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Index of Partners
Index of Articles
HappyValley.com is the comprehensive online guide to fun in the beautiful Happy Valley region. To advertise on HappyValley.com contact Kate Branford, kate@happyvalley. com. To submit content, contact Jodie Dello Stritto at jodie@happyvalley.com. Towns of Happy Valley: Bellefonte. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Outdoor Fun at Tussey Mountain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Towns of Happy Valley: Boalsburg. . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Towns of Happy Valley: Millheim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Towns of Happy Valley: Centre Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Towns of Happy Valley: Huntingdon. . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Penn’s Cave Opens New Off‑Road Tours. . . . . . . . . . 18 Fun with a Purpose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 End of Summer Family Tradition: The Centre County Grange Encampment & Fair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Minor League Ball is Big League Fun. . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Golf Courses as Beautiful as they are Challenging . . . . . 23 Happy Valley’s Cool Limestone Waters are Hot Spots for Fly Fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Why We Love Happy Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Trail2Creek.com Offers Information to Outdoor Enthusiasts . . . 30 Affinity Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Boalsburg Heritage Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Center for the Performing Arts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Damon’s Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Gamble Mill Restaurant & Microbrewery. . . . . . . . . . . 8 Hoag’s Catering at Celebration Hall. . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Hublersburg Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Huntingdon Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Kelly’s Steak & Seafood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Legal Shield. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Mount Nittany Vineyard and Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Penn State All-Sports Museum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Penn State Golf Course. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Penn State Hospitality Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Penn State Ice Rink. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Pizza Mia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Port Matilda Hotel & Tavern. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Seven Mountains Wine Cellars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Shaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 The Chatelaine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Trail2Creek.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Woolrich Flagship Store & Outlet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Zola New World Bistro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Greg Woodman Publisher Jodie Dello Stritto Editor Kate Branford Director of Client Relations Jessica Hallman , Lucy Harlow, John Fulmer, Callie Eardly, Kevin Byrne, Jake Burns Editorial Contributors Melissa Hombosky Bill Brickley Graphic Design & Production Cover by Loaded Creative HappyValley.com 2160 Sandy Drive, Suite D 814‑867‑6700
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Calendar of Events April April 19-21 Blue-White Weekend gopsusports.com
April 21 Hot Chelle Rae and Francesco Bryce Jordan Centre bjc.psu.edu
April 19 Wine and Taco Pairing Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery Centre Hall, mtnittanywinery.com
April 21 Special Olympics Beaver Stadium 5k Run/Walk Beaver Stadium Specialolympicspa.org
April 19 Frindle The State Theatre thestatetheatre.org
April 21 The Complete World of Sports The State Theatre thestatetheatre.org
April 20 Penn State Glee Club Schwab Auditorium pennstategleeclub.com
April 22 Kendrick Lamar Bryce Jordan Center bjc.psu.edu
April 20 Raystown Lake Cleanup Day Hesston, PA, raystown.org
May 2: Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band Bryce Jordan Center, bjc.psu.edu
May 19: The Big Spring Festival Downtown Bellefonte, victorianbellefonte.com
April 24 Jake Shimbakuro The State Theatre thestatetheatre.org April 27 Moms Let Loose The State Theatre thestatetheatre.org April 27 Mayfest of Huntingdon Historic Downtown Huntingdon mayfestofhuntingdon.com
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May 3 – 5 PSU Spring Commencement Schwab/Eisenhower/Bryce Jordan Center commencement.psu.edu May 11 Wine & Pizza Pairing Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery mtnittanywinery.com May 26 Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks Lake Raystown Resort, Lodge & Conference Center raystown.org
May 3 – 5 Huntingdon County Home and Outdoor Show Huntingdon County Fairgrounds huntingdoncountyfair.com Scan the QR code with your smartphone to view see the full event calendar 4
May 30 – June 2 Traditional Reunion Weekend Penn State University – various locations alumni.psu.edu May 31 – June 2 Nittany Antique Machinery Assoc. Spring Show Penn’s Cave nittanyantique.org
June June 1 – 2 Weekend Sightseeing Cruise Seven Points Marina 7pointsmarina.com June 1 Rusted Root Tussey Mountain Ampitheater Tusseymountain.com June 1 Free Wine & Cheese Tasting for National Dairy Month Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery mtnittanywinery.com June 8 River Arts Festival at the Trestle (RAFT) Huntingdon, PA huntingdon.net June 8 Work Trolley Day Rockhill Trolley Museum rockhilltrolley.org
June 11 Kids’ Day Boalsburg Farmers’ Market boalsburgfarmersmarket.com
July 10 – 14: Central Pa Festival of the Arts Downtown State College, arts‑festival.com
June 17 State College Spikes Home Opener statecollegespikes.com June 13 ‑ 23 Grease Millbrook Playhouse millbrookplayhouse.org June 21 Come Blow Your Horn Millbrook Playhouse millbrookplayhouse.org June 21 – 23 Central PA Ragtime Festival Rockhill Trolley Museum rockhilltrolley.org June 22 – 23 Discovery Days Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks lincolncaverns.com June 22 Summer’s Best Music Festival State College summersbestmusicfest.com June 25 Learning Kitchen Boalsburg Farmers Market boalsburgfarmersmarket.com June 28 – July 7 The Sound of Music Millbrook Playhouse millbrookplayhouse.org
June 29 CVIM Cycling for Care Penn Furnace cvim.net June 30 An Evening of Bluegrass & Comedy with Steve Martin, the Steep Canyon Rangers, and Edie Brickell Bryce Jordan Center bjc.psu.edu
July July 10 – 14 Central Pa Festival of the Arts Downtown State College arts‑festival.com
Later this year August 27‑29, 2013 Grange Fair Centre Hall grangefair.net Sept. 7, 2013 Penn State vs. Eastern Michigan Beaver Stadium gopsusports.com December 31, 2013 2012‑2013 First Night Downtown State College firstnightstatecollege.com
July 12 – 21 A Midsummer Night’s Dream Millbrook Playhouse millbrookplayhouse.org 5
Victorian Bellefonte Offers Charm & Family Fun By John Fulmer Drive through Bellefonte, for the first time and you may think you’ve wan‑ dered onto a movie set. The borough, just 10 miles north of State College, looks like a world apart. Many of its buildings cling to steep hillsides and Bellefonte’s many Victorian‑era build‑ ings set it apart, making it unique. There may not be more Victorian archi‑ tecture, per square foot, per capita, any place in the United States. To say Bellefonte is proud of its Victorian heritage is an understate‑ ment. The borough’s strict codes protect the historical downtown Photo courtesy Melissa Hombosky area’s yesteryear look, and Bellefonte’s center‑ piece attraction is the Victorian Christmas weekend, a huge draw for out‑of‑town visitors and locals as well. Scheduled this year for Dec. 13‑15, Victorian Christmas is a festival of home tours, horse‑drawn carriage rides, concerts and many more events with a Victorian‑era spin. The 2013 Victorian Christmas full schedule is already posted on their website, bellefontevictorianchristmas.com. The name Bellefonte means “beautiful fountain” in French and the spring‑fed fountain, now covered, is part of Talleyrand Park. Year‑round home to a battalion of waterfowl, Talleyrand is the town’s gathering spot and a must‑see for visitors. Concerts are held there in warm weather. Parents bring their kids to play on the swings and feed the ducks swimming in Spring Creek, which skirts the edge of the park. The park area of the creek is off‑limits to fishing and many of its brown trout, which are easily spotted and get fed well, too, by park visitors, grow to monster size, as do the rare palomino trout that dot the water like enormous goldfish. A monument erected to the seven governors, five of them 6
The Centre County Courthouse Pennyslvania’s chief executives who made Bellefonte their home, sits in the park. Right up the street, you’ll find Gover‑ nor’s Pub, which also offers outside seating and a bar with a good beer selection. For a caffeine and baked‑goods fix, Cool Beans Coffee and Tea coffee shop is one block up from Governor’s Pub housed in a funky little below‑street space. For a very fine dining experience, head over to Gamble Mill Tavern, which is also close to Talleyrand Park and a perennial pick as one of Centre County’s best restaurants. Here you’ll find a microbrewery where you can try their Victorian Secret Raspberry Wheat and a restaurant with entrees such as pappardelle bolognese. For breakfast, brunch and lunch, there’s the ever‑popular Waffle Shop, and for a quick bite, Bellefonte abounds in Italian/pizza joints; but Bonfatto’s, with its trademarked Bonanza sub has been in business since 1919 and is a local institution. Pizza Mia is a great, convenient spot for pizza and Jim’s Italian Cuisine, though it’s hard to find—the homey little Italian restaurant is tucked away on Cherry Lane behind Catholic Charities—is a favorite of locals and almost always busy.
Bellefonte isn’t lacking for places to stay overnight, but if you’re looking for a big chain motel, you’ll have to head to the Quality Inn on I‑80 in Milesburg, about five miles away, or drive into State College. You will find, however, a full slate of bed and breakfasts in town. Our Fair Lady and The Queen are two of several clustered on Linn Street (State Route 144). History buffs will have struck the mother lode when they hit town. B&B owners often act as concierge/travel guides and are good source of Bellefonte’s background. But for day visitors the Historical Museum—part of the county’s library system—is a good place to start. Belle‑ fonte was laid out in 1794 and besides the remarkable and impossible‑to‑miss structures such as The Brocker‑ hoff House, the town is home to several more National Register of Historic Places. In fact, the entire downtown area was designated as part of National Register of His‑ toric Places in 1977. Gamble Mill is on the Register and so is the Matchbox Factory, which has undergone restora‑ tion and serves as a commercial space and home to the American Philatelic Society, a must for stamp lovers. Antique hunters and trinket collectors will have a field day here, as Allegheny and High streets, the town’s main
thoroughfares, are filled with specialty stores and resale shops. However, the trash‑or‑treasure giant is the Plaza Centre, an old movie theater converted to a mall with 70‑plus vendors displaying everything—and we mean everything—from valuable antiques and coins to 10‑cent tchotchkes. You could easily spend a day in this store, mu‑ seum and resting place for curios and knickknacks, if only to find and then reminisce over a long‑forgotten child‑ hood toy (Hey, look at that Mr. Potato Head!) someone is
Upcoming Events: ✓✓ May 19: Big Spring Festival celebrates Bellefonte’s river with entertainment, water sports, and crafts. ✓✓ June: Bring your little ones to the Bellefonte Children’s Fair for games, activities, entertain‑ ment, raffles, and displays. ✓✓ June 15‑16: Celebrate Father’s Day weekend at the Bellefonte Cruise. Enjoy an open cruise, sock hop, classic car parade, and motorcycle poker run. ✓✓ August 16‑17: Visit the Bellefonte Arts & Crafts Fair for over 100 artists’ exhibits, family entertainment and children’s activities. ✓✓ Fall Festival features pumpkin carving, ghost stories, music, food and a chance to create your own scarecrow.
