Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), in partnership with the Center for Regional Agriculture, Food, and Transformation (CRAFT) at Chatham University, is developing Pennsylvania’s Culinary Trails to promote the state’s Appalachian region as a food tourism destination. The project will showcase authentic local restaurants, farms, breweries, wineries, orchards, farmers’ markets, and artisanal food producers across Pennsylvania’s 52 ARC counties, leveraging heritage and culinary assets to increase economic opportunity.

Our Approach
CRAFT provides research, project management, and outreach expertise, working alongside food historian Mary Miller to identify trail routes and participating businesses for four culinary trails: Apple, Bread, Charcuterie, and Fermentation. DCED’s tourism and marketing staff will design promotional materials, web content, and social media campaigns to feature the trails on visitPA.com, Pennsylvania’s official tourism website.

CRAFT’s role includes documenting methodology, coordinating site visits, managing contacts, and ensuring alignment with local culinary heritage. Trail development will also inform the Food Studies curriculum at Chatham University, connecting academic learning with regional economic development.

Results
The project will deliver four fully developed culinary trails, including digital and print promotional materials, an interactive website presence, and a video series highlighting businesses and attractions along each trail. Outcomes include supporting 100 businesses, expanding their customer base beyond local markets, and generating an estimated $2.5 million in additional tourism revenue. The initiative strengthens Appalachian economic development by linking culinary businesses across counties, providing lasting marketing and educational resources, and increasing visitor engagement with the region’s food culture.

Location
Pennsylvania

Project Type
Culinary Tourism Development & Regional Marketing

Client Type
Government Agency

Scale
State