Not to toot our own horn, but we hear it time and time again: “I really rely on Rural Intelligence." Lest you think we simply rest on our laurels (and thank you for the most satisfying feedback, by the way), we take that comment seriously. It’s made us extra cognizant of the fact that we have a responsibility to bring the most interesting, most rurally intelligent people, places and events of the region to our readers. But our mission isn’t just to offer the information; it’s also to provide it in the way that makes the most sense for you. And for some, that’s an app. That’s why we’re so excited to announce the launch of the Rural Intelligence Guide to the Berkshires And Beyond app, available — free — for iPhone, iPad and Android devices. It’s the brainchild of RI’s publisher Mark Williams, who realized that it’s been years since any print travel guide in our region has been published, and that the ones that are out there are somewhat out of date. An app travel guide seemed to be needed …and who better to provide one than Rural Intelligence? So, whether you’re a new visitor, a weekender, a second homeowner or lucky enough to be a full-time resident of the RI region, this app is for you. We created it to help you explore the area, to find a special bed and breakfast, a top-rated restaurant, the cultural venues that make our towns famous, where to shop, get fit or take the family on a fun experience. Best of all, because it’s an app, this guide is as mobile as you are. We especially like that everything is mapped out (Google maps, we love you), and that there’s a direct link to our popular events calendars, which we curate and update daily on our website. You can find out more about the app’s features in our new “RI App" section. Or skip the details and go straight to the download here. There’s a lot of information in the app, and we plan to keep adding to it. If you have a local business that would be appropriate to list in a travel guide, please let us know. (Email us at app@ruralintelligence.com and we’ll encourage you to upgrade your listing so you get the benefit of all the bells and whistles.) One final thought: While we seem to have the web magazine formula pretty well figured out, the RI Guide to the Berkshires and Beyond app is, admittedly, a work in progress. Listings will get more robust as businesses and organizations enhance their entries. We know there will be glitches to work out. But we fully intend to stick with it until we get the app to run as seamlessly as possible— and we hope you’ll stick with it, too, as we navigate this next foray into the media universe. --Lisa Green, editor
