Autumn Views of Cove Mountain from Buddy Boy Vineyard

Buddy Boy Winery & Vineyard just posted some beautiful views of Cove Mountain to their facebook page.  Buddy Boy Winery is located just outside Duncannon Borough off Rt 11/15.  

The Winery's scenic setting at the base of Cove Mountain, above which the Appalachian Trail passes, contributes to its appeal as  a unique part of the Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail.  Click on the photo to view the rest of the album!  

Duncannon and The Doyle Hotel featured in Harrisburg Magazine column

A lunch at The Doyle.  (Source: HarrisburgMagazine.com)

Greater capital area foodie, Jane Adams, recently spent some time in downtown Duncannon enjoying the hospitality of Pat & Vickey Kelly at the Doyle Hotel and featured the experience in her Harrisburg Magazine column!  The write-up features a quick run-down of Duncannon's unique transportation history and local attractions including the Appalachian Trail and Old Sled Works.  Jane then went on to describe her experience at the Doyle Hotel: 

"It was after lunch and there were just a few customers finishing up their dishes. There were maps of the Appalachian trail, mementos and hiker logs. The age of the place impressed me, and was evident as I looked up and spied original tin ceiling tiles... 

As the bartender continued to describe the menu, I noticed used personal pronouns in his sentences, for example, “I’ve got”, “I made”, and so on. As he spoke, it was evident to me that he must be the owner. Right then I knew that the food would have one essential ingredient... people who care about the quality of the product that they are serving to their customers and take pride in their food."

Duncannon's really getting on the map as a capital area destination!  See the full article here.

Duncannon A.T. Community Committee joins Hershey-Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau

The Duncannon A.T. Community Committee recently became the newest member of Hershey-Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau!  Check out the DATC page on their web site.

This represents an important step in promoting economic development through outdoor recreational tourism.  Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau provides opportunities for collaborative marketing of Duncannon as an Appalachian Trail Community, as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and as a gateway to to exploring Perry County from the Capitol area.  

Collaborative marketing is critical to attracting visitors as "Trail towns" are not stand-alone communities; they are linked by the trail corridor and part of a regional set of attractions that will invite visitors to an area to enjoy its many offerings.

The mission of Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau is to generate economic growth and stability for Dauphin and Perry Counties through the marketing and promotion of the Hershey Harrisburg region as a competitive meeting, corporate and leisure destination, and to coalesce, develop and expand its hospitality industry, products and workforce. 

Other Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau members in the greater Duncannon area include Blue Mountain Outfitters, Buddy Boy Winery, Hearts Design at Needful Things, Perry County Council of the Arts, Perry County Chamber of Commerce, the Perry County Fair and the Historical Society of Perry County.

And don't forget to check out the Appalachian Trail and Little Buffalo State Park!

Measuring the Economic Impact of Special Events, a Case Study from Missisippi

A research team for the annual Peter Anderson Arts Festival that takes place in Ocean Springs, Mississippi recently completed their second economic impact study to measure the positive influences the event has on the local economy.  The first economic impact study of the event, conducted in 2010, revealed that the annual festival grossed $13 million in a town of 18,000 people. 

Measuring the Economic Impact of Special Events (PreservationNation.org)

The local economies of many towns depend on the revenue, employment and income that festivals and events bring to the community.  The Peter Anderson Arts Festival happens on a very large scale in a larger town, but check out the article at the above link to learn more about the local tourism strategies and the economic impacts that events and festivals can have on the local economy.

On another note, the Ned Smith Nature and Arts Festival is coming up in Millersburg on July 28th!

Making a weekend out of it? Check out Duncannon Area Attractions

Come enjoy the attractions, businesses and historic sites in Duncannon either this weekend or next time you come back to town!

The Appalachian Trail runs right through the Borough on High St., but it starts to climb Cove Mountain at the south end of town off Inn Rd. once you cross Sherman’s Creek – offering awesome views once you reach Hawk Rock!  Across the Clarks Ferry Bridge the Trail takes off north, climbing up to the ridge of Peters Mountain offering great views back over Duncannon and south to the Susquehanna Water Gaps.

