New Travel App Talks You Through Cool Oregon Sights

Published 08/17/2019 at 6:53 PM PDT
By OREGON TRAVEL DAILY STAFF

(Eugene, Oregon) – With all the numerous National Scenic Byways, state routes and attractions along the central part of Oregon and Lane County, one group felt something was missing. Someone imagined a way to do some storytelling in your ear as you roam the roads in your car.

As of earlier this summer, that company was a Salem-based innovator called Together Anywhere. They released the Together Anywhere Audio Guides app back in June, which is free on both Apple and Android devices. From there you can download audio guides for only $5.

Currently, tours include the route from the Willamette Valley through the Cascade Mountains to Bend. Choose from the McKenzie Highway edition, Eugene to Bend, or the Santiam Canyon route from Salem to Bend. The McKenzie Highway edition includes historic Highway 242, which is also an Oregon Scenic Bikeway.

Among the features, according to Travel Lane County Tourism, are a trip full of facts whispering in your ear as you zip along, including a myriad of tidbits about the McKenzie River that had its marketing coordinator surprised. History, legends, even “dad jokes” were peppered throughout the roving lecture.

Once downloaded, the tours don't require Wi-Fi or internet access. Utilizing GPS technology, the narration automatically plays as you encounter a point of interest, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

Much of it is the brainchild of Salem’s Andrew Hussey, who is the narrator and storyteller on the audio guides. He is the third generation in his family to be involved in the travel business, having conducted tour or led travel adventures in Belize, to San Francisco and the Columbia Gorge.

The idea for Together Anywhere started two years ago when the other partners Christy Hey and Arnaud Verstuyf went traveling in search of a business that would combine her knack for storytelling, his technical knowledge and their combined love of travel. Christy takes care of the company’s business and content development. Arnaud moved to Oregon from Belgium in 2017 and develops the technology for the company.

See http://www.togetheranywhere.com/ .