Submitted by Happy Valley Adventure Bureau
STATE COLLEGE — The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau and the Center County Chamber of Commerce and Industry announced a new initiative to support local farmers and agritourism destinations with the launch of the Fresh From the Field digital passport trail.
From pick-your-own flowers to field-to-fork meals and local gourmet dishes to cow-to-cone ice cream, the Fresh from the Field trail takes passport holders on 16 stops to discover the rich agricultural heritage of the Center County and enjoy what is grown, made and produced in Happy Valley.
Fritz Smith, president and CEO of the HVAB, said the HVAB collaborated with Bandwango, a company popular with other destination marketing organizations, on the development of the digital passport. Bandwango's signature technology allows communities to organize their activities into experiences that integrate directly with websites, providing a seamless user experience for customers.
After downloading the free pass to a mobile device, passport holders earn points for GPS check-ins at participating trail locations. They can then exchange these points for exclusive Trail-branded products. Many businesses on the trail also offer great deals and discounts on purchases made.
“Supporting agriculture-focused businesses in Center County has been the goal of Happy Valley Agventures since the initiative launched nearly five years ago,” Smith said. “The Fresh from the Field Trail is a fun new way to promote our agritourism offerings, while rewarding residents and visitors who do so.”
The digital passport is easily downloadable to mobile devices from the HVAB website, happyvalley.com/fresh-from-the-field-trail. Download the app to see all trail destinations.
“The Fresh from the Field Trail not only offers an adventure through the range of agritourism experiences in our region, but also cultivates economic growth right here in Center County,” said Greg Scott, President and CEO of the CBICC.
Smith hopes the new trail will also provide continued awareness of the more than 60 destinations that make up Happy Valley Agventures.
“The trail includes specific establishments, but the overall agricultural and agritourism product of Center County is quite robust and ever-changing, providing many memorable, enjoyable, flavorful and educational experiences,” Smith said. “I encourage residents to make it a goal to not only complete the trail, but also visit all Agventures destinations.”
The Fresh from the Field route expires on March 1, 2025, giving passport holders plenty of time to earn points, take advantage of unique offers and collect fun prizes. Happy Valley Agventures is a joint initiative of the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau and the Center County Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
