Offbeat Tourist Attractions - Information!

My older version of this POI has descriptions for each POI. The latest csv is missing all that and there is no gpx file, except for the TurboCCC posted one from a few months back.

The descriptions are what make these POIs useful to me.

there should be descriptions in the file, I will take a look at it and see if there is something wrong with it. Also, I will be glad to send up a gpx version of this file also. Will keep you posted.

Anyone else having this issue?

Oops. I reviewed the latest gpx file that I've got and found I had started adding my own descriptions to each POI. I found the point where I left off and only the addresses were in the descriptions, just like your csv file. So there is no problem.

Glad to hear you had no issues!
On a side note, I just added over 500 new entries in the latest file and hope all will enjoy.

I am working on a way to get it back into gpx mode and will send it up to Miss POI when done.

I sure hope all is enjoying this file .. it can take some time but I think it is getting better each and everyday..

Enjoy all...

Keep up the great work. One idea, instead of discarding the items that are no longer around, perhaps add them to an Offbeat Tourist Attractions (site of) POI. In my situation, I include items that are no longer around in my "Celebrity Owned or Invested in Restaurants" POI at http://www.poi-factory.com/node/27862 because I think people will be interested in driving by where Skipper of Gillian's Island greeted people at his restaurant.

For Gillian's Island Skipper's entry, col. 3 reads "Lobster Barrel (site of)" and col. 4 begins "826 N La Cienega BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90069opened 1960s; closed April 1985".

In your case, it is the attraction itself that is drawing. Still, some people may be interested in knowing what Offbeat Tourist Attractions was previously at a particular location. Also, it seems a waste to discard research.

I'm in the process of converting your POI csv to a gpx file. Breaking down the address, city,state,zip has been a small challenge, as the comment format of the csv file is not consistent. The POIs in this file need to all be reviewed as to location and address. I've done some while validating the addresses. But there are many locations without a street address, or with "go up a mile then turn right on US-123 and 1.5 miles down turn left" as an address. I think GPS files should have a legitimate address down to street and number where possible. Otherwise the user is searching for a POI. rather than letting the GPS do that job. Coordinates must be as close to exact as possible. Just running a POI through a geocoding does not work. I've corrented a POI that said MN rather than NM for the state, and other errors as shown in examples below. Once I get the gpx stable, a csv can be produced with any data you want in the comment field. Right now I'm using GeePeeEx, as it does a nice job of address validation. After that is done, EPE can be used to continue fixing these POIs. I'd like to see the gpx include phone# and URL where possible. Maybe we could coordinate this so more than one person can fix the 5,000 POIs in this collection. Each person could mark the ones they've reviewed by setting the Symbol to a different value, e.g. Custom 0, Custom 1, etc. Here are the examples of what needs fixing:
Big Fish Restaurant - Duplicate
City of Rocks - Bad coords, 42.6 miles off
Crystal Cave - MO, not MI
Dakota Dinosaur Museum - Duplicate
Faceless Fred the Ghost - Bad coords, 1192 miles off
Fish Building - Duplicate
General Patton Memorial Museum - Duplicate
Globle Water Tower - Can't find this on the internet
Good Enough Mine Tour near Boot Hill - I-10 has no exit 310; needs address & coords verified
Graves of Bonnie and Clyde - Bad coords/address
Greenbrier Ghost Trial Marker-Sam Black Church - Bad coords/address
Grotto of the Redemption - Duplicate, one with wrong address
Hair Dresser Wood Carving - Can't find this on the internet
Hamtramck Disneyland - Folk Art - Added address, changed coords

Take a look at this site, it may help you on your quest.

http://www.roadsidetourist.com/

Bob,
Here are updated csv and gpx files of your Offbeat Tourist Attraction POIs. I wanted you to see it before I put more effort into the conversion to see if it is useful to you. I have a text file list of about 50 major POI changes that I've done. From my scattered analysis, it appears that every POI needs a thorough review as to accuracy. With addresses showing MN instead of NM and MI instead of MO and coordinates also being that far off, this would frustrate me if took a detour to one of these POIs.

