Muncie Eateries and Shops Featured on the Culinary Trail

Muncie is on the map! The I-69 Long Horizons Culinary Trail map that is. The Indiana Foodways Alliance is an outgrowth of the I-69 Cultural Corridor project, which was funded originally by the Ball Brothers Foundation.

The Indiana Foodways Alliance's goal is to develop distinctive food experiences for visitors and residents throughout the state of Indiana. More and more communities, states and regions recognize culinary tourism as a tool for economic development.

It is estimated that every dollar spent in restaurants in Indiana generates an additional $1.19 in sales for other industries in the state. Each additional $1 million spent in eating and drinking establishments in Indiana generates an additional 45.6 jobs in the state.

The Indiana Foodways Alliance partnered with Ball State University's Business Fellows program through the Department of Journalism to gather vital information, create the organization's web site, and assist in launching the program. Mrs. Sheryl Swingley, a faculty co-mentor of the Ball State Business Fellows IFA project, said, "The more than 20 students who represent at least 12 majors and the two faculty mentors associated with this project have been pleasantly surprised by all of the wonderful foods and dining experiences available in the Hoosier state. We hope our work helps others enjoy the numerous and varied culinary experiences Indiana has to offer."

Susan Haller, Executive Director for Indiana Foodways Alliance, took a food tour of Muncie with Shonda Kane from the Muncie Visitors Bureau last fall. Following her visit, a listing of 6 final locations for Muncie was developed for the I-69 Trail. Those locations are: Burkie's Drive-in, Eva's Pancake House, Vera Mae's Bistro, Concannon's Pastry Shop, Lowery's Candies and Bird's Smokehouse BBQ.

Culinary tourism is a low-impact, high-yield tourism attraction. The Muncie Visitors Bureau and Ball State University are excited about promoting the locations and supporting Culinary Tourism.

Information sources: indianafoodways.com, bsu.edu