Annual Event: ✓✓ Dec 13‑15, 2013: Experience Christmas Past with Bellefonte’s Victorian Christmas festival, in‑ cluding Scrooge’s Wedding Ball, breakfast with Santa, the Festival of Trees, gingerbread house contest, train rides, and art shows.
Did You Know... ✓✓ The town’s name was inspired by a visiting French dignitary who viewed the river and exclaimed, “La belle font!”
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selling for a mere five bucks! Even history fans will get a rush from the building, which was designed by Anna Wagner Keichline (1889‑1943), Bellefonte native, Cornell grad, suffragette and the first woman registered as an architect by the commonwealth. Last but not least, in 2009 PAFlyfish.com named Bellefonte as the “Best Fly Fishing Town in Penn‑ sylvania.” Once a world‑class destination for fly‑fishing, Spring Creek, with its famous Fisher‑ man’s Paradise, has rebounded from chemical spills in the 1980s and now supports a great wild brown trout population. Other well‑known streams—Penns Creek, Fishing Creek, Spruce Creek and the Little Juniata River—are close, too. What makes these streams special is that they are mountain‑fed and limestone streams and their cool waters provide good fishing even in the warm summer months. There you have it. Good food, interesting history, great fishing, and unique shopping experiences. That’s Bellefonte in a nutshell. A great place to spend the day or take a vacation.
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The Queen Bed and Breakfast
Outdoor Fun at Tussey Mountain Starts NOW at the Fun Centre Rusted Root to Play the Tussey Amphitheatre on June 1 Time to swap the skis and boards for warm weather gear and head to Tussey Moun‑ tain! The all‑season resort has kicked off its spring/summer season and there’s plenty of fun for the whole family. The Fun Centre is now open for pre‑sum‑ mer hours from 9 a.m.‑6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.‑6 p.m. weekends (weather depend‑ ing). The Fun Centre features a Skate Park, Driving Range, Batting Cages, Mini Golf and Par 3 Golf (lower holes only, for now)! Rusted Root on June 1 Enjoy the highly‑talented musicians of Rusted Root live on the Tussey Mountain Amphitheater stage on Saturday, June 1, 2013, performing crowd favorites and hits along with new releases and current hits! Rusted Root puts on an amazing live show with their unique energy and style. With classics like “Martyr,” “Ecstacy,” “Faith I Do Believe,” “Send Me on my Way” and more, along with the best from their upcoming new album, THE MOVEMENT, this will be the show to see this summer in Happy Valley.
Paddle boats at Tussey Mountain Admission is $30 but tickets are ON SALE NOW for $20 if purchased by May 24th! Tickets for this concert are limited, so buy early and guarantee your spot at this show; if tickets are left, you can purchase on the day of in the Ticket Office. This event is an all‑weather show, and will likely be awesome. Parking is limited and will cost $5 (and ticketing enforced for illegal parking), so plan accord‑ ingly! Carpooling is a great option! Group Outings: Schedule Your Next Event at Tussey Tussey Mountain is the perfect location to make lifelong memories with family, friends, and coworkers. Enjoy all the outdoor activi‑ ties and reserve the pavilion near the fishing pond for a picnic or party. Birthday parties are fun for kids to enjoy the Go‑Kart track and Mini‑Golf Course. Tussey Mountain is the area’s best‑kept secret for outdoor group events such as family reunions, company picnics, graduation parties, alumni and class reunions and more! Go‑Kart track 9
History Abounds in Boalsburg By John Fulmer The Happy Valley area is filled with quaint small towns that are completely different in character than State College, its biggest city. The university has a lot to do with that, of course, with its influx of students and the need for busi‑ nesses to cater to them. It causes a modern‑traditional gap of sorts and while State College can bustle with activity, the outlying bor‑ oughs are more laid‑back. A case in point is Boalsburg, adjacent to State College but in many ways a world apart. And that’s not to say there’s nothing to do here. There’s plenty. But pub‑crawling wouldn’t be on the list. Searching for history would be. Boalsburg, like Bellefonte, Centre Hall and so on, was laid out near the turn of the 19th century and has an interesting past. (Some say it’s the birthplace of Memorial Day and more about that later.) At that time the town grid was drawn up in 1810, it was known as Springfield and in 1819 that was changed to honor David Boal, a prominent citizen. Since Boalsburg stood at the crossroads of two of early Pennsylvania’s major roads, there were three taverns in town, one of them built by Boal, another called Wolf’s and one that’s still in use today as a restaurant. Now called Duffy’s Tavern, it was built in 1819, was used as a stage‑ coach stop and has retained its original woodwork, hard‑
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Duffy’s Tavern
ware and fireplaces. In all, the Boalsburg Historic District has 140 buildings and about 60 of them are considered are of major importance to historians, architects and citi‑ zens, who can be justifiably proud of their well‑preserved village. The Columbus Chapel and Boal Mansion Museum is a good place to start exploring the town’s history. The 200‑year‑old house, built by David Boal and lived in by many generations of Boals, has an array of artifacts and three exhibit rooms. The chapel gets its name from Theodore Davis Boal’s wife, Mathilde de Lagarde Boal, a descendant of Christopher Columbus. The chapel contains the explorer’s admiral’s desk and centuries‑old paintings and statues. The Boalsburg Heritage Museum is where to find the town’s connection to Memorial Day. Throughout their 2012 season, the museum held an exhibit titled “Three La‑ dies and the Birth of a Tradition.” In October 1864, Eliza‑ beth Weaver Myers and two friends, Sophie Keller Hall and Emma Hunter Stuart, met by accident at the Boals‑ burg cemetery but had the same thing in mind: placing flowers on the graves of family members who had died in the Civil War. The story goes that they decided to meet again next year on the same day to continue the practice and to broaden it by decorating graves other than those of relatives.
statue of a steer that sits atop the roof. Kelly’s is a must stop and also features a smaller, burg‑ ers‑and‑sandwich bar menu. The Pump Station Café is good place to get a jolt of caffeine. Set in a repurposed gas station, the café also has a good selection of baked goods, bagels and sandwiches. For pizza and other things Italian, try Angelo’s. For a walk on the wild side, a trip to The Bar should do the trick. It’s a classic dive bar with cheap drinks and often good mu‑ sic. Biscuit Jam, a mainly acoustic group with classic rock tastes, has been known to play there. As the simple name suggests, it’s a kind of The Pennsylvania Military Museum no‑frills, unpretentious atmosphere. As for lodging, Boalsburg is The museum last year had a focus on the Civil War really close to many State College hotels on Business sesquicentennial called “PA Civil War 150.” In that spirit, 322, but it does have a couple B&Bs. History geeks could The Pennsylvania Military Museum, which is nearby just as easily forego Boalsburg’s establishments and do on Boal Avenue (U.S. 322 Business) often had Civil War all their business in the big town. But that seems like a re‑enactments and encampments. The museum also has shame. You’ll find plenty to do in Happy Valley’s “burg.” films, lectures, exhibits and fun stuff such as “Letter From Home: An Andrews Sisters Tribute Show.” This blend of music, choreography and comedy, a take on the old USO programs, is set for the weekend of the annual World War II combat bivouac held on the museum grounds. When it’s time for a break from your history lessons, try Tait Farm just off of the Mount Nittany Expressway, ✓✓ As the birthplace of Memorial Day, Boalsburg’s a few miles east of downtown Boalsburg. Their food is Memorial Day Festival is a patriotic event not certified organic and available through their Community to be missed. Harvest programs, a kind of co‑op in which members are alerted through a weekly emails on the recent agricultural ✓✓ Ring in the holiday season with Boalsburg’s pickings. The farm also sells to local restaurants, and Hometown Christmas in December. the farmers’ market offers local products, such as sauces, maple syrup, cheeses and sausages from local restaurants, co‑ops and other farms. Tait also has a gift shop and a greenhouse. Boalsburg is a pretty small town but it does have good ✓✓ Celebrate Boalsburg’s birthday in early October options for dining. Duffy’s Tavern, as we mentioned, is at the Birthday Heritage Festival. still open and serves upscale food, such as veal dishes and filet mignon. They serve food in the bar, too, if you’re not feeling so fancy. As we also mentioned, the tavern has ambience with all of the original fittings in tact. Kelly’s Steak and Seafood is an institution and the best place in the area to get steak. They have one of the few—if not ✓✓ Boalsburg is the home of the Pennsylvania only—prix‑fixe menus around ($22 and served before 6 Military Museum. p.m.) and a pretty recognizable landmark: an enormous
Upcoming Events:
Annual Event:
Did You Know...
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Little Village of Millheim Leads Localvore Movement By John Fulmer Millheim, a tiny dot of a town—popu‑ lation 904—is big on charm. And for a small town, it has a number of things to do and see, some of them new and some of them as old as Millheim itself, which was first settled around 1800. Named after the millhouses on Elk Creek and situated about 30 miles east of State College in scenic Penns Valley, home to many Amish farms and Amish buggies clopping along Route 45, Millheim has undergone a renaissance of sorts in the last few years as artists, rustic gentrifiers and proponents of the local‑food movement have set up shop along its pretty Main Street. The cornerstone of that revival is the Elk Creek Café + Aleworks, named after the spring‑fed creek that drifts through the center of town, fun‑ neled in part by an old mill raceway. (Note: Out‑of‑town drivers should beware of “Millheim Mallards” who make the creek their home and are notorious Main Street jay‑ walkers.) It’s impossible to miss the café with its colorful mural on the side of the building and bright‑blue trimwork. Be‑ sides a sustainability philosophy and a localvore empha‑ sis on food grown on area farms, the café displays local artists’ work and features live music on Saturday nights with a bent toward jazz, roots and blues. The aleworks is the café’s microbrewery and it conjures up libations such as Brookie Brown Ale and Poe Paddy Porter, named after Poe Paddy State Park just a few miles away. The park gets its name from nearby Poe Mountain and Paddy Mountain and is where Elk and Penns creeks meet, making it a perfect fly‑fishing spot. Penns Creek has a renowned and spectacular green drake mayfly hatch in late May or early June. (It’s said these mayflies, on which the trout feed, can attain the size of small hummingbirds.) In warm weather park visitors can swim, kayak or boat (electric motors only, please) on 25‑acre Poe Lake, snack at the concession stand, pitch a tent at a campsite, and walk a section the Mid‑state Trail, which goes through 12
Millheim’s Elk Creek Cafe a 250‑foot long railroad tunnel. In the winter, there’s cross‑country skiing and snowmobiling. On Main Street, back in town, you’ll find the aptly named Green Drake Gallery & Arts Center whose mission is to display Central PA artists and crafts. Check
Upcoming Event ✓✓ May 21: Millheim’s Elk Creek Café and Ale‑ works will host the Riversong Festival, featur‑ ing several musical performances and a raffle. Proceeds benefit the Penn’s Valley Conservation Association.