Reviewing 5,000 POIs is a massive project that cannot be accomplished by emailing POI corrections one at a time. I'd be willing to split the gpx file into small parts if we can agree to edit the gpx format and generate a csv from that after the review is complete. I'm not sure if my wiki spaces page can be setup to allow limited people to edit contributions.

Both an updated gpx and csv are located at:
http://garmin-mapsource.wikispaces.com/file

Dave

Great stuffs - thanks for finding these POIs

Just a note: dave's GPX file has been saved in unix format. Not a biggy, but if you try to open it in EPE, it will take forever. Really: forever!

To correct the issue, open the GPX file in Wordpad (not Notepad) and just save back. This will convert those LF in CRLF. Then EPE will load the file in no time.

Yes, it is still in my "Todo" list to improve unix file reading.

Turbo

I resaved it so it will open quickly in EPE, 2 seconds with my PC.

Ok thanks for this.. I will take a look at it and yes, I was aware of some dups and am in the process of cleaning it up. You are corrrect, this can take a long time for 1 person to do and finding the correct cord. can be frustrating too.

Let me look at this and I will get back to you. About where I find my information is from a lot of resorces and not JUST from "RoadsideAmereca" I do a lot of searches and lots of users give me information about places they saw. I do like doing this file but yes, sometimes the cord are not correct but hey, at least I try.. lol

I hope you don't see my remarks as criticism of your work. 5,000 POIs are a lot to maintain. But as it took 20 hours to convert this to a gpx, it is not something I want to do frequently. That's why I suggest using a standardized comment field in the csv that can be easily created by running EPE on the gpx file. The gpx file has fields for a URL, a web link to an internet site that is either the home location for a POI or Roadside America or another site. These URLs are not in the csv, but in the gpx that MapSource can open. MapSource can open a URL from the properties of a POI. Some of these POIs are very difficult to find on the internet and without a URL, I'm not sure how interesting they are. I'm not going to go out of my way to visit a POI that does not have more information readily available. [I reuploaded the gpx to http://garmin-mapsource.wikispaces.com/file because GeePeeEx does not save URLs properly, so I fixed them manually.]

I've made 230 updates to coords, addresses, names and closed POIs. That's taken quite a few hours. I am updating these when the GeePeeEx program's Batch Geocode does not find the POIs address. Most require address enhancements, but when I discovered the other discrepancies, I brought it to your attention. I see myself updating another 200 by 3/20/2010 before I'm done with this pass. that will leave 90% of the collection that should be reviewed.

Just in time for all you people that are going on vacation this summer..

we got over the 5000 mark of places to check out.. some are real crazy and some are just fun.. So give this a try and I am sure you will like it and have a little fun too!!

Hi bobkz - Do you know of any reason that I can not seem to get your file to import into Delorme Street Atlas correctly. I take your csv file and import it into gpsbabel and output it to a gpx file. That all goes fine. When I import it to delorme the file stops at about number 482. Everything seems happy but it doesn't completely load. I first did your file at your last update where it was at the high 4000's and it did the exact same thing. I have tryed a couple other big files like Walmart and it seems to be fine. This is a great work you are doing and I'd sure like to be able to use it.

Thank you
Harold

What version of Street Atlas USA do you have? I just imported the Offbeat Attractions .csv file into the SA 2010 Plus without a problem. I did not convert it to GPX, just imported the CSV directly to the draw layer using the "POI Factory / Garmin CSV" file type in the drop down file type selection box.

It should import directly as a CSV file with no conversion needed. Just use the CSV file, unless your version od SA needs to be updated.

Hi Guys - I am using Street Atlas 2009 plus and I just installed my Topo 7. I tryed bringing the cvs file into both of the programs and the info was in Africa or around there. When I loaded the gpx file into Topo it said (unable to import the file) Then it says (failed to add a waypoint to the layer. It loads to what Topo says is line 482 in the file but it actually loads to big swan statue in Michigan. Which is 484. That is after I add the top row.
I have been adding a headings (row) then labeling that row with Long Lat Name Comment in each column.

