State College is noted as having small-ton charm mixed with college town action. From Nittany Lions football to epic skiing and a stunning entertainment center, State College is a wonder to behold.
Tucked in the center of Pennsylvania, State College has plenty to do, see, eat, and drink! You can make a stop at a local restaurant or farmer’s market to grab a bite or take it slow and experience the Central PA Tasting Trail! The trail takes you through a tasting journey to local craft breweries, wineries, cideries, and distilleries. If you’re really in the mood to eat, visit at the beginning of June for Happy Valley Culinary Week. There is a little bit of everything to taste during this week-long event!
“State College, Pennsylvania is much more than just a college town. It is vibrant with exciting nightlife, great shopping, and diverse restaurants to satisfy almost any craving. ” – https://www.visitpennstate.org/
State College is home to many exciting activities for visitors and their families. You can catch a performance at the PSU Center of Performing Arts or take the kiddos to Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania where they can get their hands on some fun activities and exhibits that focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) learning in an exciting environment. There is also the option to hit some festivals including the Centre County Grange Fair or the Central PA Festival of the Arts Arts Festival for some great entertainment, a parade or two, and unique gifts and goods.
If you’re looking to leave an impact from your visit, we strongly encourage you to take part in THON! The PSU Dance Marathon, or THON, “is a student-run philanthropy committed to enhancing the lives of children and families impacted by childhood cancer. Our mission is to provide emotional and financial support, spread awareness and ensure funding for critical research – all in pursuit of a cure.” (https://thon.org/
We put together a list of some of the best-of-the-best in State College:
KNOWN FOR/CLAIM TO FAME:
- Home of Penn State University
- Creamery Ice Cream (where Ben & Jerry learned to make ice cream!)
- PSU Dance Marathon (THON) – Largest Student-Run Philanthropy in the world
- 4th Fest – Largest, All-Volunteer run fireworks show in the country
WHERE TO EAT:
- The Waffle Shop
- Otto’s Brewery and Pub
- Happy Valley Brewery
- The American Ale House
- Duffy’s Tavern
- Kelly’s Steakhouse
THINGS TO DO:
- PSU Nittany Lion Football
- PSU Icers Ice Hockey
- Music/Theatre/Dance performances at Eisenhower Auditorium and the State Theatre
- Concerts at the Bryce Jorden Center
- Annual Arts Festival (5 days long)
- Spikes Minor League Baseball
- Skiing at Tussey Mountain
- Golf (PSU and Non-PSU courses)
- Grange Fair
WHAT TO SEE:
- Beaver Stadium
- PSU Arboretum
- PSU Old Main campus
- Historic Boalsburg
- Boalsburg Military Museum
Click here to find out much more before your next trip to State College!