Did You Know... ✓✓ Millheim was named for a millhouse along Elk Creek. The mill’s raceway still flows through downtown.
their website for On Stage at the Drake, open mic and mu‑ sical performances scheduled for most Friday evenings. When it’s time for a caffeine break, head for the IngleBean, which serves lo‑ cally roasted coffee from Standing Stone Coffee Co. and more locally focused food such as sandwiches soups, salads and baked goods. Log on to their free WiFi is and explore their Facebook page for film screenings, game Recent installation at Green Drake Gallery & Arts Center nights, poetry read‑ ings, knitting circles and other community events. It’s a lovely space with lots of natural light, great woodwork and plenty of artwork. The nearest chain or franchise hotels are in State Col‑ lege or Lewistown, but if you’re looking for a place to stay in town and seeking something with authentic Millheim charm, try “The Hotel,” which is what locals call the Millheim Hotel. Built circa 1794, the hotel is quaint and inexpensive, but travelers used to more modern ameni‑ ties should call first and get the lowdown on its offerings. It’s said to be haunted, and maybe so, but the ornate pressed‑tin ceilings in the downstairs restaurant, which serves home‑style food, and its cozy bar could be thrilling enough after a long day. For something a bit different, try out the Triple Creek Lodge, a three‑room inn that sits on the top floor of the IngleBean Coffee House. Very rustic but brand‑new—it was finished in 2011—the lodge, like the coffee house, is a veritable showcase of antiques and exposed wood, brick and stone. One of the three rooms has a man cave and there are special touches such as loft and bunk beds, designer soaps, deer‑hoof coat racks and cowhide rugs. The Three Porches, a more traditional small inn, is a B&B, which is also on Main Street and also has three rooms. Close by in Coburn, Pa., and catering to fly‑fishers, the Feathered Hook, once a general store, is now a com‑ bination bed and breakfast/fly shop. It’s just a hop, skip
and a cast away from Penns Creek and ideal for those who crave maximum stream time. The Borough of Millheim has also taken steps to point out its proud history. Using grant money, the borough replaced 16 signs on historical buildings, including downtown businesses and homes, giving visitors a kind of guide to a free walking tour. The borough also recently created Fountain Park, building a ga‑ zebo there and restoring its fountain. This park, on Route 45, is a picturesque and relaxing spot for a short‑ or longtime visitors. There’s much more to see and do in Mill‑ heim. You can visit their farmers market on Saturdays, and get “fresh from The Valley” cheeses, meats and produce or gander at the Gladys Rearick House, a wonderment of Vic‑ torian gingerbread millwork. It’s the little things, too, that the makes Mill‑ heim special, such as the hewn‑stone hitching posts, an anachronism elsewhere but handy here when the Amish and their buggies come to town.
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Centre Hall: Home of Grange Fair Offers Much More By John Fulmer What do we talk about when we talk about Centre Hall? The Grange Fair, of course. And why not? Of course, the town, just outside of State College, holds many other treasures and attractions, and we’ll get to those shortly, but the Grange Fair means so much by highlighting the region’s major economic engine and symbolizing a way of life that is still a large part of our heritage in this post‑industrial age. Agriculture is still by far Pennsylvania’s big‑ gest industry. It’s impossible, leaving relatively cosmopolitan State College, to drive more than a few minutes before running into farmland, and to smell—as John Steinbeck once said—the earthy, but not unpleasant smell of manure. And here farming is diverse, made up of mainly small, fam‑ ily farms, and sown into our culture just as corn is sown into our fields. Billed as “A Family Tradition” and “the Nation’s Most Unique County Fair,” the Centre County Grange Fair and Encampment has been held since 1874 and is difficult to describe adequately. A grange, if you didn’t know, is a kind of farmers’ co‑op and meeting hall, and this one takes on gargantuan proportions, drawing tens of thou‑ sands every year. This year’s fair takes place Aug. 22‑29. It’s a combination 4‑H Club competition, horse show, concert and concession bonanza, craft exhibition and tent city. This year there’s Zumba and Jazzercise classes, coun‑ try music galore, a Beach Boys tribute called “Surf’s Up,” and a “Cowboys for Christ” worship service on Sunday morning. There’s RV parking and plenty of hotels in State Col‑ lege—even so, they get booked up, so if you’re planning a trip, make reservations early—and folks settle in for the entire weeklong festival. But it’s the army‑style tents and their owners that make it special. Once common, tent fairs are dying out, but not in Centre Hall. The tents used by fairgoers are family affairs, handed down from genera‑ tion, and generations of families come here to kibbutz, gossip and gawk. Many have camped together for years, making it an annual reunion. It’s an old‑fashioned, hightime tradition for everyone. Centre Hall has another big attraction and that’s Penn’s Cave, which also has a wildlife park available for 14
Centre Hall’s Penn’s Cave 90‑minute tours. The cave is accessible by tour boat and has one of limestone springs indigenous to the region that help feed its famous trout streams. Penns Creek, in fact, takes a below‑surface detour and serves as a waterway for the 50‑minute, departing‑on‑the‑hour boat tour. You’ll see stalactites and stalagmites in all their crazy shapes, some of them bearing named for bearing re‑
Upcoming Event: ✓✓ May 31 ‑ June 1 & 2: Nittany Antique Machin‑ ery Show at Penn’s Cave ✓✓ Aug. 22‑29: Experience the unique “city within a town” atmosphere of Grange Fair. Each August, campers “move in” to Grange Park for over a week to enjoy concerts, rides, food, games and more.
Did You Know... ✓✓ Mt. Nittany Winery’s selection includes local‑ ly‑themed flavors including Tailgate Red and Nittany Mountain White, while Penn’s Cave of‑ fers tours of their caverns and wildlife preserve.
semblances to famous landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty and Niagara Falls. This cave jaunt is obviously not for real spelunkers, but you should dress accordingly. Bring a jacket or sweater as the cave temps stay in the low ’50s. Good walking shoes are another must. Cameras are allowed but you’ll really need a good flash. There’s a gift shop chock full of rock specimens and the Cave Café has bison burger on the menu for the truly adventurous. Note that the cave entrance has a long, steep staircase and is not handicap accessible. If a bison burger isn’t your bag, try the Whistle Stop Café on Wilson Street, just off Route 144, the town’s main drag. As the name suggests, the café is railway‑related and the 128‑year‑old building once served as a station until passenger service ended in the 1950s. The interior is filled with railroad photos and memorabilia and the menu has a choo‑choo theme, too, with items such as the Gandy Dancer (char‑broiled chicken breast with bacon and cheese) and Pullman Lunch. Their daily specials include barbecue ribs, prime rib, and chicken and waffles. The Mount Nittany Inn, perched on top of Centre Hall Mountain, has “Above It All” for its slogan and is well known locally for its view of Happy Valley. The Loft Bar is the best spot for views and serves a full menu. The restaurant has a diverse wine list, a kind of tapas dinner
menu with items such as deep‑fried brie and a charcute‑ rie‑and‑artisanal‑cheese plate, and entrees that include vegetarian offerings, Veal Oscar and filet au poivre. Brunch is served here—no breakfasts at Mt. Nittany—and it features eggs benedict and bread from Gemelli’s, one of State College’s best bakeries. The closest hotels are in State College, just a few min‑ utes away, but the Earlystown Manor and Keller House are two B&Bs in town. Just outside of town, in Pleasant Gap, The Red Horse Tavern and Fasta & Raviloi Co. are more than worth the trip and a lot more contem‑ porary in their fare. The Red Horse has been renovated and is under new management, now run by chefs who formerly worked at The Gamble Mill Tavern in Bellefonte. Its owners are high on the local‑food movement and you can get goodies such as truffle fries and barbecue shrimp, served New Orleans style, which means they’re drenched in a pepper‑butter sauce and don’t go near a grill. Fasta is a take‑out place for fresh pasta and raviolis—they also have sauces and other stuff—and they are one of The Red Horse’s purveyors. They buy from local farmers and are a presence at local farmers markets. They shouldn’t have too far to look in the Centre Hall area, which is still strong on farming and proud of that heritage, as its famous Grange Fair proves.
