The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor has announced the addition of 17 new D&L Trail Friendly Businesses in 2019. With this designation, these businesses not only welcome trail users and support trails, but provide amenities that serve their specific needs, from filling up water bottles to providing bike parking, tools for quick repairs and device charging stations.

The program connects the hundreds of thousands of D&L Trail users to local and regional businesses in an effort to enrich economic development along the trail. The D&L equips businesses in Luzerne, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Bucks counties with information about trails, trail users and important amenities in order to create an atmosphere conducive to the needs of this demographic. Since it started in 2018, 30 businesses have qualified as D&L across the corridor.

Twelve Carbon and Luzerne County businesses popular among D&L Trail users have been certified. In this year’s lineup, the D&L introduces Blue Mountain Resort, Palmerton; Jim Thorpe Massage & Wellness Studio, Jim Thorpe; Times House, Jim Thorpe; Glen Onoko Guesthouse, Jim Thorpe; Jenny’s Sweets and More, Lehighton; The Lehighton Outdoor Center, Lehighton; Beautiful Hidden Treasures, Lehighton; and Lizard Creek Campground, Lehighton.

Also, The Victorian Connection, White Haven; Otter’s Odds & Ends, White Haven; Trailside Family Fine Dining, White Haven; and Mario’s Pizza, Weissport as D&L Trail Friendly Businesses.

These new businesses join Pocono Biking, Jim Thorpe; Chantilly Goods, Weissport; The Inn at Jim Thorpe, Jim Thorpe; Krazy Chicken Lady, East Penn; and Canal Side Guest House and Bicycle Tours, Lehighton, as certified D&L Trail Friendly Businesses.

Annually, the annual economic impact of D&L Tourism, visitation, operations and grantmaking is $474.7 million, with an employment impact of 5,665 jobs and 32.3 million in tax revenue.

Moreover, homes near trail have higher property value.

“The utilization of the trails for a family friendly environment for all to enjoy is a benefit for businesses in our local communities,” said Terry Kimmey, The Victorian Connection. “Small towns like White Haven can be part of this healthy phase of tourism and embrace the positive outcome of the trails and their activities.”

To learn more about these participating businesses and see the full list visit delawareandlehigh.org/trail-friendly-business. Other businesses interested in applying to be a certified D&L Trail-Friendly business can find more information online at the same web address.