Why THIS Town in Central Pennsylvania Needs to Be on Your List
Central Pennsylvania is such an underrated vacation destination, especially if you want a quieter getaway with natural beauty, farm-to-table restaurants, and unique things to do.
After visiting State College for the first time in 2022, I’ve found myself returning at least once a year ever since.
There’s just something about this area that keeps pulling me back. Whether you’re an outdoor lover, a foodie, or someone who just needs a refreshing change of pace, State College has a way of surprising you in the best way.
I’m going to share some of my favorite reasons to visit this college town in Pennsylvania and hopefully I’ll convince you to add it to your own travel list.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through this link, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. Thanks for keeping Stuck On The Go going! The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau sponsored this post. All opinions are my own.
It’s Surrounded by 750,000 Acres of Public Land
One of the best things about State College is how quickly you can slip into the outdoors. The town is surrounded by more than 750,000 acres of public land.
Rothrock State Forest is one of my favorite places to explore, whether I’m on two feet or two wheels.
I’ve hiked plenty of trails here, but renting an e-bike was one of the most fun experiences I’ve had in Central Pennsylvania. But I will say, it’s hard to beat the view from Indian Wells along the Mid State Trail.
If you prefer a mix of water and land activities, Black Moshannon State Park is a must. It’s perfect for hiking or paddleboarding, and their rustic cabins are a fun place to stay. I stayed here for almost a week and loved exploring the park in the early mornings.
For a stunning place to kayak, head to Bullit Run in Bald Eagle State Park. If you want something a little easier, Soaring Eagle Wetlands has short, flat trails where you have a good chance of seeing wildlife. On my last visit, I saw a huge snapping turtle.
I can’t move on before mentioning Mount Nittany. This is an iconic hike in the area because of the view you get of State College from the top. Don’t underestimate the climb though. I was huffing and puffing by the time I reached the top.
There are some great hikes near State College and it’s probably my favorite activity while I’m here.
It’s Home to One of the Largest Universities in the Country (But Still Feels Like a Small Town)
Penn State might be one of the largest universities in the country, but State College still manages to feel warm and welcoming. You get the energy and amenities of a major college town without being overwhelmed.
On campus, I love grabbing ice cream at Berkey Creamery and then wandering through the Penn State Arboretum.
One year, I volunteered at the local Ironman event and handed out ice cream at the finish line, which was right by Beaver Stadium. The atmosphere was super fun and you could tell there was a lot of community spirit.
Downtown State College is compact and easily walkable. Many businesses and restaurants in town are locally-owned and there are some great community hangouts like Boal City Brewing in nearby Boalsburg.
It’s the Perfect Base to Explore the Central Pennsylvania Tasting Trail
One of the best surprises in this region is how many wineries, breweries, and cideries are packed into such a small radius.
State College sits right in the middle of the Central Pennsylvania Tasting Trail, making it incredibly easy to hop between tasting rooms during a weekend trip.
In town, you’ll find spots like Happy Valley Vineyard & Winery, Otto’s Pub & Brewery, and 814 Cider Works just to name a few.
A short drive to nearby Bellefonte offers even more great stops. Places like Axemann Brewery, Titan Hollow Cidery, and Big Spring Spirits are just a few of the options.
There are many more locations on the Central PA Tasting Trail from Boalsburg and Millheim to Spring Mills.
I make it a point to visit at least a handful of tasting trail stops every time I’m in the area. It’s one of my favorite ways to experience the local flavors of Central Pennsylvania.
It’s a Haven for Art Lovers
If you love art, State College will be an unexpected gem for you. The newly renovated Palmer Museum of Art is one of the standout attractions here.
The updated space is modern, bright, and well curated, making it easy to spend an afternoon wandering through the galleries.
Summer is also a huge season for the arts. State College hosts multiple festivals dedicated to handmade crafts, music, and local makers. These events bring a fun energy to town and offer a great way to support regional artists while enjoying the warm weather.
One of the most popular is the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, which is held the week after Independence Day.
