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INDIANAPOLIS – (July 26, 2021) – Love tenderloins? Pie? Burgers? Something else? There is an Indiana Culinary Trail for you! Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) and the Indiana Foodways Alliance (IFA) are teaming up to launch the Indiana State Culinary Trails Passport. The Indiana Foodways Alliance has 21 culinary trails across the state, and now there’s a free digital passport to tempt the tastebuds of visitors.
“The restaurants that make up these trails are family-owned small businesses that play a major role in rural America,” Crouch said. “This passport program will help these 250+ establishments thrive and continue to be a part of the heritage and culture of their communities.”
The Indiana State Culinary Trails “digital passport” encourages visitors to discover new places and enjoy the outdoors. Sign up online for the passport and receive custom prizes for visiting multiple restaurants across the state. Visitors need to check in from a smartphone at one of the designated passport locations. Participants earn more by visiting more locations.*
After checking in to 30 eateries, participants will receive a custom pie server. People who make 60 visits to any of the passport locations will earn a tumbler and after 90 visits, participants will receive a hat.
Visitors can also qualify for seasonal drawings throughout the year. The first giveaway will be a drawing during the Indiana State Fair (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). All sign-ups and check-ins during the duration of the fair (July 30 – Aug. 22) will be entries to win. It will be a Blue Gate friends getaway package featuring:
- Dinner for four at the Blue Gate Restaurant in Shipshewana
- Four tickets to any Blue Gate Musical at the Blue Gate Theatre
- Carriage/Buggy Rides for four
- One Suite-Level Room or two basic rooms at the Blue Gate Garden Inn
There will also be a winter giveaway to French Lick featuring:
- An overnight at French Lick Resort
- Four tubing tickets at Paoli Peaks
- Lunch and dinner at Indiana Foodways Alliance restaurants
“Indiana was farm-to-fork before that term became popular,” said Elaine Bedel, IDDC’s Secretary and CEO. “These restaurants on these trails are getting locally-sourced food from our farmers every day.”
From local favorites that opened decades ago to new spots that opened just last year, your new favorite restaurant is just waiting for you to discover it.
“Sometimes it’s the story behind the food or the restaurant that contributes to the success of the business in the community,” said Lindsey Skeen, IFA Executive Director. “These trails are our way to tell that story.”
For more information about the Indiana Culinary Trails Passport, go to VisitIndiana.com/Cuisine. Anyone can follow us on social media, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. *All prizes are available while supplies last.