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Quaint Huntingdon Packs a Punch in Outdoor Adventure By Callie Eardly Huntingdon, Pennsylvania wasn’t named one of the “Coolest Small Towns in America” by Budget Travel Magazine for nothing. With its picturesque lakeside views, miles of hiking trails, and of course, inviting small‑town feel, Huntingdon is the perfect destination to find your next adventure – or, for those who prefer a slower pace, to relax in the sunshine beside Raystown Lake. The town’s upcoming Mayfest is a Huntingdon tradition that offers something for everyone, from histori‑ cally‑inspired dancing, music, carriage rides, re‑enactors, craft vendors, and even a paintball target course. The best part? Admission is free. The history of Huntingdon itself includes the settlement of Rev. Dr. William Smith, who named the town in honor of Selina, the Countess of Huntingdon, England. He chose the site of a former Indian council ground, where the Standing Stone Creek meets the Juniata River. In 1990, the site was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Today, visitors are invited to stroll across its beautiful Pennsylvania Railroad Old Bridge, a series of stone archways overlooking the river. The Bridge is located in Rothrock State Park, which was named for Dr. Joseph Trimble Rothrock, our state’s “Father of Forestry” (which, with Pennsylvania’s 2.2‑mil‑ lion‑acre forest system, is saying something.) Rothrock is guaranteed to offer an adventure sport that you’ve never tried before, unless you’ve already tried hang gliding, dogsledding, geocaching, snowmobiling and cross‑coun‑ try skiing. Of course, there are always the classics, with camping, hunting, nature‑watching, horseback riding, scenic driving, and hiking. Find hiking trail directions and levels of difficulty on PaHikes.com. Rothrock Outfitters leads weekly group bike rides, as well as guided waterway and trail tours. Rothrock also hosts several annual race events, including Wilderness 101 (a 101‑mile bike race), the Tussey Mountainback Relay (a 50‑mile ultramarathon), the Stoopid 50 (a 50‑mile mountain bike race), and the 16
Allegrippis Trail at RaystownLake Trans‑Sylvania Mountain Bike Epic (a weeklong bike race). But if you just want to get away from it all, the State Park’s Whipple Dam offers a lakeside beach and playground, and the nearby Greenwood Furnace State Park’s beach, waterfalls, lake, trails, and picnic and camp‑ ing areas. Alternatively, Huntingdon’s magnificent Raystown Lake offers a wide variety of water sport activities. At 8,300 acres with 118 miles of shoreline, it is the largest lake in Pennsylvania, and it truly has room for every‑ one – even Raystown Ray, Huntingdon’s answer to the Loch Ness Monster. More frequently‑spotted lake wildlife includes majestic bald eagles nesting throughout the year near Ridenour Overlook, named one of the Top 100 Scenic Views in the Nation by the Camping Club of America. Naturally, Raystown offers all kinds of boating, but how many Pennsylvania lakes allow you to earn your scuba certification with weekly diving classes? On April 20, the lake’s Seven Points Marina will also open for the season, complete with daily houseboat rentals and public dinner cruises. It’s no surprise that Seven Points was named the #1 Marina in the Nation at the International Marina and Boatyard Conference in 2011. In May, Ray‑ stown will also host its annual DirtFest event, a week‑
end‑long mountain bike festival promoting a “hearty spirit for adventure, festivity and camra‑ derie,” featuring clinics for all levels, women’s and children’s skills series, a unicycle course, and an epic all‑day group ride that departs on a houseboat shuttle. The Juniata River features kayaking, canoeing and fish‑ ing (with supplies available for rental). They even offer “float for free” river tubing discounts to moms on Mother’s Day, dads on Father’s Day, and recent grads who display their diplo‑ ma during the month of June. Don’t forget to visit the nearby Juniata College, a premier liberal arts school that Photo courtesy of AE Landes Photography offers frequent theater perfor‑ mances, musical concerts, and art exhibits (visit juniata. edu/arts for a schedule), as well as sporting events for the navy‑and‑gold Juniata Eagles, or don your red and blue as you cheer on the local Huntingdon High Bearcats. ✓✓ May 3‑5: Huntingdon County Home and Out‑ Sports trivia fans might be interested to know that Chuck door Show, Huntingdon County Fairgrounds. Knox, famed football coach to the Seahawks, Rams and ✓✓ May 26: Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks, Buffalo Bills, was a Huntingdon native. If cars are more Lake Raystown Resort, Lodge & Conference your speed, Huntingdon boasts the oldest car museum in Center. America in Swigart’s Auto Museum. For a fun family activity, visit Huntingdon’s Lincoln ✓✓ June 8: River Arts Festival at the Trestle (RAFT) Caverns and Whisper Rocks. The crystal caverns
Upcoming Events:
are a comfortable 50 degrees year‑round, making their tours an ideal way to spend a winter afternoon. In the summer, Lincoln Caverns hosts day camps for various grade‑school age groups, and in the fall they host their famed Ghosts and Goblins tours. They even offer birthday party and group tour packages year‑round. When you’re ready to relax and enjoy Huntingdon’s social scene, Boxer’s Café is an iconic locale featuring both Tuesday Wing Nights and organic vegetarian treats, as well as an ever‑changing draft selection of beer. They feature live music performances every Friday and Satur‑ day, and will host the Banff Outdoor Film Fest on April 13. For a weekly schedule, visit boxerscafe.com. Huntingdon, Pennsylvania has something for everyone, and will welcome families, adventure‑junkies and locals alike.
✓✓ June 21-23: Central PA Ragtime Festival, Rockhill Trolley Museum
Annual Event: ✓✓ Each Halloween season, Lincoln Caverns hosts widely‑acclaimed family‑friendly Haunted Cave tours.
Did You Know... ✓✓ Huntingdon’s Swigart Auto Museum is the oldest car museum in the United States.
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Penn’s Cave Opens New Off‑Road Tours By Lucy Harlow Attention thrill seekers: are you looking for a new heart‑ thumping exhilarating experience? How about spending a couple hours careening and zigzagging in an off‑road Jeep through nature’s very own roller coaster. In May, the fully‑guided Cave Rock Mountain Tour at Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park in Centre Hall will open for a gripping off‑road trail experience. During the two‑and‑half‑hour adrenaline pumping guided tour, passengers will experience traveling over manmade obstacles, up steep cliffs, into muddy ditches and through mountain ravines. This will be the first year the mountain trails surround‑ ing historic Penn’s Cave have been open for guided pri‑ vate tours. For many years, Mid‑Atlantic Hummer dealers used the rugged trails for dealer‑sponsored events. “These rides will give you a different way to appreciate nature right from the start. Our tour theme is ‘from the
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Cave Rock to the Mountain top,’” said Bill Schleiden, Vice President of Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park. “It has taken ten years to develop the trails to their present condition.” During the trip, passengers receive a detailed historical narration of the surrounding terrain, which includes sev‑ eral 18th century homestead foundations, majestic stands of pines, herds of animals and a breathtaking view from the top of Brush Mountain. The tour also travels through portions of the wildlife park, which includes exhibits of American Bison, Texas Longhorn Cattle, Timber Wolves, Bobcats and Mountain Lions and hybrid Bighorn Sheep. There are several courses along the ride which include old stagecoach, logging and other man‑made trails. The 4.8 mile Tomahawk Trail travels from the North‑ west corner of Penn’s Cave’s 1600 acre Wildlife Park. It skirts along the edge of Lake Nitanee, arriving at the head‑ waters of Penn’s Creek. This trail offers several challenging obstacles, including the Widows Maker’s Knob, a climbing turn with a 50-degree incline, the Phantom “V” 40‑degree super side ditch and the Keystone Climb, which is a vertical vehicle climbing wall.
Dugan’s Hollow Run is a flat 7-mile trail that follows the ridgeline along the picturesque farmland. It includes an obstacle called “Dugan’s Down Under” which is a mud dunk. The General’s Wrath trail is 7.3 miles that climbs to the mountain top at Patriot’s Point, and then aggressively drops off the front side of the mountain. It is during this ride that the Cave Rock Jeep takes an airborne leap down a 55-degree slope into Ranger’s Ra‑ vine. The Jeep riders then get to experience climbing “The Hill of Courage” up over the north face of the mountain. In May, the Cave Rock Mountain Tour will be offered daily at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Advance reservations are required for adults and children over age 8. For more information or to make reservations, contact info@pennscave.com. Visit pennscave.com for more info.
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Fun with a Purpose!
Non‑Profit Events Bring the Community Together By Callie Eardly Centre Volunteers in Medicine: Cycling For Care Each day, Centre Volunteers in Medi‑ cine (CVIM) makes a difference for local residents without health insurance by providing free medical and dental services to those in need. CVIM patients are hardworking Centre County residents that make too much to be on assistance, but not enough to pay for health care. At a time when more than 86 million Americans have been uninsured over the last two years, support for charitable health care organizations is imperative. CVIM’s Cycling for Care event is a non‑competitive, scenic bike ride set up for all levels of cyclists. There are three courses through some of the most beautiful parts of Central PA: a Metric Century (62 miles), a half‑Metric Century (31 miles) and a 13K (8 miles). All courses start and finish at the Fairbrook United Methodist Church in PA Furnace on June 29. “The need does exist here in Centre County, and there are individuals on a waiting list for our care,” said Sue Forster, CVIM’s marketing, events and communications coordinator. “All of our patients are grateful for the care we are able to provide, and our volunteers are so wonderful to work with.” CVIM is celebrating 10 years of serving Centre County residents. “We are excited to have been here for our patients and hope to be here well into the future,” Forster said. Find them online at cvim.net. Meals on Wheels: A Meal That Matters The award‑winning State College Area Meals on Wheels program has served more than a million meals since it was founded in 1971. A staff of three and an army of volunteers prepare, package, and deliver the food to qualified, homebound individuals throughout the State College School 20
District. Each client receives one hot meal and a bag supper meal on delivery days. On May 16, Meals on Wheels will host their annual Meal That Matters dinner. In addition to great food, the event includes a speech from Penn State Head Football Coach Bill O’Brien and an extensive array of auction of‑ ferings. Watch for upcoming details on State College Area Meals on Wheels’ website, scmow.org. Centre Foundation: CentreGives The Centre Foundation was created in 1981 as a charity dedicated to assisting individuals, families and businesses throughout Centre County in conducting charitable giving conveniently, effectively and with minimum tax benefits. Since then, they have distributed more than $7 million in grants to more than 250 organizations that make Centre County a great place to live, work and raise families. In 2012, the Centre Foundation debuted the CentreGives event, a county‑wide online fundraiser that resulted in more than 2,800 gifts totaling $415,000 to 74 nonprofits that serve Centre County. The Centre Foundation also provided an additional $110,000 in matching funds and prizes. This year’s CentreGives will take place from 6 a.m. on May 22 to 6 p.m. May 23. This year, the Foundation will also pay management fees for the event’s website, CentreGives.org, meaning that donations are subject to only 3% credit card fees. 2013 is also a special year for the Centre Foundation as executive director Al Jones plans to retire. Jones said that his fondest memory from his time in the position was starting CentreGives, admitting that even he was stunned by the event’s meteoric success in only its first year. “I couldn’t believe it. It was exhilarating,” Jones said. “I believe in the community foundation concept passionately.” He added that what he will miss most about the Centre Foundation is “knowing that what I do every day makes the community a little better – that I help make a difference.”
End of Summer Family Tradition: The Centre County Grange Encampment & Fair By Lucy Harlow It started as a one-day picnic in 1874 so members of the Grange could invite their neighbors to be introduced to the benefits of the Grange Organization in Centre Hall. That first “picnic” had over 3,000 people in attendance. This August 22‑29 will mark the 139th anniversary of that tradition, now known nationally as the Centre County Grange Encampment and Fair. Thousands of tourists descend upon the small community of Centre Hall at the end of each summer to see what is considered one of the country’s most unique country fairs. As the largest agricultural tenting fair in the nation, the Grange Fair is expected once again to attract more than 200,000 visitors to the 270 acre site. This end of the summer tradition contributes more than $2 million to the local economy and during the fair employs 375 people locally.