Thank you for your help
Harold

I think I have it figured out. It appears that you can not have any files with the same name. At the above location there are 2 Big Swan Statue's listed. As soon as I named them 1 and 2 the file worked through using gpsbabel. The import of the gpx file then stopped at the next file name that had more than 1 the same. I don't know if my system is different or what?

Harold

I guess my idea of same name thing isn't all that's going on. The file stopped at line 1610. I don't see any reason for it to stop there. Also I noticed that some of the items before my original finding at line 482 have duplicate names and they are ok.I tryed the latest Starbeck's file from here and it worked fine.

Maybe they are same name at different addresses or poi located inside mall so ther will be one for nearest mall entrance and one for store entrance.

Hi phillyguy19020 - I don't think the enteries are wrong. I haven't deleted any. It just seemed if I added a 1, 2, 3, etc it helped. That's not not all that is going on. I have POI Verifier 1.0.0.1. Unfortunately I missed out on the 2.0.1 version. I don't know if it might have done better. I tryed running the file through that and it found some errors but it still stopped line 482 when I converted to gpx.

Harold

Graves of Bonnie and Clyde - Bad coords/address

The Grave of Austin Powers is also wrong. It's supposed to be in New Jersey, but the coords put it in Downtown Orlando, FL.

-81.364182,28.544723,Grave of Austin Powers,"154 S. Mills Rd.,Princeton Junction NJ 32801"

These might be more accurate (from Bing, Google can't find the address):

40.28501726666692, -74.61335495716104

Recently I was setting a test co-ordinate in google maps, input my home address it set my home nearly two blocks away. I checked again using yahoo maps and was spot on. Since then I check accuracy using my home address before excepting map co-ordinate results.

Ok I need some input on a few subjects for my poi file..

Here they are..

I would like to know how many users would like a GPX file in place of a CVS file? I can upload one but that will mean that i ned to keep both files live.. I will do it ifusers really need/want the gpx file

The 2nd is do users still need a state file breakdown.. I have not done that for a while now but if a large number of users need it, I will start it again.

Does anyone think that I have stuf in it that should NOT be in it and if yesy, What is those?

also, I would love to hear from you if I can make this a more fun and better file than it is now

And LASTLY, If any thinks they can help me in making this even a beeter file and willing to work to do it, I greatly would love to hear from you.. I have been doing this on my own and have over 5000 entries and am finding it to big to handle on my own now. i want to so much more with this file.

So, if you think you can help out, i would love to hear from you, Just remember, This file is ONLY for POI FACTORY and no other site should have it ..

THanks

Bob

Actually if you use EPE to generate the GPX, you can use it to generate the CSV as well. I keep one master file for the ones I maintain and use it as the input for the GPX. The CSV has less info than the GPX, but I use EPE to spit out that file. I only need one file this way.

.

The long & lat for Desert View Tower in file is incorrect. The correct coords are:

-116.09986 32.659083

Also, after visiting Vicksburg, MS last summer, I discovered that the fake monitor on frontage road has been replace with a strip mall ;-(

Thanks for an excellent source of things to see while driving across this great country.

Bob, the location of the National Museum of Nuclear Science in Albuquerque NM is coming up on my Garmin Nuvi 260W too far north. The actual location is 35.06598, -106.53313. This is a great spot and I would not want anyone to miss it. I think it has to do with the way addresses are defined in the city. 601 Eubank SE (south east) is correct but it looks like it is positioning at 601 Eubank NE (north east).

RJW,
I will take care of the issue asap. Thanks for letting me know.

Sorry for a bit of "off post", but this reminded me of an interesting museum related to the topic that is located in Las Vegas of all places. Well, maybe it's not too unexpected, as Las Vegas is near Area 51 and some test sites.

I hope you all find this useful.

http://www.atomictestingmuseum.org/

755 E. Flamingo Rd.
(Just East of Paradise Rd.)
Las Vegas, NV 89119

36.114425,-115.148606

What a nice increase. Hadn't updated in awhile. Triple the size.