It’s a Foodie-Friendly Town That Goes Beyond College Eats
State College may be a college town, but you won’t just find cheap bar food and late-night snacks here. The local food scene is full of variety, flavor, and genuinely memorable meals.
In town you’ll find some fantastic spots, including Gigi’s Southern Cuisine, Faccia Luna Pizzeria, and the iconic Waffle Shop—a must if you love a classic diner breakfast.
If you’re willing to venture a little further, you’ll find some really unique dining experiences.
Pine Grove Hall offers dinner with live musical entertainment, making it feel like a night out rather than just a meal.
RE Farm Café is where I’ve had one of my favorite meals. The restaurant is located right on their farm, where they source most ingredients. Whatever they don’t have, they source from other local farmers.
Whether you’re craving comfort food, farm-to-table dishes, or something completely different, State College delivers far more than you’d expect from a traditional university town.
You Can Start Your Day with a Mountain View and End It with Ice Cream
Hiking in the morning and ice cream in the afternoon? That’s my idea of a perfect day.
Within about 15 minutes, you can be on a trail with sweeping views at places like Mount Nittany or Shingletown Gap, soaking in the fresh mountain air before most people have finished their morning coffee.
Like I said, there are 750,000 acres of public land surrounding the city, so you’re really spoiled for choice.
This area also has deep agricultural roots, and many historic dairies have been transformed into creameries serving some seriously good ice cream.
It makes planning your day incredibly simple: start with a hike, work up an appetite, and reward yourself with a cone.
You’re a Short Drive from Even More Small-Town Charm
One of the best things about staying in State College is how easy it is to explore nearby small towns. Boalsburg and Bellefonte are two of my favorites, and I’ve stayed in both. Each one has a strong sense of community and its own distinct personality.
In Bellefonte, take a walk through Talleyrand Park, admire the beautiful Victorian architecture, and make a stop along the Central Pennsylvania Tasting Trail. It’s a charming town that feels both historic and lively at the same time.
Boalsburg has a more outdoorsy feel. You can head to Tussey Mountain, hike in Rothrock State Forest, or explore one of the local museums.
No visit is complete without stopping by Boal City Brewing, which is as much a community gathering spot as a brewery.
Where to Stay in State College
There are plenty of Airbnb options if you prefer vacation rentals, but State College also has some unique hotels to choose from.
If you want to check out some of the nearby small towns, Bellefonte has some wonderful bed & breakfasts. I absolutely love staying at the Bellefonte Bed & Breakfast.
The Nittany Lion Inn
Located on Penn State’s campus, The Nittany Lion Inn has hosted presidents, actors, and other notable guests since 1931. The building itself is gorgeous and built in the Georgian Colonial style.
The rooms and suites are tastefully decorated and there are three restaurants on-site. Lionne Restaurant is an upscale spot serving American cuisine with French influences. Triplett’s is their cocktail bar serving light bites.
Finally, there’s Dear Joe: the cafe & bakery where you can grab a pick me up and pastry or one of their sandwiches.
Graduate State College
The Graduate is Hilton’s line of hotels that celebrate college spirit, so if you’re a Penn State fan, this is a fun stay. It’s located downtown, just one block from campus.
The rooms have an old-school university feel with large wooden headboards and plaid blankets. You’ll also find some fun Penn State memorabilia in the common areas.
Trophy Room is their on-site restaurant serving up American food that highlights regional flavors.
Hyatt Place State College
This is the one hotel downtown that I’ve personally stayed at and it’s just down the street from the Graduate, slightly closer to campus. The location really is top notch.
They also have an on-site restaurant, The Placery which serves burgers, salads, and sandwiches, along with The Market where you’ll find grab & go items.
When Are You Going to State College?
So when are you planning your visit? If you’re an outdoor enthusiast or love the arts, then this really is a great spot to explore.
While you’re in the area, you’ll be very close to Huntingdon which is where Raystown Lake is located as well as Lewistown and the Juniata River Valley. You could make a whole Central Pennsylvania road trip.
If you do, make sure to grab my road trip planning workbook before heading out!