The Fair’s one low price provides visitors with many great experiences, including free entertainment, 300 con‑ cession stands, 7,000 exhibits including livestock and ani‑ mal shows, amusement rides, equine events and tractor pulls. Children under the age of 12 have free admission. Admission is $15 for the week or $6 per day. “We were founded by the Grange, which has always been very interested in community, education, policy, business, and animal husbandry,” said Darlene Confer, Grange Fair General Manager. “The fair started in the 1870s as an agricultural event. It’s important for us to stay true to our roots.” Confer suggests that when visiting the Grange Fair for the first time, the best way to explore the event is by tak‑ ing a tram ride around the perimeter of the fair grounds to see all of the sights. It gives you a sense of size and where things are located. Entertainment is a big draw for fair attendees. Last year musicians included popular country singer Kip Moore, Bluegrass musicians, and a Beach Boys Tribute band on the grandstand. Confer said Fair attendees can expect more great music in 2013. One of the most interesting aspects of the Grange Fair are the 2,500 families who move into 1000 tents and 1500 RV spaces on the site, turning the park into a small town for the week But don’t try to reserve one of the coveted fairground tents; these unique temporary homes are reserved for years to come by families that have been staying in them for generations! Prior to the opening of the exhibits, campers “move into” the Grange Park. For many families it is a tradition dating back more than 100 years. The campers bring their beds, kitchen tables, lawn chairs, microwaves. gaming systems and other appliances to their tents. “The Grange Fair is really about tradition and history. The campers look forward to seeing each other every year. It really is a big reunion,’ Confer said. “A majority of our campers and visitors are from Centre County but last year we had campers and visitors from 23 different states.” For more information on the Grange Encampment and Fair www.grangefair.net
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Minor League Ball is Big League Fun By John Fulmer It’s a long drive from Happy Valley to any major league ballpark, but the next best thing to taking in a ballgame at Camden Yards or PNC Park is watching one of our local minor league teams play. And some folks think that watching a minor league game is a better deal. They’re certainly more affordable. The stadiums are more intimate. The game on the field is often more exuberant. And minor league franchises bend over backward in presenting promotions to make the fans happy and keep those turnstiles turning. The State College Spikes are the newest team in the area, setting up residence in 2006 at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, a pretty little gem of on the Penn State campus. The park was specially designed to give a ter‑ rific center‑field view of Mount Nittany, and except for a shorter right‑field fence, its dimensions are a replica of PNC Park. The Spikes, a St. Louis Cardinals Short Season‑A affiliate, play in the New York‑Penn League and their opening day is June 17 against Williamsport. The home season ends Aug. 30. The Spikes’ stadium has amenities and extras such as Game Day Suites, Field of Dreams Teams and pizza parties for kids. The promotions are too numerous to list—there’s something going on during every home game—but T‑shirt Tuesdays and the Friday and Sunday night fireworks are favorites. Ticket prices range from $6 to $16. The Williamsport Crosscutters, the Spikes rival in the New‑York Penn League, are the Phillies Short Season‑A farm club. Their home opener is June 18 against State College and their last home game of their 77‑game season is Sept. 1 Their park, Bowman Field, opened in 1926, making it the third‑oldest minor league stadium in the country and adding to the city’s illustrious baseball heritage. Wil‑ liamsport, of course, is home to The Little League World Series and has been home to professional baseball since the late 19th century. Like most minor league teams, The Crosscutters rely heavily on promotions. Group packages are available, such as a buffet picnic in Cutters Cove for 15 or more; Dinner (hot dog, chips and soft drink) and a Game for a $10 general admission seat and $12 for a box seat; and a Celebration Package ($180 or $210), which is a great way to celebrate anniversaries, graduations and the like and comes with a bunch of goodies, including food, gift cards, stadium‑redeemable Cutter Cash and an oppor‑ tunity to throw out the first pitch. 22
The Altoona Curve, named for the area’s famous railroad engineering feat, The Horseshoe Curve—or, perhaps a pitcher’s wicked breaking ball, take your pick— are a Double A affiliate of the Pirates and they play at Peoples Natural Gas Field, which opened in 1999 and holds 7,200 fans. Ticket prices are affordable at $10 for club level and $5 for bleacher seats, and discounted group pricing is available. Like the other minor league teams, The Curve has an endless list of promotions to put people in their seats and keep a smile on their faces. But in a burst of heretofore unimaginable creativity, The Curve may have come up with wildest promotion since the fabled and ill‑fated Disco Demolition Night at Chicago’s Comiskey Park in 1979. It’s called “Twinkie Day” and the promoters bill it as the celebrated “return of the iconic snack with a glut of activi‑ ties” in store. Mark your calendar: Twinkie Day is June 26 and the first 500 people through the gate get a package of the cream‑filled sponge cake and everybody gets to watch Brian “Yellow Cake” Subich, a world‑ranked competitor in Major League Eating, take on a Twinkie‑eating challenge. You just don’t see that kind of entertainment at Yankee Stadium.
Spikes Will Light Up the Sky in 2013 Spikes games are a Happy Valley TOP PICK recommendation for FUN! Attending a ballgame at Medlar Field is more than just a great day or night of baseball—it’s a community event where you can enjoy good fun and great food with your friends and family. The Spikes open their season on June 17 with everyone’s favorite: fireworks! In all, the Spikes will light the sky above Mount Nittany 12 times this sea‑ son and will bring back their fun‑filled promotions, like T‑Shirt Tuesday, Half‑price Wednesday, and Buck nights, when outfield tickets and select food items are only $1! In addition to individual ticket sales the Spikes offer packages for group outings and Game Day Suite Rent‑ als! Take your family and friends out to the ballgame!
Golf Courses as Beautiful as they are Challenging By Kevin Byrne You don’t have to fly south to enjoy a game of golf on a beautiful, challenging course. With beautiful landscapes, resorts, par threes and more, Happy Valley has courses to meet needs of golfers at all levels. Penn State in known for its beautifully maintained Blue and White courses. These courses are home to Penn State’s golf team and also open to the public. Both courses offer specials throughout the season. You can find them on their website at pennstategolfcourses.com and sign up for their email list to stay up to date. Both courses plus the driving range are open and waiting to hear from you to set a tee time. Set your tee time online or call 814‑865‑GOLF. Toftrees Golf Resort, located on 1500 scenic wooded acres in beautiful Centre County, is one of the most picturesque golf courses in Pennsylvania. The resort also offers a beautiful hotel if you’re coming from out town. Plan a whole weekend or overnight, and reserve a room in their spacious and newly renovated hotel; the facil‑
ity is equipped with a conference center, meeting rooms, and the Down Under Steak House right on premises. Find more information at toftrees.com. For a short game and more suitable for beginners, Tussey Mountain offers a fun, family-oriented Par 3 course. With a driving range, 9 holes to play, great deals on summer season passes, and a close drive away from downtown, Tussey Mountain is a great day out. Check out their website at tusseymountain.com for an overview of their course, lessons, and everything else they have to offer! In Boalsburg (a few miles outside of the heart of State College) you can enjoy Mountain View Country Club. Fully equipped with a clubhouse, rentals, lessons, and naturally a well‑maintained course, this is a must play in the area. The views from the course at the base of Tussey Mountain are breath taking. Check out their website at mtviewcountryclub.com.
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Happy Valley’s Cool Limestone Waters are Hot Spots for Fly Fishing By John Fulmer There’s fishing and there’s fly fishing. Spin‑casters can call their fly‑rod brethren snobs if they like, but there’s a world of difference to the two angling approaches. It’s like compar‑ ing chess and checkers. Both are difficult—catching wary, always‑skittish trout is never easy—but only one of them has millions of permutations. The other has a lot of moves. Spin casting is about catching fish. Fly fishing is about catch‑ ing fish, but it’s also about both thinking like your prey and acting like and imitating as perfectly as possible—through delicately casting bait often made by your own hands— its natural food supply. It’s a matter of trying to understand nature—to become part of it, to be a part of the stream itself—rather than conquer it. Pennsylvania is legendary fly fishing country. Some of the sport’s basics, techniques, and fundamental approaches come from anglers in this state, and some of their fly pat‑ terns are classics found in any modern‑day fly‑fishers reper‑ toire. Some of its rivers and streams are touchstones. They’re spoken with reverence: Yellow Breeches, Boiling Springs, the lovely named Young Womans Creek, the blandly named Fishing Creek, Slate Run, Cedar Run. The list goes on and on. Central PA, however, has been blessed with more great streams than any other part of the commonwealth. Spring Creek, though it fell on hard times beginning the 1950s when chemical and sewage spills ruined its ecosystem, has been synonymous with excellent fly fishing since the early 20th century. Spring Creek is not stocked, but because of its stream‑length catch‑and‑release restrictions, it has main‑ tained a vibrant, wild brown trout population and still draws anglers from out of state. What makes a stream attractive to fly‑fishers is its “hatch” (its natural supply of mayflies, stoneflies etc., that make up the trout’s principal diet and evolve though their lifecycle as nymphs to full‑fledged adults or “spinners”) and Spring Creek is working on regaining that. Trout can be restocked easily, but ecosystems are much harder to repair. What makes Spring Creek still attractive is the size of its brownies—they average 14 inches and 20‑inchers are not uncommon—and its number of state‑maintained access points between Route 550 and Fisherman’s Paradise. Penns Creek, which runs through eastern Centre County and has 35 miles of trout water, has no such hatch prob‑ lem. Its late‑spring, early‑summer green drake hatch is a renown event, a spectacular rise of large mayflies. With its storied hatch and reputation as challenging stream for even 24
Photo by Nick Cobler the best fly‑rodders, Penns has built up a mythic appeal. Near Coburn, Penns Creek is met by Elk and Pine creeks, which are also good wild‑brown trout streams. For the novice, it should be explained that wild trout (those born in the stream) are prized over those raised in hatcheries and stocked in streams. However, brown trout, which are non‑native, European transplants, originally came from stream stocking. In 2005 Trout Unlimited listed Penns Creek, Little Ju‑ niata River and Spruce Creek in its book America’s 100 Best Trout Streams. Spruce Creek is a small stream—about 15 miles long—that is mostly closed to the public or subject to fee‑to‑fish from landowners. Nonetheless, it remains a must‑fish creek that is famous for being a mecca for former president Jimmy Carter. It runs along Route 45 before emptying into the Little Juniata at Spruce Creek. (Spruce Creek Tavern, right in town, is famous for its hand‑cut French fries and a good place to refuel after a day of fishing.) Its half‑mile‑long open section is near the grange hall in Pennsylvania Furnace. It’s owned by Penn State and has been named after George Harvey who taught at the university, wrote several books and articles on fishing and trout, and tutored Carter on Spruce Creek. Check with some of the local fly shops (listed on the next page) about how to get on the fee‑for‑fishing spots. TCO Fly Shop in State College also has private access to the stream and ar‑ rangements can be made through them.
