The Quilt Gardens are Best of the Best

ELKHART -The Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail, Elkhart County’s signature event, is one of the top festivals and events in North America, according to one of North America’s leading trade groups for travel and tourism.

Destinations, an American Bus Association publication and the definitive guide to North America's best group travel destinations, state-by-state itineraries, planning calendars, and strategic insights, recently awarded the Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail a 2024 Best of the Best designation in the category of Festivals & Events.

Destinations Best of the Best honors outstanding travel industry members who go above and beyond for the group travel industry. Other categories include Adventure, Culture, Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Lodging, and Shopping. The Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail earned the support of their peers and customers based on their excellent customer service and memorable experiences.

The Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail was chosen out of nearly 80 entries and was one of only seven selected in the Festivals & Events category.

“We are thrilled by this recognition which honors the strong community throughout Elkhart County that have been built over nearly two decades of Quilt Gardens,” said Jon Hunsberger, executive director of the Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

PHOTO GALLERY: Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail over the years

The Elkhart County CVB launched the Quilt Gardens in 2007, bringing together residents from throughout Elkhart County who appreciate the beauty of striking gardens planted in quilt patterns. The Quilt Gardens quickly became Elkhart County’s most important event, connecting the communities of Bristol, Elkhart, Goshen, Middlebury, Nappanee and Wakarusa in an exhibition like no other in the country.

“The Elkhart County CVB understands the significant responsibility we have to advance the interests of our small businesses and entrepreneurs by conceiving and creating exceptional experiences for visitors and residents,” said Hunsberger. “That is why the Best of the Best recognition is so important by validating our work and amplifying Elkhart County’s well crafted experiences to the thousands who are looking for enjoyable and meaningful experiences with their family and friends.”

“At the American Bus Association, we are proud to honor organizations that consistently go above and beyond to deliver exceptional service and unforgettable experiences,” said ABA President and CEO Fred Ferguson. “The deserving companies who earned recognition in the 2024 Destinations Best of the Best issue underscores their commitment to excellence and highlights the vital role they play in connecting people with places and positively shaping our $100 billion industry. The recipients are truly the very best in group travel, and we are thrilled to see their passion and performance celebrated."

In 2025, the Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail will grow to 16 locations, adding two new sites in Shipshewana and one in Wakarusa. The Heritage Trail is a guided audio tour that connects the Elkhart County area in an immersive experience that encourages visitors to spend time at the attractions, shops and restaurants that line the 90-mile route.

Tourism and hospitality are significant contributors to Elkhart County’s economy, with more than $800 million in spending and economic impact contributed by visitors every year, according to research commissioned by the Elkhart County CVB.

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.

About the American Bus Association

The American Bus Association is a 501(c)6 trade association that represents North American motorcoach, group travel and tourism industries. We’re on a mission to connect people with places through an international network of bus and motorcoach operators, manufacturers, tour companies, tourism bureaus, destination venues and those who love to travel. Together, we support the growth of our businesses through cross-sector events, industry research, philanthropy and policy advocacy which enables professional development, business connections, mobility and travel. ABA members have exclusive access to ABA’s suite of programs and services, including ABA professional staff, the ABA Foundation, ABA Marketplace, National Bus Traffic Association, Women in Buses, the Bus Industry Safety Council and eight other professional development councils. For more, please visit www.buses.org.

About Destinations

Destinations, an American Bus Association publication, is the definitive guide to North America's best group travel destinations, state-by-state itineraries, planning calendars, and strategic insights. Published bi-monthly, Destinations is available in print and online.

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