Blue Mountain Outfitters paddle trip on the Susquehanna

The Doyle Hotel on Duncannon Square is where you’re likely to meet a flock of thru-hikers stopping to enjoy some tasty food (with a Cajun flair!) and local brews.  Owners Pat and Vickey Kelly will take great care of you!  Rooms are available at great rates.  Other places to grab a bite in town include The Pub, Sorrentos Pizza, Goody’s Restaurant and RoadHawg BBQ.

Interested in a good paddle or need to pick up some hiking/outdoor gear?  Stop by Blue Mountain Outfitters in Marysville, located in the Old Train Station and offering guided trips, canoe and kayak retail sales, livery services and repair services. Owners Doug and Mary Gibson also design, manufacture, and sell their own line of canoe and kayak trailers.  Also in Marysville is the Bridgeview Bed & Breakfast, nestled along the west shore of the Susquehanna River, with a splendid view of the Susquehanna Valley, including the famous Rockville Bridge.

View from Duncannon Tower at Old Sledworks

Old Sledworks located at 722 North Market St. houses over 125 antique and craft vendors!  A visit to the OLD SLED WORKS will take you back in time. Experience a working Old Time Penny Arcade and Soda Fountain, spend some time in our Sled Museum for a look at some of the early Lightning Guider sleds and other items produced for 85 years in this old factory. You can also climb the Duncannon Tower, an old forest fire lookout tower moved to the Old Sled Works in 1999. This restored 110' tower offers a wonderful view of the Susquehanna River and surrounding landscape.

Across the street from Old Sledworks you’ll find the SusquehannaGreenway interpretive panels that highlight local historic attractions and orient you to Duncannon’s location in the Susquehanna Greenway corridor.

Travel just south of the Borough on Rt 11/15 and you’ll find one of the newest additions to the Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail, Buddy Boy Winery – offering tastings (though they may be closed for a private event on June 2^nd). 

Duncannon is actually located along the Rt 15 Byway of the Arts, a PA Artisan Trail.  This Artisan Trail is approximately 180 miles running north to south, captivating you with rural hideaways and quaint shops to hip urban galleries and distinctive lodging choices.  Check out a map of places to stop here.


Visitors can also stay at the Riverfront Campground or Stardust Motel right in Duncannon.  For a bit of upscale-country luxury, the Pretty Meadow Farm Bed and Breakfast in the nearby small village of Markelsville offers a meticulously restored, four-suite farmhouse that sits on a picturesque property in the heart of Perry County.  Pretty Meadow is also a working cattle farm!

AND MUCH MORE!  For other things to do around the region check out Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau's web site.  Post additional things to do in Duncannon in comments and they will be added!

Potential Economic Benefits of Apple Tree Alleywalk

The Apple Tree Alleywalk project will be on the agenda at the upcoming Borough Council meeting on May 15th at 7pm.  Show your support for this innovative trail/greenway project that would be both a great asset to residents and an attraction for visitors.  More info on the potential economic benefits of Apple Tree Alley  below or learn more about the economic impacts of Trails in Damascus, Virginia.

Starting a Trail-related Business? Check out upcoming New Business Seminar

Did you know the Appalachian Trail receives between 2-3 million visitors annually Trail-wide?  Thru-hikers, section-hikers and day-hikers pass through or start/end their hikes in Duncannon and you may be considering starting a new business to cater to these visitors.  Knowing the resources available to you is a great starting point.  Interested entrepreneurs or business owners looking to expand their business should consider attending an upcoming Making It Happen New Business Seminar being held by the Harrisburg Regional Chamber at the Penn Township Building on Thursday, May 10th.  See flyer for details or visit the Harrisburg Regional Chamber upcoming events page.

The recreational opportunities the greater Duncannon area boasts in its location at the crossroads of the A.T., the Susquehanna River, the Juniata River and the Kittatinny Ridge fly-way, combined with the region’s accessibility to large metro areas on the eastern seaboard, hold great potential as the basis for the targeted development of a place-based tourism industry catering to the outdoor recreation and heritage visitor market.  Duncannon already receives a significant number of out-of-town visitors including both A.T. users and patrons of Old Sled Works. Opportunities exist, however, to enhance and grow existing businesses and identify where new supportive businesses could be introduced to further increase recreation and heritage tourism demand, while at the same time maintaining and increasing services for local residents.  For more info on Trail-related business opportunities, check out the Appalachian Trail Community Business Opportunity factsheet by clicking here.

