WELLSBORO, Pa., July 17, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Nature Quest, Inc., long-time provider of outdoor recreation activities in the Pine Creek Gorge and the PA Wilds, has acquired the historic Coach Stop Inn, located near the Pine Creek Rail Trail on scenic Route 6.
The acquisition was celebrated July 17 at a new event, Quest Fest, showcasing regional tourism options. "Acquiring the Inn is central to Nature Quest's vision: creating the East's premiere geo-tourism destination," said Nature Quest President Patrick Maier. Nature Quest and its affiliate, wholly-owned Mountain Trail Horse Center, provide a wide range of nature-based recreation activities.
"In the big picture of what we see for Nature Quest," Maier says, "The Coach Stop Inn is a stepping stone to increase regional lodging options. Within the next few years we intend to develop the River of Life Lodge, a 250-room hotel and nature conference center, on an abandoned gravel pit near Ansonia. A feasibility study, we carried out with assistance from a state grant, projects that Nature Quest will eventually employ more than 200 people. That alone will have a significant economic impact on the region. Beyond that, total projected revenues -- not to Nature Quest, but to the region as a whole -- from Nature Quest employment and visitors could exceed $22 million annually."
The acquisition allows Nature Quest to build packages with lodging at the Inn, as well as at other area establishments. Originating as guest lodging in 1832, today the Inn has 30 guest rooms, a full restaurant and lounge.
Professionally guided expeditions take individuals and groups to experience rare, sometimes breathtaking aspects of terrain and wildlife. Mountain Trail provides horseback trail rides, overnight riding trips, and covered wagon rides; Nature Quest includes these activities and many others, including rafting, hiking, biking, skiing, fishing, and wildlife treks. Nature Quest offers many ways to explore the uniqueness of this region, and partners with other local providers.
The Pine Creek Gorge, a national natural landmark also known as "the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania," draws thousands to visit this region; its Pine Creek Rail Trail is rated a world-class biking and hiking trail. The Coach Stop Inn is only about a mile from the Rail Trail and Mountain Trail Horse Center's wagon and trail ride departures.
"Our customers like and deserve to have choices," Jill Maier, owner with Patrick Maier and Perry Smith of Nature Quest, explains. "Having the Inn lets us directly control the accommodations for our trips. We also know guests may prefer lodging in Wellsboro or elsewhere in the region. We will continue to make reservations or referrals for guests. Having a number of different restaurants available gives our guests variety and encourages them to stay in the area longer and explore."
Nature Quest has hired Edward G. Murphy to serve as the Inn's General Manager. Murphy's more than 20 years in high level hotel management includes properties with major national chains ranging from 100 to more than 500 rooms. He has overseen all aspects of hotel management, including developing and opening new hotels.
According to Perry Smith, Nature Quest Vice President, "Ed will help develop packages involving activities provided by Nature Quest, Mountain Trail Horse Center and other providers in the PA Wilds that feature accommodations at The Coach Stop Inn.
Ed will also be developing the hotel's food service capabilities and more extensive catering of meals for our patrons on rides and expeditions."
Quest Fest, held on The Coach Stop Inn grounds and hosted by Nature Quest, highlighted attractions, artisans, lodging and dining options available to "Canyon Country" visitors. Quest Fest also included demonstrations, covered wagon rides, guided "mini hikes," and "trail fare" for the public, invited officials, and the press.
Pat Maier has long promoted tourism at both the local and state levels. Maier believes it is vital to cooperate and market the region as a destination, rather than as a series of attractions.