Like the other streams mentioned, the Little Juniata River is a limestone stream fed by cool springs that provide good trout fishing all year. Trout find it hard to survive in water that gets above 70 degrees. They get sluggish in warmer water and less responsive. “The Little J” as its known by locals once was once an environmental nightmare but has rebounded nicely, thanks in large part to the Little Juniata River Association, and has attained Class A wild trout stream status, meaning it sustains a healthy population of large wild trout. The river’s combination of beautiful scenery, mighty hatches and trout numbers is hard to beat. Formed near Altoona, the Little J runs 32 miles and flows into the Juniata River near Peters‑ burg. The river is not so scenic in some spots, especially near Tyrone, but when it enters Rothrock State Forest after meeting Spruce Creek and flows into the Barree Gorge, it something to behold. Fifteen miles of its water is open to the public, and from the bridge at Ironville to the river’s end the Little J is designated as catch and release all tackle, which means no fish can be harvested but natural bait and spin‑ ning rods are legal. If you have a lot of trout streams, you’re going to have a lot of fly shops. TCO Fly Shop, as mentioned, is
three‑branch chain with a shop on College Avenue (Route 26) not far from downtown State College. Dick’s Sporting Goods on Colonnade has rods, reels, lines and fly packages. TCO, however, has guide service and a member of the U.S.A. Fly Fishing Team on staff. (Yes, Virginia, there is such a thing as competitive fly fishing!) Their website is an invalu‑ able guide for information on stream conditions and profiles of local waters. Flyfishers Paradise, also on College Avenue, offers classes for beginners and those who wish to hone their skills. Their website is a great source and they carry a full line of tackle. The shop has been in business for 39 years. The Feathered Hook is a combination fly shop/B&B on Penns Creek in Coburn, Pa., (near Millheim), and Spruce Creek Outfitters, in the town of Spruce Creek, offers guide service, fishing gear, instruction and a website with links on where to stay and what to see in the area. There are many more streams worth mentioning the Happy Valley area and there is much more to say about the sport of fly fishing. Its intricacies (and often its “zen” nature) are the subject of hundreds of books and sometimes heated debate. But hopefully this is a good start. As the fly fishers say, here’s wishing you tight lines.
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Why We Love Happy Valley We all have our reasons. More than 1800 gave us theirs. Here is just a sampling of what they had to say.
Surrounded by lush mountains and beautiful pastures and fields, the town has wonderful, unique restaurants, fantastic nightlife and a top notch school district. It is a phenomenal place to raise a family.
FEELS LIKE HOME TO ME…
The atmosphere reflects and supports simple joys... where kids can be kids, and families can spend time growing together.
No matter when you return, it always feels like home. I have heard folks visiting for the first time say they feel more at home here than they do in their real hometown. Where else can you have that type of feeling? I don’t know that I can describe it. It’s just my home <3.
AN INDESCRIBABLE FEELING…
Anyone who lives here or has been here knows the answer.
“It’s like having a huge family. People are friendly and kind everywhere you. It is a family!” OH, BEAUTIFUL...
You need someone who is far more eloquent than I am to capture the spirit of this place. It is something that I believe must be lived to be felt and understood.
The natural beauty of the area has a tremendous appeal. Driving through Happy Valley in any season—whether downtown State College, an outlying valley or another small town—you are in awe of the landscape and the charm and history of the towns.
It’s hard to describe. People often ask me why it’s called “Happy Valley.” The best I can do is: “because it is.” Even with all the negativity we’ve had, Happy Valley remains happy & vibrant with an abundance of activities. We love it here!
It is a safe, clean place that fosters community values, set in a beautiful landscape. The beauty of the mountains in the distance. The friendli‑ ness of the people. It’s simply a great college town.
“The gorgeous setting and the family atmosphere are top on my list. I have loved it here for 40+ years and was happy to move here five years ago. Liv‑ ing here is one of the best things that ever happened to me.” WE ARE FAMILY…
The resources for families and kids are unparalleled—the libraries, minor league baseball, summer camps, great schools, diversity of people and activities… you can’t top Happy Valley as a place to raise well‑rounded, well‑edu‑ cated kids! 26
“Happy Valley has the advantages of a big city with sports, shopping and the arts, but with less traffic and no parking problems!” Small town culture, big world benefits, diversity and celebration.
OUR VALLEY, OUR COMMUNITY
Climb Mount Nittany and look out over the valley. The beauty of Happy Valley can bring tears to my eyes.
SMALL TOWN, BIG FUN
We never miss out on theatre, films and music despite being in a small town. The arts and culture experiences available here are top‑notch.
“State College and the surrounding towns boast so many locally‑owned and operated restaurants, shops and B&Bs. You can enjoy a truly local experience here, whether you’re on a budget or you’re treating yourself.” A great town, full of wonderful people and fun things to do. It has all the appeal of a big city with the setting of a small town. It’s the best of both worlds.
I have been lucky enough to live in four different countries and I have traveled all over the world. State College is the prettiest town I’ve ever lived in. I am always impressed by the beauty of the region and the friendliness of the people. It’s a truly special place to me, even though I haven’t lived there for three decades. The farmer’s markets are a great example of the strong community mindset in Happy Valley. People come out to enjoy time with their neighbors and support local farms and merchants. By the end of the season, people know one another by name.
“A tranquil valley with a loving community made up of people who help one another. It’s something one must experience for themselves.” Happy Valley is a caring, safe, clean, hardworking community of intelligent people who believe in the Golden Rule of loving their neighbor and helping when help is needed. It is living in a peaceful village of warm and friendly people. I love it and am so glad we relocated here.
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Autoport theautoport.com 21. Arena Bar & Grille; Northland Motel thearenabarandgrill.com 23. Rumors Lounge and Tarragon 19. Restaurant at The Atherton Hotel athertonhotel.net 24. Bar Bleu dantesinc.com/barbleu.htm 25. Carvers Deli carversdeliandbbq.com 6. Carnegie Inn & Spa ccarnegieinnandspa.com 26. Damon’s Grill damons.com 27. Deli Restaurant www.dantesinc.com/thedeli.htm 28. Down Under Steak House toftrees.com/dining_downunder 29. Duffy’s duffystavern.com 30. Eat ’N Park eatnpark.com 31. Fiddlehead fiddleheadstatecollege.com
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Penn State Ice Rink
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thepennstaterhotel.psu.edu
33. Herwig’s Austrian Bistro
herwigsaustrianbistro.com
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34. Hi‑Way Pizza North
www.dantesinc.com/hiway.htm
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35. India Pavilion Exotic Indian Cuisine indiapavilion.net
36. Inferno Brick Oven and Bar
dantesinc.com/inferno.htm 37. Kelly’s Steak & Seafood kellys‑steak.com 38. Kimchi Korean Restaurant kimchistatecollege.com 39. Mario’s dantesinc.com/marioandluigis.htm 40. 4. Legends pshs.psu.edu/PennStater/ psdine.asp 13. 41. P.J. Harrigan’s pjharrigans.com 42. Whiskers 11. pshs.psu.edu/NittanyLionInn 43. Zola New World Bistro zolabistro.com
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Surrounding Communities 10
Mt. Nittany Inn mtnittanyinn.com Whistle Stop Restaurant whistlestopcentrehall.com Hublersburg Inn hublersburginn.com
The Way Cafe and Bakery wayfruitfarm.com The Chatelaine B&B chatelainebandb.com
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Bellefonte Area BO Bonfatto’s bonfattos.com EL Econo Lodge Bellefonte econolodge.com GM Gamble Mill gamblemill.com PM Pizza Mia bellefontepizzamia.com GP The Governor’s Pub thegovernorspub.com
Best Western Plus University Park Inn & Suites book.bestwestern.com 2. Fairfield Inn & Suites marriott.com/hotels 3. Holiday Inn Express hiexpress.com 4. Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel pshs.psu.edu/pennstater 5. Toftrees Golf Resort & Conference Center toftrees.com 6. Carnegie Inn & Spa carnegieinnandspa.com 7. Comfort Suites comfortsuites.com 8. Days Inn Penn State lioncountrylodging.com 9. Hilton Garden Inn lioncountrylodging.com 10. Nittany Budget Motel lioncountrylodging.com 11. Nittany Lion Inn pshs.psu.edu/nittanylioninn 12. Quality Inn lioncountrylodging.com 13. Ramada Conference Center ramadasc.com 14. Rodeway Inn rodewayinn.com 15. Sleep Inn sleepinn.com 16. Super 8 lioncountrylodging.com 17. Autoport theautoport.com 18. Country Inn & Suites countryinns.com/hotels 19. Atherton Hotel athertonhotel.net 20. Hampton Inn & Suites hamptoninn.com 21. Northland Motel northlandbowl.com/motel 22. SpringHill Suites marriott.com EL Econo Lodge Bellefonte www.econolodge.com
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Trail2Creek.com Offers Information to Outdoor Enthusiasts By Colleen Swetland Where do you go when you possess a spirit for adventure, a modicum of athleticism, and a love of the outdoors? Trail2Creek.com of course! March 17, 2013 marked the public launch of Trail2Creek.com and the accompanying Outdoor Symposium held at the Bremen Town Ballroom (Ecovents) in Millheim. With an air of excitement and celebration befitting the nature of the day, Bill Wolfe, creator of the website and host of the symposium, welcomed over 300 guests to this inaugural event. Bill’s entrepreneurial spirit, boundless energy, and community‑mindedness have combined to benefit outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and help visitors to the region. The idea behind the creation of Trail2Creek.com is to provide one site where you can plan any type of outdoor activity that may appeal to you and your family. The site includes access to links and information that will help you to plan your adventure, pick a route, and even access a repair or supply shop in case of an unforeseen problem during your adventure. It also provides information on places where you can grab a bite to eat or reserve overnight accommo‑ dations while enjoying the local charm of the area. The beginnings of Trail2Creek.com were originally formed when Bill was working on the road as a commer‑ cial diver. As he explained it, he finally had a weekend off
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and was trying to figure out what the area had to offer for entertainment. He said, “I was tired of searching different websites and trying to decide what to do and thought how easy it would be to have everything on one site. So, from the front seat of an old Chevy, Trail2Creek.com was born.” The difference between Trail2Creek.com and other websites is that he asks permission from site owners to use their website and sends traffic straight to their sites. “Local businesses get all the attention, and I just help direct people there. Local clubs, businesses, and non‑profits can give bet‑ ter information on your area of interest than I can. There are no chain restaurants or motels on Trail2Creek.com, just your neighbors.” Bill’s idea is still in its infancy, but definitely getting trac‑ tion. His short‑term goal is to have this site expand to cover not just the Central Pennsylvania region but to the entire state. His ultimate goal is to see his site include this type of information for each state, and who knows from there! Trail2Creek is constantly adding new locations and working on making your outdoor adventure the best it can be! is the site’s tagline. So, please take the time to visit Trail2Creek.com before and during your next outing. Feel free to send an email to wolfe@trail2creek.com with comments and questions so that he can continue to build a site that has everything you need to enjoy your time with nature!