Duncannon designation reference on The Doyle's Yelp.com review!

The designation event, already a hot topic on facebook, is still making the rounds in social media!   Visitors to The Doyle Hotel's Yelp.com page will see a rave review by a section hiker from Chester County, PA that wraps up with: 

"On the 2nd of June 2012, if I heard correctly, Duncannon will become an official Trail Town. I hope the Doyle gets recognition for the key role it plays in the constantly unfolding story of the Appalachian Trail."  Great to hear, Lee H. from Berwyn!  We love The Doyle, too.

Duncannon winery a part of Hershey Harrisburg Wine Country

Another reason to start or end your Appalachian Trail hike in Duncannon!  Patriot News readers may have noticed the new Hershey Harrisburg Wine Country initiative highlighted in a recent article and Duncannon's Buddy Boy Winery featured as one a dozen regional wineries collaborating to boost tourism through a place-based experience rooted in the working landscape.
Hershey Harrisburg Wine Country hopes to capitalize on distinct wineries in region

“It’s a bit of that unique culture people can take away with the idea of going and experiencing local culture and artisans which winemakers really are,” Rick Dunlap of Hershey-Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau said. “It’s just the idea of coming away from a region and understanding the region better through the local experience.” 
Visit Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau's "Breweries and Wineries" or "Hiking and Biking Trails."

Designation Event web site is live!

Thanks to design efforts by DATC's webmaster, Karen Reckert, and content provided by Mary Parry, the designation event web site is now live!  Check it out at: 

http://www.duncannonappalachiantrailcommunity.com/

A few pages are still under development but beyond event details there's also some great information including links to local hiker, paddler & hospitality services, a page on history of the Appalachian Trail, a Duncannon area A.T. photo gallery - and much more!  

Duncannon's Buddy Boy Winery is stop on Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail

Source: Pennlive.com

The historic transportation hub of Duncannon just became an added stop on a PA Trail that celebrates working the land and producing local wine!  Thus far this year, two new wineries have been added to the Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail - Armstrong Valley Winery across the river in Halifax and Buddy Boy Winery in Duncannon.  Buddy Boy Winery just opened this past November 2011 and is located just off Rt 11/15 at 111 Barnett Drive.

For more info on an upcoming Wine Trail happenings check out this article from The Patriot News over the weekend:  Susquehanna Heartland Trail readying for March event.  To stay tuned to Buddy Boy Winery & Vineyard updates, check out their facebook page.  Sounds like an awesome place to stop after a nice hike up Cove Mountain!

Historical Crossroads and friend of the Appalachian Trail

American Municipal Power recently put the spotlight on Borough of Duncannon on the Members section of its web site and the Borough's A.T. Community designation is highlighted!  The Borough of Duncannon is unique for a community its size in that it provides electric, water, sewer and refuse service to borough residents.  From the web site: 

Earning recognition for Appalachian Trail contributions 

On June 2, 2012, Duncannon, one of only a handful of small towns through which the Appalachian Trail directly passes, is hosting a festival celebrating its designation as an official Appalachian Trail Community™ by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. The Appalachian Trail Community™ program, according to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, “is designed to recognize communities that promote and protect the Appalachian Trail (A.T.).”  

Duncannon lies at the midpoint of the Appalachian Trail, which runs 2,180 miles from Georgia to Maine. In Duncannon, the trail passes along Market Street, the borough’s main street, which, coincidentally, is the street on which the legendary Doyle Hotel sits. The hotel has long been a popular stopping place for hikers who appreciate its good food and hospitality. 

Duncannon is also a noteworthy historic stop on the 95-mile Middle Susquehanna Greenway tour, which introduces travelers to the historic and geographic connections between the river and Chesapeake Bay, into which it empties. In addition, the borough is one of the hub communities on the Pittsburg to Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway. That greenway is a 320-mile network of linked land and water trails that provide travelers with opportunities to hike, bike, study nature and learn more about history. 

Looking ahead, the borough is working to revitalize downtown Duncannon. It hopes to bring in more small business that could be supported by daily commuters passing through town, as well as the growing number of tourists and hikers visiting Duncannon for the area’s history and natural beauty.

