Elkhart County attractions featured prominently in USA Today 10Best readers’ choice balloting

ELKHART - Three Elkhart County attractions are in the national spotlight this month thanks to USA Today’s 10Best readers’ choice awards.

The Elkhart RiverWalk is in the running for Best Riverwalk, the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail is in the Best Recreational Trail contest, and the town of Middlebury is up for Best Small Town in the Midwest.

Online voting is underway and will continue until Monday, April 6. Fans of Elkhart County may vote in each contest once per day.

“Elkhart County is blessed with truly scenic natural beauty, amenities built to connect us with nature, and vibrant small towns. The Elkhart RiverWalk, Pumpkinvine Trail and Middlebury are beloved by residents and visitors alike. We’re excited for the attention these places are getting,” said Jon Hunsberger, executive director of the Elkhart County CVB.

Here are the descriptions provided to USA Today readers are each of Elkhart County’s 10Best nominees.

Elkhart RiverWalk

“This popular spot along the Elkhart River in northern Indiana is the perfect place to spend a day out, taking in the public art sculptures, popping in and out of boutiques, and admiring the signature, colorful Quilt Gardens. While you’re there, you can also grab a bite to eat, take some photos, or even check out NIBCO Water and Ice Park, which does double duty as a summertime splash pad and wintertime ice skating rink.”

“Twenty years ago the downtown RiverWalk was a catalyst to reimagining downtown. Today the RiverWalk serves as the anchor to the vibrant downtown corridor and neighborhoods,” said Elkhart Mayor Rod Roberson.

Pumpkinvine Nature Trail

“Located in northern Indiana, Pumpkinvine Nature Trail is part of a network of trails that includes the Maple City Greenway and Mapleheart Trail, connecting the towns of Shipshewana, Goshen, Middlebury, and Elkhart. This particular trail, which took over the old Pumpkinvine railroad corridor, is perfect for walking, jogging, biking, or skating while enjoying the serene outdoors.”

Middlebury

“The town of Middlebury, Indiana, sits on the banks of the Little Elkhart River in the heart of Indiana's Amish Country. Set among rolling hills and a pastoral landscape, Middlebury is known for its scenic beauty, agriculture, and outdoor attractions like the Krider World's Fair Garden and the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. Amish food and crafts are a big draw for visitors to Middlebury, and Das Dutchman Essenhaus draws nearly a million visitors per year to its Amish-style restaurant, inn, conference center, and shops.”

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