RoadsideAmerica.com Attractions and Oddities
Frequently Asked Questions
How does it work?
"Attractions and Oddities" is a collection of Points of Interest selected from RoadsideAmerica.com. Once it's on your GPS device, you will be able to find offbeat places, just like the datasets of gas stations, restaurants, etc. available on GPS devices. On a Garmin nuvi, for example, the Roadside America set will be under Extras > Roadside America. You can see what's nearby, or leave the list constantly refreshing with new close places as you drive. Or you can look up a specific attraction and let your device guide you there. It's easy to use.
Can I set it to alert me when I'm near attractions?
Yes, if your device supports Proximity alerts. On a Garmin nuvi, go to Settings > Proximity Points and turn to "On." Whenever you are within about a mile of an attraction, you should hear an audible chime from your device.
Will this be available for other GPS devices?
The App is currently available for select Garmin and TomTom devices. The TomTom version is priced somewhat lower because they don't currently display the description and image content, but include all the same map points as the Garmin version (to get the TomTom version go to the Spotitout site and toggle the button at the top to "TomTom")
Does it include all the places on the web site and the iPhone App?
Not all. Since the Garmin devices are primarily navigation aids, Attractions and Oddities features only “mapped” attractions and oddities that we determined are likely to be where they’re supposed to be. Our web site includes unmapped places, vague tips and places that no longer exist. This GPS tool is closer to the iPhone App collection of mapped places, and even includes some of the "Research" targets that seem really solid, or we have visited but haven't written about yet.
Please note that many GPS devices, such as the Garmin nuvi, have a built-in limitation to the number of places they will display in a single list. For example, if you go to the Texas list and step through the list screens, it will not go farther than about 50 places. In reality, Attractions and Oddities contains over 360 places in Texas. You can see these either: 1) while you are near a part of Texas revealing the nearest 50 places; 2) You focus the list via categories, for example, to see 50 museums; 3) You can do a text search and it will find places with the keyword you use ("Dallas," "armadillo").
Is Attractions and Oddities the same as your iPhone App?
They are different in many ways, though they share most of the same attractions. Each has its own strengths. We’ve used both together on trips – the iPhone App to select places and see more details via the network, and Attractions and Oddities to get GPS satellite precision to route to a place -- especially useful where cellular coverage is spotty.
I have a non-iPhone/iPad mobile device, and a Garmin GPS. Should I wait for you to release an application for my mobile device?
Don’t wait – we don’t have a schedule for new mobile platform availability. Attractions and Oddities is available now, so if you are leaving on a road trip soon it could be an invaluable guide.
I live outside the US and Canada, and I’m taking a road trip there soon. Can I buy this product?
Yes, RoadsideAmerica.com Attractions and Oddities will work on your Garmin nüvi®, zumo®, Oregon® or Dakota® series. For help on international orders email cs@spotitout.com. Available in English only. Buy here.
After I buy RoadsideAmerica.com Attractions and Oddities, is it automatically updated?
No. Garmin dedicated GPS devices don’t interact with a live data network like a mobile computer or smart phone. Think of it as more of a routing travel guide or map. Over time, what is most likely to change about an attraction is operating hours and whether it is still in business. Some places are very small, volunteer facilities. If a phone number is provided, call ahead before any significant trip or detour. Note: Hold on to the confirmation email you receive from Spotitout -- you can click on the link it contains to download an updated version (if available) within one year of your original purchase.
Can I make copies for other people or devices?
The purchase of the product is specific to your device. Once it’s on the device, you can move the files to an SD card for backup purposes or to minimize memory consumption on the unit. Please create a folder /Garmin/POI on the SD card before moving the files.. Note: Hold on to the confirmation email you receive from Spotitout -- you can click on the link it contains to move Attractions and Oddities to a new device (you can do this one time).
What if I have a problem with the GPS product on my device?
You can re-download it from the Spotitout website by clicking the link in the order confirmation email. Spotitout will also assist with defect or use issues with the software and device. [Customer Service]