Next DATC Advisory Committee on Thursday, Feb 9th at 6:30pm

Two modes of transport, heading into Duncannon

Join the Duncannon Appalachian Trail Community Advisory Committee next Thursday at 6:30pm at the Borough Office in Duncannon (428 N. High St.) for the monthly meeting.  Only a little over four months to go until the June 2nd designation event!  

In addition to progress with designation event planning event coordinator Trailangel Mary will have updates for on Thursday, a Norfolk Southern Corp. Enola Yard employee volunteer day has been tentatively scheduled for May 12th.  The planned project entails clean-up and improvements to the Ann St. and Margretta St. river arches to provide residents, visitors and paddlers with enhanced river access points.

Interesting read about another post-industrial community located in rural Western Massachusetts on the Connecticut River: Turners Falls turns on the charm to lure small businesses, tourism and the art. 

The Strathmore Mill, power canal & bike path at Turners Falls

"With only one paper mill now left, Montague residents and officials have worked to shift the village’s raison d’etre from one of big industry to one of small businesses, tourism, the arts and culture.  “It’s been a long process. It didn’t happen over night,” says the town administrator." 

"Another plus for the village is its bike path that draws cyclists, joggers and walkers to the banks of the river and the canal.  'We’ve always had a river that is beautiful. We’ve always had architecture that is beautiful,” Abbondanzio said of Turners Falls. “We’re trying to capitalize on those assets and make it a place people would want to come to.'" 

Former Miller's News Stand building for sale

Miller's News Stand and the Dry cleaners next door have closed their doors.  It is located at 1 N. Market St.on Duncannon Square, just few doors down from the Doyle Hotel.  

The historic building with a storefront facing Market St. could serve as a great location for a potential new business serving both local residents and visitors who come to Duncannon to hike, paddle, take in scenic views of the rivers & ridges or look for antiques and vintage finds at Old Sledworks.  Opportunities could include an outdoor outfitter, bike shop, coffee house, sandwich shop, artisan gallery, brewpub, bait shop, live music venue, a Duncannon area visitors center, etc.  Interested parties should call 717-834-3848.  

Look for sample local reports on trail-related business opportunities along the Great Allegheny Passage at TrailTowns.org (Ohiopyle and Confluence, for example). 

Click here for the Whiteblaze.net (online community of A.T. enthusiasts) comment thread about this opportunity.

The side of this building facing Cumberland St. was also the planned location for a community mural showcasing an artistic map of local trails and natural features in the greater Duncannon area.  Contact Trailangel Mary if interested in helping out with the mural project.

Susquehanna Greenway interpretive panels installed!

Trailangel Mary just sent over these great shots of Sled Drop revelers checking out the newly installed Susquehanna Greenway Rivertown interpretive panels in the Old Sledworks parking lot on New Years Eve!  Looks like the celebration had a great turn-out.  Panels for the Appalachian Trail and the Pittsburgh-to-Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway will follow this coming Spring.

Head down to Old Sledworks and check them out if you haven't already!

From SGP's web site: " Interpretation emphasizes the preservation and conservation of the Susquehanna's many diverse natural and cultural resources, and historic communities and increases pride in the community and ownership of its resources."

Explore the Middle Susquehanna Greenway via Scenic Driving Tour

Susquehanna Greenway Partnership has just published a Middle Susquehanna Greenway Driving Tour booklet on their web site and Duncannon is Stop #19 as a scenic and historically significant River Town!  This 95-mile driving route explores some of the cultural and natural features of the Greenway and features audio interviews with local researchers and residents. A River Town orientation panel is currently being installed at Old Sledworks on Market St.  Appalachian Trail and Harrisburg-to-Pittsburgh Main Line Canal Greenway panels will be installed as well this coming spring!

Susquehanna Greenway also highlights Duncannon attractions on a dedicated page.

"Along the way, we hope you will sense the pride river communities have with their connection to this critical resource. The cultural and natural history of the Susquehanna River is centuries long and the impact of the river is longer still when you consider geological time. This tour will guide you through both and suggest you linger when you want to explore more at selected stops, viewpoints, and historic river towns."

