State College

State College has a lot to offer for visitors. One of the top attractions is Penn State University. You can take a campus tour, visit the Palmer Museum of Art, the Penn State Creamery, or attend a sporting event. Another popular attraction is the Arboretum at Penn State, a 395-acre botanical garden that features a variety of themed gardens, walking paths, and natural areas. For outdoor enthusiasts, there's Rothrock State Forest, which offers hiking, biking, and fishing opportunities. Beaver Stadium, Tussey Mountain, and the Bryce Jordan Center are other popular destinations for visitors.

In addition to the popular attractions, there are also some unique things to do in State College. For example, you can take a hot air balloon ride with the Centre County Balloon Festival, or go on a guided tour of the historic buildings in downtown State College. If you're interested in arts and culture, you can attend a performance at the State Theatre, or check out the exhibitions at the HUB-Robeson Galleries. Another unique experience is the Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park, which offers guided boat tours through a limestone cave and a wildlife park with over 1,000 animals.

State College has a variety of dining options to choose from. For breakfast, the Waffle Shop is a popular spot known for its waffles, pancakes, and omelets. For lunch, try the famous grilled stickies at Ye Olde College Diner or the burgers at The Field Burger & Tap. For dinner, try the locally sourced cuisine at Zola Kitchen & Wine Bar or the Italian dishes at Mario's Italian Restaurant. If you're in the mood for something sweet, head to the Berkey Creamery, which is known for its ice cream made with milk from Penn State's dairy cows.

State College hosts a variety of events throughout the year. One of the most popular is the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, which features over 300 artists, crafters, and musicians. Another popular event is the Blue-White Game, a football scrimmage that takes place in the spring and attracts thousands of visitors. The Central PA 4th Fest is also a popular event, with a parade, fireworks, and food vendors. Other events to check out include the Penn State Homecoming Parade, the State College Brew Expo, and the First Night State College celebration on New Year's Eve.

State College has plenty of family-friendly activities to choose from. The Discovery Space Children's Museum is a popular spot for kids, with hands-on exhibits and activities. The Penn State All-Sports Museum is also a great destination for families, with interactive exhibits and displays about Penn State athletics. For outdoor fun, check out Whipple Dam State Park, which has a beach, swimming area, and picnic facilities. If you're looking for a unique experience, take a llama trekking tour with Happy Valley Llamas.

State College is surrounded by beautiful natural areas, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The Rothrock State Forest offers hiking, biking, and fishing opportunities. Mount Nittany is a popular hiking spot with stunning views of the surrounding area. Tussey Mountain is another popular destination, with skiing, snowboarding, and an outdoor adventure park. For water activities, check out Foster Joseph Sayers Lake, which offers boating, fishing, and swimming. The Arboretum at Penn State is also a great place to explore the outdoors and take a relaxing stroll through the gardens.

State College has plenty of free things to do for visitors. You can take a self-guided tour of the Penn State campus, which includes iconic landmarks like the Nittany Lion Shrine and Old Main. The Arboretum at Penn State is also free to visit and offers a peaceful retreat with walking paths and gardens. The Palmer Museum of Art is another free attraction, with a collection of over 9,000 works of art. Finally, the State College Farmers Market is a great place to sample local products and enjoy live music and entertainment.

State College has a variety of lodging options to choose from. The Nittany Lion Inn is a historic hotel located on the Penn State campus, with elegant rooms and upscale amenities. The Hyatt Place State College is another popular option, with spacious rooms and a convenient location near downtown. The Days Inn by Wyndham Penn State is a more affordable option, with comfortable rooms and an indoor pool. Other options to consider include the Hilton Garden Inn State College, the Quality Inn Penn State, and the Super 8 by Wyndham State College.

The best time to visit State College depends on what you're interested in. If you're a sports fan, fall is a great time to visit when Penn State football is in full swing. The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts in July is another popular event. Spring is a great time to visit if you're interested in outdoor activities like hiking and biking. Winter is a good time if you're interested in skiing and snowboarding at Tussey Mountain. Overall, State College is a great destination to visit year-round.

Yes, State College is a great destination for a weekend trip. With its diverse range of attractions and activities, you can pack a lot into a short trip. Spend a day exploring the Penn State campus, take a hike in the nearby mountains, and check out some of the local restaurants and breweries. If you're interested in arts and culture, attend a performance at the State Theatre or visit one of the local galleries. With its friendly atmosphere and welcoming community, State College is a great place to spend a weekend.