Just want everyone to know that I have been very busy with a new and improved update file. I will now have more places for you to check out

I took the advice from many folks here, I added the phone numbers if I found them and re-checked ALL the GPS locations. I did find that most were ok but just as many were off a little from the first time I checked the locations. I also googled the location and if the place was shown on the map, I made sure the marker was smack on or just to the side of each place.

I also have added more information in the description to help you find the places easy.

As many wanted, I will also have a GPX file aval for downloading (I will ask Miss POI to add it to the download page)

I will also be creating the state files again since some folks would like it.

This file should be ready by the weekend so look for it.

Bob

Hi Bob,

Here is a request I found at
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/14024?page=15

Vince

Ok folks, THe new file(s) are up for you to grab. I hope it is better and more helpful. Many changes were done to this file and I think you will like them.

Any suggestions will always be welcome.

I am just waitting for Miss POI to OK the GPX file that I just sent up here too.

Miss POI, Can you do your magic and attach the information just as you did with my State and All States file? Thanks in advance!

Hope to hear from you all!!

Bob

Done;)

Miss POI leaves the area with magic wand in hand.

I didn't see this one. Ever been to LAKE GEORGE in New York?
The point below is to a WONDERFUL beach.... but that isn't the unusual part.

From this parking lot, as you walk towards the beach... on the far right side of the beach is a little spot commemorating where a war ship was built in 1758 and it sailed away north, and promptly sunk two mile away!

I think that is funny! I bet SOMEONE got fired!

Lake George (Million Dollar Beach)
43°25'1.41"N
73°42'8.01"W

Phone number for beach info:
518-668-0034

THat is good I think.. Most times when I release a new version, I get someone letting me know to fix 1 thing or another, Seems that this one is one of the best since I have not heard from anyone at all..

I do hope everyone is enjoying the file(s). I did put a lot of work into it and glad I did.

Starting to look for more places again.

Thanks for your support.

PS, Thanks Miss POI for all your hard work here!

kkll

...below is the enterence to a dam. It is the dam at the largest man-made lake in the USA. In 1938, the towns of Dana, Enfield, Greenwich, and Prescott were flooded to create this Reservoir.

Quabin Reservoir
Belchertown, Ma
413-323-7221

42.2801 -72.3493

There is a popular television program called BURN NOTICE. Below is the warehouse they use for Michael Westen's apartment (the hero), well the outside scenes anyway.

Michael's loft (Burn Notice)
25°46'45.00"N
80°12'24.66"W

A fan even spent the time to make a 3D version in GOOGLE EARTH!

WOW, a lot of places to see when I retire. Another weird place is "the Flippin Church of God" located in Flippin, Arkansas, 72634. There is a huge stone marker with the aboce engraved in it.

Thanks a million Bob. I was going crazy trying to get the POIs on Roadside America but this made really easy. Thank you for your service to our country.

We add more places to see and also added more phone numbers that were missing. Also we are starting to NOT remove places that may have closed. Now marking them with ***GONE*** status. If we start getting to many, I will create a new file for the Closed or no longer there file.

Have fun with the new places to check out!

For your work and the updates!

I searched the file, but did not find it under the name or any coordinates close to it. I stumbled onto it while researching Truck Stops. The web site is thrillvania.com and explains that there are 8 terrifying attractions in 1 thrill park. According to the site, it is rated #2 scariest haunt in America by MSN (whatever that means).

The address is 2330 County Road 138, Terrell, TX 75161, (972)524-2868.

The coordinates on the road in front of the attraction are: 32.686841,-96.246049

The coordinates in the middle of the overpass on I-20 are 32.692563,-241424

Curt

Watch for it soon..

Been Very busy with this file .. I added almost 200 more places to the file and more phone numbers, as well as better descriptions about the places.

We are now at the count of 5405 places that you can see. I hope everyone that is using this file finds it fun and a great poi file to have!

Enjoy !

I Added 84 more places to see.. Also added more phone numbers. we are now at total count of 5481 and growing.

Not sure when the next upgrade will be due to the fact I will be very busy for a while.