As it says in our mission statement, the CBCVB works to grow Pottawattamie County’s visitor economy through collaborative sales and marketing, destination advocacy, and sustainable placemaking activities to enhance the region’s quality of life. As a part of this, we are constantly looking for new and engaging ways to reach potential visitors and residents. Influencer marketing is a great way to reach Gen Z – a demographic aged 16-26.
In October, we hosted three social media influencers to explore Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County during the fall season. After their visits, they posted online content touting some of the area’s best attractions and experiences.
Noted Natalie
The first weekend in October, Travel Iowa sent Noted Natalie and her family to experience fall in the Council Bluffs area. As part of a new marketing initiative, Travel Iowa has designated five distinct travel areas and Noted Natalie was tasked with creating a 48-hour itinerary in the “Loess Hills & Beyond” region, which includes Council Bluffs and the rest of Pottawattamie County.
During her visit, they experienced the unforgettable fall foliage at Hitchcock Nature Center, explored our local history at the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, played at Dream Playground, enjoyed fresh air at Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park, and finished with a quintessential fall visit to Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard.
Check out her 48-hour Council Bluffs itinerary on her Instagram by clicking here! To learn more about Travel Iowa’s designated travel areas and the unique things to do throughout the state, visit TravelIowa.com.
Family Travel Nomads
The second influencer we hosted was Family Travel Nomads, who focuses on sustainable and mindful travel. They were interested in seeing and learning more about the globally significant Loess Hills that line our county.
To see the best of the Loess Hills, they stayed overnight in the camping cabins at Hitchcock Nature Center, a county park known for its extensive conservation and sustainable initiatives and practices.
“It was such a great surprise to find a beautiful 1-room cabin with heating, a screened porch, and a stunning patio with a bonfire pit!” said Family Travel Nomads.
During the weekend, they were looking for some of the best places to see the fall foliage in Pottawattamie County. They recommend Hitchcock Nature Center, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, Arrowhead Park, and Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard. Watch their video on Instagram to see the colors for yourself!
They checked out Boxer Barbeque and 712 eat + drink in Council Bluffs for meals. “Eating sustainably while traveling is as simple as finding independent restaurants who source ethical, local ingredients, and offer menus at a fair price,” said Family Travel Nomads.
After unleashing Council Bluffs, the Family Travel Nomads crossed the river into Omaha and checked out the Henry Doorly Zoo, just minutes from downtown CB!
To learn more about their visit from Stephanie herself, check out our guest blog – Go for the Loess Hills, Stay for the City by the Bluffs. Click here to see all the awesome content on Family Travel Nomads’ Instagram!
The Walking Tourists
For our third influencer trip, we hosted The Walking Tourists. They spent the weekend in one of the new modern cabins at Arrowhead Park in Neola and experienced the sights and sounds of fall during a two-hour hike at Hitchcock Nature Center.
We sent them on a culinary tour throughout Council Bluffs, where they experienced the delicious flavors at Boxer BBQ, The Porch, Caddy’s Kitchen & Cocktails, J’s Coffee & Donuts, 712 eat + drink, and Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard! Check out their Instagram video covering their delicious food and drinks by clicking here.
“Council Bluffs, Iowa delivers when it comes to tasty food and drink options,” said The Walking Tourists.
Thank you!
Thank you to Noted Natalie, Family Travel Nomads, and The Walking Tourists for Unleashing Council Bluffs this fall! The weather was perfect for all three visits, and we hope their content has inspired you to begin planning your next Council Bluffs getaway. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Tik Tok to see more inspiring CB content!