What to Do Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery
children, or infants. 814‑234‑2153; lions‑pride.com
Apparel & Accessories Collegiate Pride Inc. Collegiate Pride Inc. offers promotional, printable, customized apparel in a variety of options for men, women, children, and infants. They also carry high quality products that are great for any corporate event or tradeshow. 814‑237‑4377; collegiateprideinc.com
Woolrich Flagship Store & Outlet A perfect day trip destination from Happy Valley is a visit to the Woolrich Flagship Store & Outlet in Woolrich, PA, the village where the company was founded in 1830. 814‑769‑7401; woolrich.com
Beer & Wine
Harper’s Clothing More than 80 years ago, Harper’s opened its doors with a relentless commitment to providing its customers with the best of the best. Today, in the company’s third generation, they are regarded as one of the area’s great clothing stores. They offer free custom alterations by their European tailors and have fashion coordinators as part of their ripe tradition. 814‑238‑4767; harpersshopformen.com Lions Pride Looking to sport the newest blue and white gear, but live out of town? Order online with Lions Pride and they’ll ship anywhere in the contiguous 48 states for a flat $5 fee. Get your Penn State apparel for men, women,
The Hopshop Beer Market Located directly under Z Bar and The Deli Restaurant, The Hopshop is a take‑out beer boutique that features over 500 selections specializing in American craft and specialty Imports. You can even create your own custom 6‑pack. A specially‑designed draft tower offers eight rotating selections to fill growlers (a half‑gallon jug). A beer lovers destination for anyone looking to head to the tailgate or find a new brew experience. 814‑308‑9808; HopshopBeerMarket.com Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery A Penn State tradition for over 20 years, Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery is just 6 miles east of State College. Visit this
beautiful mountainside location above the historic village of Linden Hall and enjoy free tasting of their award‑winning wines. Popular favorites are Nittany Mountain White, Tailgate Red, and Lion Country Blush. Tours by appointment. Full event calendar ‑ check website for details. Great option for a leisurely afternoon outing. Hours: Tues.‑Fri 1:30‑5pm, Sat. 10‑5pm, & Sun. 12:30‑4pm. 814‑466‑6373; mtnittanywinery.com
event or tradeshow. 814‑237‑4377; collegiateprideinc.com
Seven Mountains Wine Cellars Tucked neatly into hillside of the Seven Mountains Region of Central PA, Seven Mountains Wine Cellars offers tastings, vine‑ yard tours, and events. Stop by and spend some time at the tasting bar or join friends on the deck for a glass. 814‑364‑1000; sevenmountainswinecellars.com
PA Military Museum Gift Shop & Bookstore The Bookstore has a large selection of mili‑ tary books and other military‑related items, including children’s toys, magnets, bumper stickers, posters, picture frames, as well as a selection of items that show your support of our men and women in uniform. Items are available for all branches of the military, including retiree and reserve personnel. 814‑466‑6263; pamilmuseum.org
Gifts & Specialty Shops
Collegiate Pride Inc. Collegiate Pride Inc. offers promotional, printable, customized apparel in a variety of options for men, women, children, and infants. They also carry high quality products that are great for any corporate
Lions Pride Looking to sport the newest blue and white gear, but live out of town? Order online with Lions Pride and they’ll ship anywhere in the contiguous 48 states for a flat $5 fee. Get your Penn State apparel for men, women, children, or infants. 814‑234‑2153; lions‑pride.com
Scan the QR code with your smartphone to find shops in Happy Valley 31
Shopping in Happy Valley Woolrich Flagship Store & Outlet A perfect day trip destination from Happy Valley is a visit to the Woolrich Flagship Store & Outlet in Woolrich, Pennsylvania, the village where the company was founded in 1830. 814‑769‑7401; woolrich.com
printable, customized apparel in a variety of options for men, women, children, and infants. They also carry high quality products that are great for any corporate event or tradeshow. 814‑237‑4377; collegiateprideinc.com
Your Cigar Den This quaint store not only sells cigars, but provides the perfect atmosphere to kick back with friends and enjoy a cigar or two. Their attentive and knowledgeable staff will assist you with all of your purchases. 814‑867‑0666; yourcigarden.com
Fan Material Show your pride with officially licensed Penn State tablecloths, napkins, and aprons by Fan Material. 100% SpunPoly, stain‑resistant, and washable, these linens will last a lifetime of enthusiasm. New sizes and products coming soon. 814‑355‑7169; fanmaterial.com
Penn State Merchandise Collegiate Pride Inc. Collegiate Pride Inc. offers promotional,
Harper’s Clothing More than 80 years ago, Harper’s opened its doors with a relentless commitment to providing its customers with the best of
the best. Today, in the company’s third generation, they are regarded as one of the area’s great clothing stores. They offer free custom alterations by their European tailors and have fashion coordinators as part of their ripe tradition. 814‑238‑4767; harpersshopformen.com Kranich’s Jewelers Kranich’s Jewelers is your eminent State College jeweler and has been for more than 100 years. Visit their downtown store and new location at 2020 N. Atherton St. to meet expert jewelers who can guide you with your purchase. See their range of jewelry featuring Penn State‑specific items and selections by designers, including Simon G., Scott Kay, Swarovski, Ritani, and more! 814‑234‑4481 (College Ave.) & 814‑234‑0637 (N. Atherton St.); kranichs.com Lions Pride Looking to sport the newest blue and white gear, but live out of town? Order online with Lions Pride and they’ll ship anywhere in the contiguous 48 states for a flat $5 fee. Get your Penn State apparel for men, women, children, or infants. 814‑234‑2153; lions‑pride.com
Salons & Spas The ESSpa at the Carnegie Inn ESSpa is owned and operated by Hungarian skin care expert, Eva Kerschbaumer, who also founded ESSpa Kozmetika in Pitts‑ burgh. This award‑winning facility has been recognized as “The Best Spa in America” by the publication Industry Source and the “Best Skincare” in Western Pennsylvania by Pittsburgh Magazine. 814‑380‑9772; esspa.us Adam Cole Salon & Spa Located Directly across from Damon’s on E. College Ave, Adam Cole Salon aims to ex‑ ceed your expectations by providing the best possible service in a casual and comfortable 32
atmosphere. This full service salon and spa offers a variety of services with a range of professional products from the top beauty brands. Give them a call and let them impress you.
Sports & Outdoors Off‑The‑Rack Outfitters Visit Off‑The‑Rack Outfitters at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park to the see all the latest Spikes merchandise as well as a wide selec‑ tion of Penn State apparel. They are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Don’t forget you can shop at Off the Rack Outfitters online 24 hours, 7 days a week! 814‑272‑1711; spikes.mlbstore.com Penns Valley Outfitters A recreational rental and eco‑friendly general store located in the heart of Millheim, offering natural and organic dry goods, vitamins, outdoor clothing and accessories. Seasonal rentals include bicycles, kayaks, water tubes and more! Rental Season begins in March. Open Thur.‑Sat. 10 a.m.‑6 p.m., Sun Noon‑3 PM. 112 E. Main St., Millheim 16854; 814‑349‑5260; pennsvalleyoutfitters.com Tussey Mountain Outfitters This retail shop specializes in quality canoes, kayaks, paddle sport gear and repairs. It is conveniently located next to the Sunnyside Paddle Park that features a permanent slalom course to train on and is the perfect place to demo canoes and kayaks. Check out their website for various outings and rental packages. Happy paddling!
For more places to shop in Happy Valley, visit HappyValley.com
What to Do The State Theatre
Attractions Arts & Culture Center for the Performing Arts Penn State’s premier venue for performing arts! Each year, dozens of performers— from comedians, to musicians, to opera singers—take the stage. 814‑863‑0255; cpa.psu.edu Palmer Museum of Art The Palmer Art Museum, right in the middle of campus on Curtin Road, has been the leading art gallery in the area since its opening in 1972. Its bold facade was part of a major renovation and expansion in 1993, with the Museum now housing 11 galleries. Along with permanent fixtures, featured exhibits change around the same time semesters do; see their website for what’s next and for related events. And... admission is FREE! 814‑865‑7672; palmermuseum.psu.edu Penn State Ice Rink The Penn State Ice Rink provides year round ice skating opportunities for the entire community.
814‑865‑4102; athletics.psu.edu/rec/ icerink Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center Penn State’s environmental center offers fun and educational events for the whole community. Located in Petersburg, Shaver’s Creek has hiking trails, hands‑on exhibits and more. 814‑863‑2000; shaverscreek.org The State Theatre The State Theatre is a non‑profit community theatre in the heart of State College. The Theatre is dedicated to servicing the Centre County region by providing a venue for performing arts, including, but not limited to music, theatre, dance, opera, independent and classic films, family programming, and so much more. 814‑272‑0606; thestatetheatre.org
Happy Valley Hotspots Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum and Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark The museum is housed in the historic 1882 Master Mechanics Building that once was
home to the extensive testing labs of the “Pennsy.” Visit three floors of exhibits and enjoy historic films in the Norfolk Southern Theater. At the Horseshoe Curve, approxi‑ mately 40 miles from State College, you can ride to the track elevation on board the single track funicular or walk the beautifully scenic steps to the top. 814‑946‑0834; railroadcity.com Boalsburg Heritage Museum Come visit the birth place of Memorial Day and learn about historic Boalsburg, PA. The museum property includes a light house, back barn, and summer kitchen in addition to the main attraction, the Sarah Sweet house. Recent exhibits include “Three Ladies and the Birth of Tradition” about the inception of Memorial Day and a collec‑ tion of Civil War era long rifles from Philip Sauerlender. Dayze Gone Bye Carriage Rides Dayze Gone Bye Carriage Rides is located in Allensville, Pennsylvania,and offers a horse drawn carriage ride that features a unique look into yesteryear. Their carriage rides also provide tours for all occasions. Enjoy the beautiful warm weather, scenic “Big Valley” with its unique blend of three Amish cultures
not seen anywhere else in the world, and a view into “The Good Old Days” when life was simpler. 814‑553‑5149; dayzegonebye.com Northland Bowl Northland Bowl is a fun, exciting place to enjoy with family, friends, or colleagues in State College. Northland Bowl offers more than your average bowling alley, with 32 brand new bowling lanes featur‑ ing state‑of‑the‑art UV graphics for Cosmic Bowling under black lights as well as plasma monitors, a top‑of‑the‑line scoring system, interactive games, and music videos. The venue also offers billiards, an arcade, and a snack bar with a full restaurant menu, bar, and take‑out beer. This is the place to get in‑ volved in a bowling league, win prizes, host birthday and corporate parties, run fundrais‑ ers, play in tournaments, and participate in the additional variety of special events and offers throughout the year. 814‑237‑1500; northlandbowl.com
Scan the QR code with your smartphone to find fun in Happy Valley 33
What to Do Mount Nittany Vineyard and Winery They are your local vineyard & winery in the heart of Lion Country and a Penn State tradition for more than 20 years. Come visit them at their mountainside location above the historic village of Linden Hall and taste their award‑winning wines. Winery tours by appointment. Hours: Tues.‑Fri 1:30‑5pm, Sat. 10‑5pm, & Sun. 12:30‑4pm. 814‑466‑6373; 300 Houser Rd., Centre Hall, PA 16828 (7 miles east of State Col‑ lege). mtnittanywinery.com Pennsylvania Military Museum The Museum, located in Boalsburg, recounts the story of Commonwealth citizens who served our country in defense of the nation. Their sacrifice is highlighted through exhibits and artifacts that are documented
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by the museum’s excellent collection of vehicles and small arms. 814‑466‑6263; pamilmuseum.org Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park is America’s only all‑water cavern and wildlife park. Don’t worry about the weather outside, it’s always 52 degrees inside the cave. Plus, don’t miss their amazing wildlife park with bears, mountain lions, and even wolves. New to Penn’s Cave this season, the Cave Rock Mountain Tour of the wildlife grounds provide an exciting off‑ road trail experience. 814‑364‑1664; pennscave.com Pine Bottom Aviation Services Pine Bottom Aviation Services provides personalized helicopter charter and sightsee‑ ing tours throughout central Pennsylvania.
