Wake and Bake Cafe in Harrisburg. File photo.
A new platform can help you plan a date night, lunch break or day of sightseeing in Harrisburg.
Harrisburg area entrepreneur Adam Brackbill recently launched HBGVIBE, an app that uses AI to create itineraries and make recommendations locally.
“HBGVIBE helps people outside of the city and inside. If you can’t decide what to do, it can help you,” Brackbill said.
The platform draws from locally sourced data to share information on shops, events, restaurants, entertainment and more, prioritizing small, city-based businesses. Users can create a free account and browse the city’s offerings or use AI chatbot “Guy” who can answer questions and create itineraries.
The more you use it, the more “Guy” knows about you and can tailor recommendations to your preferences, Brackbill said.
“You can plan a date night and your girlfriend can be vegan and he’ll know it,” he said.
Additionally, the platform lets users share favorite locations and itineraries with friends, connect with other platform users, plan meetups and connect to public transit and rideshare apps.
Owners can also claim their businesses on the platform and update information. They can also offer deals, like coupons, to users.
Harrisburg residents have the ability to write blog posts and review restaurants. All HBGVIBE users’ feedback and data help curate suggestions for others, showing people the most loved and popular spots.
“The goal is for people to see the actual hidden gems of the city,” Brackbill said.
Brackbill said that, unlike some tourism sites, HBGVIBE is not a “pay-to-play” model and seeks to promote all businesses rather than featuring those that purchase space.
What sets HBGVIBE apart from general AI platforms is the local angle, Brackbill said. He programmed the site to pull from the most accurate local sources, rather than scraping the entire web, which can include outdated or incorrect info.
HBGVIBE is part of a wider VIBE network, which Brackbill is working on to include other cities. Businesses can also work with Brackbill to embed the AI tour guide “Guy” into their own website.
Brackbill, the founder of Urban Churn and co-founder of Pursuit Coworking, said that creating HBGVIBE began as a “passion project,” combining his love for the city and his entrepreneurial spirit. He also hopes that the platform will further tourism in the city, which he feels is lacking at the moment.
“It seems like the temperature in Harrisburg has gone a little cold. Harrisburg just needs a little extra love,” he said.
For more information about HBGVIBE, visit their website.
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