THE Manning Valley is home to some very special food and art experiences.
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These beauties are being promoted as part of a new Legendary Pacific Coast winter campaign that embraces restaurants, cafes, galleries, sustainable farms, art classes, studios, accommodation and activities.
Launched on Monday at the Manning Regional Art Gallery, the aim is to entice locals and visitors with some excellent offers to savour the creative and foodie hotspots, with winter the perfect time to explore.
"The Legendary Pacific Coast (the iconic holiday route from the Central Coast to the Tweed) is more than beautiful beaches. The coast and hinterland are home to a bevy of local artisans," said North Coast Destination Network executive officer, Belinda Novicky.
"Each contribute to the appeal and colour of our community."
Local attractions involved include Artisans on the Hill at Mondrook, Bent on Food cookery school in Wingham and Honeycomb Valley Farm at Nabiac.
"These prominent attractions are really putting the Manning Valley on the map," said Belinda.
When deciding on the focus of the campaign, she said consumer research had shown that food and art were what people wanted.
"Quality food and art experiences...it is about the journey as well as the destination. People are looking for something a bit quirky and different. Food and art is also a component that brings communities together."
Arts Mid North Coast is a campaign partner and the executive officer/regional arts development officer, Kevin Williams is excited about the chance to showcase what the region has to offer and raise the profile of creativity.
"There's a wonderful synergy between food and art," said Kevin.
He also spoke about the group's new website, creativecoast.org.au, which features 342 cultural attractions across the Mid North Coast, with more to be added.
"The little villages often nurture the great passion for culture," he said.
Kevin also praised the Manning Regional Art Gallery, describing it as more of a community hub than just a gallery.
Marketing manager of The Legendary Pacific Coast, Kim MacDonald launched the campaign website on Monday, running through the features and some of the deals available with the gathered crowd.
The launch included gourmet samples of food, champagne and orange juice in a gallery setting surrounded by the spectacular photos of Hannam Vale-based photographer Mike Skelton.
As well as the Manning Valley, other areas featured in the promotion include Port Macquarie, the Clarence Valley, Lismore and Byron Shire.
Travellers can enjoy more than 250 special offers at restaurants, cafes, clubs, galleries, accommodation and activities by visiting http://legendarydeals.com.au/ to register and download coupons redeemable with the participating businesses. The campaign runs until July 31.
This is a major tourism initiative funded by The North Coast Destination Network with its member destinations (Local Government Tourism units), the tourism industry and proudly supported by the NSW Government's tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, through the Regional Visitor Economy Fund.
For more go to http://pacificcoast.com.au or go directly to http://legendarydeals.com.au.