If your project requires aerial observation to document by photo or film, give them a call. Still searching for the perfect gift? How about a 30‑minute tour gift certificate? 814‑935‑4548; pinebottomaviation.com Raystown Lake Region Located in central Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains, Raystown Lake is the heart of Huntingdon County and home to year round outdoor fun. Check out bed & breakfasts, lodges, campgrounds, and other places to stay! 814‑658‑0060; raystown.org Seven Mountains Wine Cellars Join them for their 4th year surrounded by the beauty of Pennsylvania’s Seven Mountains region. Located one mile off of US Route 322 between Lewistown and State College. Spend time at the tasting
bar or join friends on the spacious outdoor patio for a glass of our award winning wines. Enjoy our wines by the summer firelight on Campfire Fridays or visit for a winery tour and tasting. 814‑364‑1000; sevenmountainswinecellars.com The Sky’s The Limit Ballooning Discover a new view of State College and Happy Valley from the air in their beautiful hot air balloon. Drift through the skies, float over meadows, and brush treetops on a memorable flight in their balloon. A gift certificate makes the perfect gift for any occasion ‑ holidays, graduation, birthday, wedding, and anniversary! 814‑234‑5986; paballoonrides.com State College Spikes The State College Spikes are Central PA’s
What to Do Best Family Value and the Class‑A Short‑Sea‑ son affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. The Spikes host 38 regular season home games at beautiful Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, located next to Beaver Stadium and the Bryce Jordan Center. Single‑game tickets are as low as $6, so bring the family for the perfect night of fun, affordable, family entertainment. Visit their website for ticket information and a game schedule for the upcoming 2013 season. 814‑272‑1711; StateCollegeSpikes.com Tussey Mountain When the snow melts, the summer fun starts at Tussey Mountain! Bring your friends and family out to enjoy lots of af‑ fordable, fun activities, sure to bring out the kid in everyone. From Go‑Karts to Golf, the Centre Community Skate Park to the brand new Mountain Mini‑Golf course, there’s something for everyone. 814‑466‑6266; tusseymountain.com
Movie Theaters The State Theatre The State Theatre in Downtown State Col‑ lege is Happy Valley’s premier entertainment venue. From concerts, to musicals, to mov‑ ies, the State Theatre has it all. Check out the State Theatre’s website for upcoming films and showtimes. 814‑272‑0606; thestatetheatre.org College 9 Located behind Lowes off North Atherton Street. 814‑272‑3050 Premiere Theater12 Located next to the Best Western Inn and Suites off East College Avenue. 814‑861‑5006
Golf Courses Penn State Golf Courses Two 18‑hole courses—the Blue and White—and an array of practice facilities provide the home‑field for the men’s and women’s golf teams. The Blue Course hosts the annual Men’s Rutherford Intercollegiate and the Women’s Nittany Lion Invitational, while the White Course provides a challenging alternative. Both are open to the public. 814‑865‑GOLF; pennstategolfcourses.com
Mount Nittany Winery
Toftrees Golf Resort & Conference Center It’s been awarded 4 1/2 stars as one of Golf Digest magazines’ places to play and is rated as one of Pennsylvania’s “Best resort/ public golf courses.” Toftrees Golf Club is gently cradled in the heart of Pennsylvania’s rolling green hills. Located just 2 miles west of Beaver Stadium, this Centre County gem offers 1,500 acres of rolling hills for a leisurely and refreshing experience. 814‑238‑760; toftreesgolf.com Tussey Mountain Par 3 Golf Come check out the newest miniature golf course in Central PA, the Mountain MiniGolf course! This 18 hole, Par 42 course is fun for all ages and abilities. Tussey also has a par 3 golf course with nine holes and mul‑ tiple tee locations for variety in playing more than a standard nine. Feeling rusty in your swing? Take advantage of Tussey’s driving range with more than 400 yards of driving space. 814‑466‑6266; tusseymountain.com
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Where to Eat Kelly’s Steak & Seafood
Restaurants While in town, log on to HappyValley.com for delivery and takeout at all of your favorite State College restaurants! Arena Bar & Grill The Arena offers an incredible selection of fresh food on their menu, including award‑winning wings, homemade pizza, and sandwiches, as well as an extensive beer selection and handcrafted drinks. There’s fun for everyone each night of the week, from NFL Sunday Ticket games, karaoke, live music, Texas Hold ’Em tournaments, team trivia, and much more. The venue also has dart boards, billiards, and NTN Trivia to keep you entertained while you enjoy daily food and drink specials. Book your office, social group, or birthday party at the Arena for a unique experience, combining a catered menu with billiards and bowling at the adjoining Northland Bowl. 814‑237‑8833; thearenabarandgrill.com The Autoport The Autoport restaurant and lounge makes
a maximum effort to integrate local, organic produce into their menus whenever possible. They feature daily chef specials and chang‑ ing desserts, utilizing the freshest seasonal ingredients available. They offer everything from burgers and pizza to filet mignon and pasta. Grab a drink off of their extensive list of wines and cocktails, sit on their outdoor patio or at the warm and cozy fire pits and enjoy live entertainment Wednesday through Saturday. Join the fun at Toast, their separate smoking lounge. The Autoport offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. 814‑237‑7666; theautoport.com
Bonzana Sub, a Happy Valley favorite for 50 years. It boasts an extensive made‑from‑scratch menu, full bar and wine list, meeting room, and even a drive‑up win‑ dow. 814‑353‑3330; bonfattos.com
bar bleu Socializing and sports viewing awaits at bar bleu. Don’t miss a minute of the action on 22 true 1080i HDMI high‑definition flat‑screen monitors displaying the night’s college and pro match‑ups. The bar serves up 16 draft beers plus crafted cocktails, in‑ cluding the “Fishbowl,” concocted in its own 43‑ounce tank! Pub fare featuring authentic Kansas City style barbecue is smoked daily on site. 814‑237‑0374; bar‑bleu.com
Carvers Deli and Barbecue Carvers Deli and Barbecue is a family‑owned restaurant that prepares their food the way others wish they could. Deli meats are cooked in house, soups are homemade, and their wood‑smoked barbecue is always tender and juicy. They offer dine in, takeout and delivery, and can meet all of your catering needs. 814‑237‑0620; carversdeliandbbq.com
Bonfatto’s This iconic restaurant has been in business since 1919 and features a trademarked
Carnegie Inn & Spa From daily breakfasts to elegantly prepared hors d’oeuvres and dinners, dining at Carnegie Inn & Spa is as spectacular as it is relaxing. Dine in the library while savoring a favorite cocktail or glass of wine from the Wine Spectator award‑winning list. 814‑234‑2424; carnegieinnandspa.com
Damon’s Grill Just moments from Beaver Stadium, Damon’s is a favorite for sports fans and families. With three separate dining environ‑
Scan the QR code with your smartphone to find a restaurant 36
ments, you’ll always catch your team on any of their 11 big screens and 17 plasma TVs. They have 14 beers on draft, week‑ night value specials like $5.99 Burger Mon‑ days or All‑You‑Can‑Eat boneless wings and fries for $8.49 every Monday and Thursday. Follow on Facebook at Damon’s Bar and Grill in State College. 814‑237‑6300; damons.com The Deli Restaurant Since 1973, The Deli has served up New York‑style deli favorites on an American menu, offering everything from comfort food to pub favorites all made from scratch. Soups, breads, sauces, and award‑winning desserts are all homemade early in the morning. Look for their rotating menu of food‑themed festivals throughout the year. 814‑237‑5710; TheDeliRestaurant.com Down Under Steak House This casual restaurant is the place for unique dining, featuring hearty appetizers and delicious entrees, including steaks, chops, chicken, pasta, and seafood on the grill, as well as fresh sandwiches and salads served in a comfortable family atmosphere. Their
Where to Eat popular lounge offers specialty cocktails, beers, and wines. 814‑234‑8000; toftrees.com/dining_downunder.php Duffy’s Dining at Duffy’s gives you a taste of the past. The intimate dining room offers a full fine‑dining menu, while the tavern is an authentic 19th‑century pub where it’s easy to envision a rowdy crowd gathered around the bar. They are also equipped with ban‑ quet and meeting rooms. 814‑466‑6241; duffystavern.com Fiddlehead Cafe Fiddlehead is the hottest soup and salad cafe in State College. They make their soups from scratch daily and their salads are made to order using fresh, locally‑sourced ingredients. 814‑237‑0595; fiddleheadstatecollege.com Gamble Mill Restaurant & Microbrewery A true piece of Americana, this historic mill restaurant and microbrewery offers in‑house craft beers. Experience bold American flavors by exploring their casual pub menu or fine dining options with six to seven of their own craft brews on tap. The Gamble Mill offers a Brewer’s Club, takeout growlers, outdoor seating, catering, and space for large private functions. