What turns a rail-trail stop into an overnight stay? At Highland Lake Inn, Pecco Beaufays says cyclists generate 25% of revenue.

Craig Della Penna hosts Roads Less Travelled to explore how trails connect communities and local businesses. As the first U.S. REALTOR to specialize in homes near rail trails and the author of five books on greenway development, Craig brings a rail trail real estate perspective to Pecco’s experience serving Northern Rail Trail visitors.

Learn how bike tourism shapes guest services, premium hospitality, and the daily demands of running an inn along New England rail trails.

🎙️ Host / Guest

Host: Craig Della Penna — Realtor and rail-trail advocate.

Guest: Pecco Beaufays owns Highland Lake Inn and Andover Barn in East Andover, New Hampshire. His hospitality career began with a cooking apprenticeship at Hotel Sacher in Vienna and later included work with Kempinski in North and South America.

💡 What You’ll Learn

Assess bike tourism’s business potential: Pecco says cyclists generate 25% of Highland Lake Inn’s revenue.

Make one-way cycling trips easier with trailhead transport and access to guests’ cars.

Support premium rates with quality bedding, breakfast ingredients, and personal service.

Prepare for guest emergencies through Pecco’s account of four EMS calls in two days.

Build trail awareness through collaboration with New Hampshire’s tourism office.

Decide whether running a B&B fits your life and willingness to care for guests.

❓ Key Questions Answered

Q: How does bike tourism differ from resort tourism?

A: Craig Della Penna describes bicycle touring as journey tourism, with visitors traveling along a route. Resort tourism centers on one destination.

Q: How does Highland Lake Inn handle e-bike charging?

A: Pecco describes an outdoor charging area away from the building, following local fire department advice, and discussing battery condition with guests.

Buying an inn or investing near a trail? Follow Roads Less Travelled on Spotify for more conversations about trail-connected communities.

🎧 Considering a trailside property? Follow Roads Less Travelled for the conversations behind the purchase.

⏱️ Chapters

(00:00) - Intro

(01:39) - From Luxury Hotels to Highland Lake Inn

(06:20) - Alex Bernhard and the Northern Rail Trail

(13:05) - What Cyclists Need From an Inn

(18:52) - Bike Tourism and Local Economies

(23:14) - Guest Services and E-Bike Charging

(27:49) - Before You Buy a Bed and Breakfast

(30:56) - Premium Rates and Personal Service

(34:22) - Four EMS Calls in Two Days

(36:06) - Cyclists and 25% of Inn Revenue

(37:54) - Working With Tourism Partners

(40:27) - Addressing Rail-Trail Opposition

(43:21) - What Makes Innkeeping Rewarding

(48:36) - Closing Remarks

💼 Connect with Pecco Beaufays:

🌐 Website → https://www.highlandlakeinn.com/

🌐 Website → https://www.greenwaysolutions.org/nyt-bb-story-1

🎧 Follow Craig Della Penna:

🌐 Website → https://www.northamptonrealtor.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/craig.dellapenna/

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/craigdp413/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdp/

📌 Don't Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

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