The Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor partnered with the Hofford Mill to host a Trail of Flavor Fundraiser to benefit the maintenance and preservation of the D & L Trail.

Trail-friendly businesses like the historic Hofford Mill pride themselves on being a haven for hikers, and other trail enthusiasts can find like-minded people.

“Trail-friendly businesses are places where hikers and bikers can rest, lock up their bikes outside, recharge their phones, fill up their water bottles, use the free WiFi, get a trail map, and grab a bite to eat. We’re thrilled with the turnout tonight, with so many people coming out to support the trail that we’re all so proud of,” said Alice Wanamaker, the economic development manager for the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor.

“This area (Lehighton and Weissport) is a great place to park if you’re looking to head up to Jim Thorpe. Traffic can be crazy up there, especially this time of year,” Wanamaker said.

Executive director of the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Tony Pierucci, agreed that the turnout was great and hopes the Trail of Flavor event becomes an annual occurrence.

“An amazing thing about tonight is that we’re (the Heritage Corridor staff) meeting many of these trail enthusiasts for the first time. We love finding ways to help support the trails, especially with so many awesome new faces,” Pierucci said. “We look forward to embarking on strategic planning and community input, and finding new ways like this to help serve the community and trail-users,” he added.

Guests were treated to delightful southern-style dishes such as gumbo, chicken and dumplings, shrimp po’boy sliders, blueberry cobbler, and sweet tea. Sous Chef Avery Sytsma served up the delicious food offerings.

“It’s a bit of a welcome change of cuisine to get to try our hand at different dishes tonight,” Systma said. “Everyone seems to be enjoying the food tonight, and I love seeing that,” she added.

Lehighton Mayor Ryan Saunders was thrilled with the community engagement.

“What a wonderful way to network and support the trail tonight. Our D & L Trail is one of Pennsylvania’s most attractive natural landscapes, and we must protect, preserve, and utilize it,” Saunders said.

For more information about the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, visit delawareandlehigh.org.