Area businesses looking to join a new-to-the-area tourism experience can apply.
At the beginning of the year, partners in Marion and Mahaska Counties collaborated to create the A-to-Z Foodie Trail. Marion County Development Commission Executive Director Carla Eysink says this is a way to extend visitor stays, build off-season tourism traffic, promote unique food and drink businesses and showcase rural towns to young professionals. The trail was developed around unique products for each letter of the alphabet and branded as the A to Z Foodie Trail. Since its launch, the trail has been recognized by Family Living Magazine, Top 18 Things to do in Iowa by Travel Iowa and Top 10 Tasty Food Trails in US by the Travel Channel.
Applications are being accepted to become a stop on the trail, and businesses in Marion and Mahaska Counties must meet certain criteria to qualify. Contact the Marion County Development Commission, Pella Convention and Visitors Bureau, Mahaska County Agricultural & Rural Development, or the Oskaloosa Area Chamber & Development Group to apply or learn about the qualifications.
To receive an application and trail criteria email: jill@visitpella.com, ddegroot@oacdg.orgor, or carla@redrockarea.com.