Award-winning Quilt Gardens expanding to 17 locations in 2026, adding second garden in Nappanee

The 2026 Quilt Gardens will once again carry the Best of the Best designation in the Festivals & Events category by the American Bus Association, one of the leading travel and tourism organizations in the U.S. The Quilt Gardens will be featured in the November/December 2025 issue of ABA’s Destinations magazine.

“The Best of the Best recognition shows that Elkhart County performs at an elite level when it comes to creating memorable experiences that delight visitors and are a source of pride by residents,” said Jon Hunsberger, executive director of the Elkhart County CVB. “Our team works hard with an impressive core of volunteers to plan Quilt Gardens that honor our heritage as makers and engage visitors.”

Each of the 16 Quilt Gardens sites from 2025 will return in 2026, all with new quilt patterns that will bloom in vibrant color for the new season starting May 30, 2026. The newest Quilt Garden location will be at The FarmHouse Inn, 1061 Parkwood Drive, Nappanee. The garden is returning to the Quilt Gardens exhibition after a brief hiatus.

Each year, the Best of the Best awards spotlight businesses that set the standard for excellence across key travel categories including Adventure, Culture, Entertainment, Festivals & Events, Food & Beverage, Lodging, and Shopping. These standout organizations help make group travel not just possible—but truly memorable.

“At the American Bus Association, we’re proud to recognize companies like the Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau who raise the bar in the Festivals & Events space,” said ABA President & CEO Fred Ferguson. “This year’s honorees reflect the very best of what group travel has to offer — innovative experiences, unwavering hospitality, and a genuine commitment to connecting people to places in meaningful ways. Their work continues to inspire travelers and strengthen our $100 billion industry.”

The Quilt Gardens’ annual exhibition from May 30 to September 15 helps fuel Elkhart County’s tourism and hospitality industry, attracting tour groups and leisure visitors to visit each location while also enjoying the Heritage Trail. Tourism activities contribute an annual $850 million economic benefit to Elkhart County residents as visitors spend their dollars on lodging, dining, and shopping at small businesses.

About the Elkhart County CVB

The Elkhart County CVB is the official tourism advertising/marketing and public/community relations organization for the Elkhart County hospitality industry. The ECCVB advances quality-of-place initiatives in our downtowns and rural spaces, parks and natural environment, arts and culture, and events, festivals, groups and activities that help forge social connections.

Terry Mark
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS
Email: terry@eccvb.org
Phone: (800) 262.8161 (USA/Canada)
Fax: (574) 262.3925