What do you most want when you hit a trail town?

[Pumba]

I am fortunate that I live very close to the AT in PA, near Boiling Springs. I had the thought that I'd like to do something nice for those that will be coming through soon to help lift spirits and maybe stave away hunger. What is it that you most crave when hitting a trail town? Chocolate, Pringles, beer?! Lol. I'm not wealthy but I'd like to do something. I was thinking of leaving some goodies in the box outside of the AT office in Boiling Springs for hikers to enjoy, but I don't know what y'all would like. Would love some suggestions as to what I can do.

[Bigfoot86]

Food. Cold peach snapple and peanut m&ms. I also live near the at.

[BirdBrain]

When I get to town the 1st thing I want to do is get back on the trail. Not helpful, but someone was going to say it. Might as well be me.

[BirdBrain]

Now for a less sarcastic answer. Shower, laundry, resupply, sleep, and then early start.

[peakbagger]

Realistically what I want would not be something you could leave in a box. What I would love to see is up to date map maybe with various trail services located on it. Show a you are here mark on it and maybe include phone numbers. When I got into town in Boiling Springs years ago it was quite a hot day and all I wanted while walking through was a cold drink (preferably milk) and an ice cream.

[BirdBrain]

Realistically what I want would not be something you could leave in a box.

Seems to me that would be exactly where you would leave it.

[Lone Wolf]

beer. shower. buffet. laundry

[garlic08]

Greasy food.

One of the nicest trail-side treats I saw on my AT hike was a tin of brownies and a thermos of warm coffee on a cold rainy day.

Thank you for asking. If you do something, it'll be nice of you.

[MuddyWaters]

Shower
Calories
Clean bed

in that order

[WingedMonkey]

Would be nice if Boiling Springs had a decent campsite near the trail.

[Walkintom]

beer. shower. buffet. laundry

In that order. Yes, please. And seconds, all around.

[BirdBrain]

A prudent hiker has what they need or plans to get it. What they could use at times is an easier way to get what they need in the form of a ride. Of course that would cut into the profits of those that run for hire shuttles. I am happy to buy sugar bombs in town. I am not always happy about the long walk. Gas is expensive. Towns are often close by if driving. A dollar a ride might be a break even proposition. Running a shuttle like this would be a charitable jesture that many would appreciate and would only cost the driver their time. I never look for or expect free food. A ride would be great. Just my 2 cents.

Maybe put a can on the dash that reads "no charge, tip if you want to".

[4eyedbuzzard]

Have to agree with LW's list - and the clean bed with sheets many mentioned. Thinking back many years, most of us probably would have listed a pay phone and P.O. And maybe even a barber shop for some. Along those lines of thought, I'm a bit surprised a Wifi hotspot hasn't made the list yet, even given cell data service.

[rocketsocks]

Water............

[Donde]

3 beers in a long hot shower.

[mudsocks]

Transportation but that's not easy to leave in a hiker box.

[Carbo]

Water............

+++1

I'll drink to that!

[squeezebox]

A bicycle to get around town.

[Patrickjd9]

Would be nice if Boiling Springs had a decent campsite near the trail.

I'll be section hiking the Cumberland Valley with a friend shortly. After looking at camping options, we decided to split our car shuttle there and drive off to a motel.

[Starchild]

Things that I did get gifted in towns that I really appreciated were stays, rides or use of vehicles (mostly unneeded here), meals and drinks at restaurants, and beer and other adult beverages.

Other things also appreciated were camping space, and well stocked hiker boxes (fuel & food)

But the thing about town stops is when you are in town and can acquire these things quite easily (but some towns do require rides). And while it is very nice to find out when i ask for the check that my tab at the tavern was covered by someone, I still would have enjoyed my food and drink if I had to pay for it myself.

This is different then on trail where I can not acquire these things myself and can only be gifted to me. So just wondering why do this in town instead of a trail crossing without services?