19 locations featured on new culinary trail

BELLEVILLE -- Hit the road and follow your taste buds to the Juniata River Valley's newest way to explore the area - the Sweetest Road Trip through Big Valley, a self-guided tour of local bakeries, ice cream shops, cafés, and wineries.

The Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau is rolling out the new trail that introduces visitors to a long list of small, locally owned businesses dedicated to offering a variety of sweet treats from fried to filled, fruity to syrupy, and sprinkled to salty. Can't decide? Try them all while exploring the country roads of Allensville, Belleville, Reedsville, and Milroy.

"Whether it's families heading to the Belleville Livestock Sale or Greenwood Furnace State Park or football fans heading to Penn State, tourists are seeking unique experiences when making travel decisions," said Buffie Boyer, communications director of the visitors bureau. "We are thrilled to market the Big Valley area with this new culinary trail so others can discover

what makes this valley

so special."

The trail features desserts that are heavily influenced by the Amish culture of the region including whoopie pies, fry pies, and donuts. Beverages including fruit wines and flavored coffees are also highlighted. Come summer, a visit to the area's ice cream shops is a must.

Create your own itinerary with this tasty trail and check off each location on the back of the Sweetest Road Trip postcard that can be found at each participating business. Scan the QR code found on the back of the postcard for more information including addresses and hours of operation.

Want to start prepping for your road trip now? Visit www.jrvvisitors.com or stop by the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau office inside the Historic Courthouse, 1 W. Market St., Lewistown, to pick up a postcard.