VisitFranklin.com Launches History Tour iPad App

Explore the History of Franklin with Free iPad App, Six Walking Tours; WCCVB Offers iPads for Rent to Visitors

FRANKLIN, Tenn., April 20, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- History in Franklin has boldly embraced high tech. Today, the Williamson County Convention and Visitors Bureau (WCCVB) launched a new iPad application, the Franklin Tour app, which offers visitors a fun, interactive way to discover the history, architecture and stories that make up Franklin's Great American Main Street experience.

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The Franklin Tour app is a map-based, GPS-enabled walking tour with a real-time "you are here" feature. App users can walk any or all of the six different tours or simply download the app from anywhere in the world to enjoy the same tours in the privacy of home. This feature allows users to experience the tour from the comfort of a coffee shop or local deli in the event of inclement weather. The stories and photos will come to life on the iPad.

The Franklin Tour includes more than 260 images, many of which are historic photos of the buildings on tour. The app features six tours:  Great American Main Street, Art & Antiques, Haunts & Headstones, Historic Homes of Hincheyville, Battle of Franklin and Margin to Main. Each loop is outlined in a different color on the map. A column of informational "badges" on the left side of the screen features community information from various downtown and preservation organizations.

The WCCVB has the solution for those who don't own an iPad by making a limited number of them available for rent from the Visitor Center.  An introductory price of $10 for each iPad rental will be charged and a security contract must be completed. The iPads are available during visitor center hours only.

The new app, created by Geoki, is free and available to download at the iTunes Store, giving everyone the opportunity to explore Franklin on a local, national and international level.  Because the app is a reference for all things Franklin, it is another useful planning tool for visitors, offering access to the electronic version of the official Williamson County Visitor Guide. In addition, the program gives users the opportunity to "share" their experience through social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Yelp.

"Our vision was not just to create a free iPad tour application for iPad owners, but to make this tour available to any visitor by having iPads for rent," said WCCVB Executive Director Mark Shore. "We believe this sets Franklin apart from other communities offering tour apps."

The Williamson County Convention & Visitors Bureau (WCCVB) is the official destination marketing organization for Williamson County and Franklin, Tennessee, located south of Nashville. The WCCVB promotes the Williamson County area, city of Franklin and local historic assets to visitors across the state, the U.S. and worldwide. For additional information on all there is to see and do in Franklin and Williamson County, contact us by phone 615.791.7554, fax 615.550.2707, toll free 866.253.9207, on the web at www.VisitFranklin.com or by mail 108 4^th Avenue South, Suite 203, Franklin, TN, 37064.  FIND YOURSELF IN OUR STORY.

Geoki specializes in mobile media production for tourist and historical attractions.   The company's most recent product, a tablet-based geo-location app, features the town of Franklin, Tennessee, and surrounding Williamson County.   With more than 100 points-of-interest, the app brings historical photos and narratives to life with a rich, touch-based, moving map interface.   Geoki is the official digital storyteller for The Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, and has a popular tour of San Francisco Bay's Alcatraz Island.   Other projects are in development.  Based in the creative environment of Austin, Texas, Geoki is run by Mark Dewey, a veteran technology executive and journalist.

SOURCE Williamson County Convention & Visitors Bureau