Many people who use Instagram have probably come across TravelingFoodieGuyde, aka Markiss Stone, at some point. Through years of hard work and dedication, Stone has merged a passion for traveling and food into a career.
With an immensely popular social media following, he provides foodie recommendations, travel itineraries, recipes and more.
Although Stone might be a food connoisseur these days, that was not always the case.
“I have not always been into food,” Stone says. “I actually loved traveling, but I noticed that when I was traveling to other countries, I was still ordering food like I was in America. It wasn’t until I went to Greece, and I saw my daughter eating a bunch of food that I never would’ve even attempted, that allowed me to say, ‘You know what, I’m getting too old to be going to these countries and ordering the same old stuff.’ That let me just get uncomfortable and start exposing myself to different types of food.”
A proud native of the South Side of Chicago, Stone moved to Indianapolis after receiving a promotion at his job. He quickly realized that Indianapolis had a lot to offer besides the race it is famous for.
It wasn’t until 2021, however, that he started his Instagram page, TravelingFoodieGuyde. Realizing the growing costs of traveling for content full time, Stone resolved to find the best and tastiest food in the city he lived in.
He then began going around Indianapolis reviewing restaurants new and old, with his passion shining through every time. Although Indy might not be on many people’s culinary bucket lists, Stone maintains that it has great food to offer.
“You can actually get a great, quality meal in Indy and don’t have to travel far to get it,” he says.
With each post, Stone not only reviews multiple food items at each location, but also showcases the decor and ambiance of each place. The high-quality visuals allow viewers to get a feel for a restaurant and some menu highlights before ever stepping in the door.
Now creating content full-time, Stone prides himself on finding the hidden gems in each place, as well as collaborating with new restaurants in the community to help them showcase what they offer.
In addition to food reviews, Stone also gives recommendations for healthy alternatives to popular brands at Costco, travel itineraries, and highlights of other cultural destinations around the country. Pages like this make traveling not only a breeze, but exciting as well.
Since its inception, TravelingFoodieGuyde has exploded in popularity with over 100,000 followers and counting. Stone doesn’t discriminate when it comes to what he eats. He is very open to all types of food and is always ready to explore new cuisine.
“I don’t really have a favorite type of food, “ Stone says. “I’m still in the exploration mode. I’m at a point in my life finally where if you put a dish in front of me, I’ll try it. “
No matter the restaurant or the dish, Stone will find something positive to say, understanding that everyone has a different palate and preference.
“Food is so subjective, and just because I may not like something doesn’t mean that somebody else won’t,” he says.
Looking ahead, Stone aims to leverage his experience in radio and TV to transition into a television role.
“Eventually I would love to have my own TV show, “ Stone says. “That’s been my goal ever since I created TravelingFoodieGuyde. Guy Fieri and his show ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’ was a big inspiration for me. That is why I spelled my name ‘Guyde’ instead of the traditional ‘Guide’. I want to go forward with that same spirit. “
As TravelingFoodieGuyde expands, Stone remains dedicated to what sets him apart – connecting people with the incredible food in their communities.
Having a great meal with loved ones and enjoying quality food is something that should never be taken for granted. Stone stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when you mix passion and positivity, and he certainly proves that you can find delicious food close to home.
If you would like more information about TravelingFoodieGuyde, visit his website at link.me/travelingfoodieguyde, and follow him on social media @travelingfoodieguyde.
