Sorry if my reply was snide...
But, there is something a little fucked up for someone to show up in some town and just expect all of the good spots to be mapped out for you and you can just show up and don't need to interact with any of the locals at any time.
I've never gone to a skateshop and just simply said "hey, where's the spots?" but if you treat the shop staff like a friend or even like a fellow human, they will always help out. I've been in skateshops all over the world, and even if we don't even speak the same language, acting like a decent person will go a long way. They might not point me toward the secret ditch spot or the crazy abandoned pool, but if you treat people with respect they'll do the same. And you should respect their right to keep some spots to themselves. And buy something from the shop, a cap or a tshirt even if you don't need it, skateshops are almost always a passion project of the owner and they need all the cash they can get.
I just think it's important part of it all, the human interaction between us. People show up to a spot with earbuds in, do a few tricks then leave without saying a word to anyone and that makes them seem like a dick. We're all in this together guys.