Schoharie County is launching its first-ever cell phone driving tour of nine local tourist stops at this week’s Schoharie County Sunshine Fair.
The idea grew out of the county’s Economic Summit, said Old Stone Fort Museum Director Carle Kopecky, who developed the idea; maps of the tour—which includes the Fairgrounds, Vroman’s Nose, and Sharon Springs, will be available at the Fair.
Mr. Kopecky said the tour is intended as a one-month trial to test the technology—and feasibility—or developing a variety of themed tours to “move people into and around the county.”
Each of the nine points of interest will be marked with temporary signs and stop numbers.
By calling 823-1293 and then punching in the “stop’s” number, drivers will be able to listen to a brief message that explains what they’re looking at—or in the case of McFail’s Cave (#3), what they’re driving over.
Access to the service is free, Mr. Kopecky said, and cell phone users pay only their normal plan minute charge.
“Since many people have unlimited weekend minutes, the calls can be completely free,” Mr. Kopecky pointed out.
“The Schoharie County Economic Summit identified themed driving tours as a potential tourism promotion tool, but this application of new technology should have added appeal—especially to more tech-savvy travelers.”
Because some of the stops have more than one message, the trial tour actually includes 14 different messages, Mr. Kopecky added.
Though the driving tour is being launched at the Fair, maps will also be available at the Chamber office in Schoharie and at other tourism sites.
Data gathered from the cell phone service provider, On Cell Audio of Rochester, including the number of calls, the stops called, time of day and week, and any user comments will help officials decide whether to further develop the concept.
Stops on this first tour include: Cobleskill Fairgrounds, Iroquois Indian Museum, McFail’s Cave, Sharon Springs Walking Tour, Landis Arboretum, Old Stone Fort, Middle Fort, Vroman;s Nose, and Upper Fort.
Most of the stops—all non-profits or natural attractions—will be familiar to local travelers.
“The only one that will be a mystery to most is McFail’s Cave, which passes under Grosvenor’s Corners Road three times,” Mr. Kopecky said.
The cave is only signed once and the sign doesn’t reveal the location of the entrance.