Here Are 10 Ways To Spend The Perfect Day In Pennsylvania's Most Charming Small Town
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Beth
Author
Perhaps it’s the hospitality, the history, the beautiful scenery, or something else altogether, but a trip to a Pennsylvania small town is bound to be unforgettable. The moment you set foot in State College, Pennsylvania, you’ll immediately feel immersed in the community and delighted by the local attractions. Whether you’re stopping by for a day trip or decide to extend your stay for longer, you’ll be impressed by the sheer variety offered by Central Pennsylvania. Here are just a few reasons why State College and Centre County make for an incredible destination.
Welcome to State College, Pennsylvania. Nicknamed "Happy Valley" this area of central Pennsylvania is a delight to visit. From sporting games to historic landmarks, unique wineries, and gorgeous natural attractions, State College really has something for everyone. Without further ado, here's how you can spend the perfect day in the state's most charming small town.
With so much sightseeing on the horizon, you'll want to start the day with a solid breakfast. Stop by the Waffle Shop, where you can choose from several mouthwatering waffles and pancakes. The State College location of this chain is the original, so you'll be experiencing a bit of breakfast history when you visit. For more information about the Waffle Shop, click here. Address: 1610 West College Avenue, State College, PA, 16801
The Arboretum at Penn State is located next to the University Park campus and encompasses nearly 400 acres of gorgeous displays. The land for the arboretum was set aside in 1914 and thanks to a generous donation in 2007 which prompted the creation of the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens, the grounds have become a sanctuary for students and visitors alike. Each season brings different blooms and programs to the garden, so you can be sure to plan your visit accordingly. For more information about this impressive botanical garden, click here. Address: East Park Avenue & Bigler Road, State College, PA, 16803
Few people realize that State College, Pennsylvania is actually considered to be a world-class destination for cyclists. Whether you're biking around town or prefer to stretch your legs by walking, you'll love this network of beautiful and accessible trails that will show you the outskirts of town. To learn more about the nearby state parks, click here.
No trip to State College is complete without experiencing at least one historic landmark. The Boal Mansion has been owned by the same family for over 200 years. In the 1890's, Colonel Theodore Davis Boal traveled to Europe where he met and married a descendent of Christopher Columbus named Mathilde. She inherited the Columbus Chapel, which was brought to Boalsburg in 1909. The estate contains the largest collection of authentic Christopher Columbus artifacts found in North America, and visitors are invited to take a fascinating tour of the property. For more information about the museum and chapel, click here. Address: 163 Boal Estate Drive, Boalsburg, PA,16827
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If you happen to be traveling with little ones, Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park is a must-see. This all-water cavern promises to be a highlight of the trip. Take a tour of the otherworldly cavern by boat and then interact with wildlife on the farm. The tour will offer you a glimpse of North America's native species, which include mountain lions, mustangs, bison, and elk. For more information about this unique attraction, click here. Address: 222 Penn’s Cave Road,
Centre Hall, PA, 16828
You're bound to work up an appetite after such an eventful morning, so don't skip out on lunch. Head to Field Burger & Tap and prepare to be amazed by the sheer variety of burgers available. All burgers are served with a side of irresistible house-made chips that are worth the visit to this restaurant alone. Don't forget to bring your appetites! You can learn more by clicking here. Address: 1 Country Club Lane, State College, PA, 16803
Located just a short drive from State College, Bellefonte is a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates beautiful and historic architecture. Peruse one-of-a-kind antiques inside one of the charming shops in Bellefonte and you'll surely find a treasure to take home. At night, you can experience an authentic Victorian home from the 1800's when you stay at Our Fair Lady Bed & Breakfast, photographed above. Click here to learn about the other amazing lodging options in the area.
Sip on local wine and enjoy the exquisite scenery of Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery. Established in 1990, this local winery has produced all sorts of beloved wine, including their specialty "Tailgate White" and even Blueberry wine. Those of legal drinking age are invited to a complimentary wine tasting, where they'll learn all about the process of grape growing in Central Pennsylvania. For visiting hours and additional information, click here. Address: 300 Houser Road, Centre Hall, PA, 16828
Few things are more classic than a summertime baseball game, especially here in State College. Head to the stadium and prepare to root for the home team when you watch the Penn State Nittany Lions or the State College Spikes. No matter which game you're watching, you can look forward to all sorts of festivities and entertainment. For tickets and additional information, click here.
There's no better way to cap off a full day of exploring State College, PA than a trip to the world-famous Penn State Berkey Creamery. In operation for over 150 years, this historic creamery sets the standard for delicious ice cream production. The shop boasts 120 total flavors, with 20 in rotation. The quality is unparalleled, considering the milk is always fresh and local. To learn more about Penn State Berkey Creamery, click here.
Have you visited State College, PA recently? If so, we’d love to hear all about your trip! For more information about the area, be sure to check out the official visitor’s guide by clicking here.