Fun Things to do around State College, PA?
 

Going to be in State College for a week in August. What are some fun things to do in State College and around the area? Like hiking, sightseeing, etc.

There is LOT to do in Happy Valley. Tons of activities through Penn State (and don't miss ice cream at the Creamery), plus if you're timing visit correctly, there's Ag Progress Days, Grange Fair in Centre Hall (not sure when that is though), take a Wednesday and head down Rt. 322 to Reedsville/Belleville early for the auction and flea market (lots of Amish in Big Valley) and have lunch at Peachey's on the way,

Whipple Dam for swimming, Seven Mountains for hiking, Penns Cave for a tour, Boalsburg is a neat little town with Columbus Chapel on 322 also -- have lunch on the square. Bellefonte to the east is another gem with interesting architecture.

That's just off the top of my head.

B/

Thanks Birgator! Some good ideas. Any other thoughts/ideas?

Detweiler Run and Alan Seeger Natural Areas in the Tuscarora State Forest southeast of State College. These are remnant old growth forest, quite small but with big hemlocks and tulip trees. Not quite sequoias but pretty big for the Northeast. Small half mile loops, but there's a trail connecting them.

Sorry, Detweiler and Seeger are in the Rothrock State Forest, not Tuscarora.

Head north a bit (1 hour or so) into the recently dubbed 'Pennsylvania Wilds' region (aka parts of Cameron, Elk, and Potter counties) to see Pennsylvania's only (and I think, the Northeast US's only) Elk herd, and other wildlife & beautiful scenery. Check visitpa.com for more information. If you're very interested in this my uncle does guiding to view the elk - his info is at paelkrangeadventures.tripod.com.

Tell me more about you -- how old, what do you like to do, with family, eating preferences, bar hopping, will have car, college trip or?

B/

How about hiking to the top of Mount Nittany? Or visiting Black Moshannon State Park?

If you like ice cream, go to the creamery on the Penn State campus. Their dairy science program is one of the best in the nation, and the student-run creamery produces some excellent ice cream!

Hi SaltysMom,
How excited I was to see "State College" in a post! I grew up there, and moved to San Francisco 16 years ago. But, I still love State College in my heart. It's a beautiful area! First, check out http://www.statecollege.com for some ideas on what may be happening when you will be visiting. My family still lives in SC, and I know August will bring some hot, humid weather, so I'm not sure where you are coming from, but be prepared.

I agree, don't miss the Creamery, for ice cream! A lot of things have changed since I moved, so I asked my parents for advice, and may post back again, if you like.

The "downtown" area is small, but there are two main parallel streets, "Beaver" and "College". One street between them in Allen Street. At the corner of Allen and College, is a famous restaurant called "The Corner Room", it's a large white ornate building, you can't miss it. They have casual dining downstairs, and fancier restaurants upstairs, as well as a very nice bar, and also a hotel. (The Hotel State College)

Just down the street about half a block is the famous "Diner". (It's gone through many names over the years, but is still called "the Diner".) Don't be fooled, it may be a diner, but the food is FANTASTIC! Breakfasts are incredible, as are their mac and cheese and other foods. But, whatever you do, don't miss their famous "Grilled Stickies" (basically a sticky bun in a rectangular shape, that is grilled with butter) It will melt in your mouth and have you dreaming about them for months to come. They are so famous, they now ship everywhere! (I believe even world wide!) I know I have my parent's send me my "fix" when I need it!

On College Ave, almost at the corner of Pugh street (Phew) is a pizza place called "Brother's Pizza" Others may disagree with me, but I feel it's the best pizza at PSU. In fact, I used to work nearby and ate lunch there everyday for three years. I still have friends send me their pizzas fed ex to San Francisco!

There's a restaurant near that area called "The Tavern" It's very old State College. Good food and a nice atmosphere.

Sorry my advice seems to be food oriented, but I know those places still exist. It's been a few years since I've been "home" and I know a lot has changed. Check out the web site for "things to do".

Can you give an idea of how old you are, or where you are coming from, to help with advice? I'll see if my PSU friends come up with any ideas too, and I will post back.

Say hi to my alma mater and home town for me!
Andiamo

Forgot to mention, about an hours drive away is a town called "Belleville". It's an Amish community, and on Wednesday mornings, they have a flea market and sell everything from garage sale kind of stuff, but the best part is the homemade Amish food. Shoe Fly Pie is wonderful! And, home churned butter, etc. They usually have fresh produce as well (from local Amish farmers with no pestcides) You will see a lot of the horse and buggies, as well as many Amish in their traditional Amish clothing. It's one of my favourite things about going home. Truly a unique experience.

Andiamo