Travel bloggers visit

Two bloggers toured Mankato on Saturday as part of their research of Highway 36. Melody Pittman, travel writer-influencer, of 'wherever I may roam, resource guide for luxury travel, culture and food,' has several posts of Jewell County on her Facebook page whereverimayroamblog. Pittman was joined by Sara Broers, fellow blogger, 'traveler, writer and speaker' who is also CEO of "Travel with Sara," and co-owner of Midwest Travel Network and auctioneer. Her page can be found at http://www.travelwithsara.com.

Pittman and Broers were hired by the Highway 36 Association to promote our area. They explore the country and write about what they find. While here, Pittman and Broers toured the museum and the old jail. They then went to Sweden Creme to eat where they said they had a "perfect Rueben." If you look on Pittman's blog, it is said they also visited the historical society's blacksmith shop and farm equipment and the quilt shop. They ate at Buffalo Roam and stayed at the Crest-Vue. "The town of Mankato is just amazing." There are many pictures in the Facebook blog.

Pittman and Broers have also gone to Cawker City; Lebanon (the Geographical Center of the United States) and 'Home on the Range," Smith Center.

Jason Ortman hosted Pittman and Broers, while Jack Alcorn, Delvin Hanson and Shelley Alcorn spent time with them. Some of the comments from the bloggers were: each community needs to know who they are and have a vision of what they want to become. Convert the old jail into a BnB. Rural people have some amazing collections that can be promoted. R.V. tourism is growing, communities should welcome and accomodate them-some locations offer free hookups to entice a longer stay.

The City of Mankato enjoyed hosting these two bloggers and invited them to come back anytime they would like to.