and confirm important details before heading out.
What's Next
We're working on group recommendations - where the engine balances preferences across multiple people to find activities everyone will enjoy.