The Value of Outdoor Festivals to PA Communities

Paddlers on the Susquehanna River, Source: PennLive.com

The A.T. Community designation celebration and town-wide outdoors festival themed "Saving Our Community from Nature Deficit Disorder" hopes to resonate beyond June 2012.  The concept of an Outdoor Festival as a means to promote sustainable economic development by linking economy, society and nature is not a new one in Pennsylvania.  Sustainable Pittsburgh's "Guide for Organizing an Outdoor Festival" explains it best:

• Outdoor recreation is a magnet for people of all ages and integral to the changed image of a region.
• Outdoor recreation contributes to equity by serving all people and narrowing the disparities gap.
• Participating in outdoor recreation contributes to healthy lifestyles for young and old.
• Outdoor enjoyment leads to awareness, appreciation, and likely action by all to be better stewards of the environment at home, at work, and at play.
• In common with Pennsylvania's two biggest industries - agriculture and tourism - recreation amenities are resource-based strategies for significant economic development.
• Recreation resources such as trails, watershed, connected parks, rivers and streams know no political boundaries.

Promotion of amenities within regions and communities can lead to legitimate economic development in the form of jobs, tourism, and vitality.

Perry County Greenways, Parks, Recreation & Open Space Plan

How do the efforts of Committee members representing various public, private and volunteer partners in Duncannon fit into Perry County's larger picture?

The Perry County Board of Commissioners officially adopted the Perry County Greenways, Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan (GPROSP) on July 18, 2011. The plan (to view, click here) recognizes greenways, provides an updated inventory of community parks and recreation together with recommendations, and offers direction for open space protection by way of sample ordinances.  In addition to supporting the Apple Tree AlleyWalk project, the following goals and action items are notable to the Duncannon Advisory Committee efforts:

• Identify Trail Towns – As defined in Trail Towns Capturing Trail-Based Tourism a “Trail Town” is a destination along a long-distance trail. Whether on a rail trail, towpath, water trail, or hiking trail-trail users can venture off the trail and to enjoy the scenery, services, and heritage of the nearby community. It is a safe place where both township residents and trail users can walk, find goods and services they need, and easily access both trail and town by foot or vehicle. In such a town, the trail is an integral and important part of the community. A Trail Town is a vibrant place where people come together. It may have a bike shop, an ice cream parlor, casual restaurants, a grocery store, and quaint local shops. It has wide sidewalks, clean streets, bike racks, and benches at convenient locations. It has places to rest for the night. Trail Towns are not stand-alone communities; they are linked by the trail corridor where trail users may be passing through a town on a day trip or long distance trek, or may drive to a community and park to access a river or trial.

• Promote and coordinate special events in Perry County. They are a top recreational interest among the citizens and have the potential to draw people to visit in Perry County. There is currently no centralized means for people to access information about events and programs in Perry County. Establishing a “go-to” place for people to go to in order to find out about recreation opportunities would increase awareness and stimulate participation in recreation. Consider using current providers of information as the “Goto” resource or mix of resources including Perry County, the Perry County Council of the Arts, the Dauphin County Visitors Bureau, municipal newsletters and others that may be in place.

• Pursue heritage and outdoor recreation tourism as a major industry of Perry County. Action:  Work aggressively with the Hershey – Harrisburg Visitors Bureau to position Perry County’s recreation and heritage assets for increased tourism.

"Community Partnership" Program through Hershey-Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau

View from the Doyle Hotel

Justin Martsolf, Partnership Director at the Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau (HHRVB), just informed me of their "Community Partnership" program which starts at $180/yr to have HHRVB "put you on the map" in promoting events, businesses, etc. through their annual visitors guide, web site and PR department. 

Utilizing the HHRVB Public Relations department (AND Appalachian Trail Conservancy media outlets) to promote a designation event would just be one of many community benefits of such a partnership.  Complete information on partner benefits and services can be viewed here (PDF) and in the link on the sidebar.

Justin seemed very enthusiastic about potentially meeting with the A.T. Advisory Committee to discuss how Duncannon could best utilize HHRVB services to promote itself to a larger tourism market for its attractions, outdoor recreation opportunities, lodging, etc.  Perhaps the A.T. Community Advisory Committee could assist in recruiting tourism-related businesses to the meeting to hear more about these opportunities!  Unsure about the economic impacts of tourism in this region?  Check out the Tourism Stats from the large feeder markets of New York City metro, Philadelphia, Baltimore, NJ, New York, Washington D.C., Pittsburg & Western PA and Maryland within this region.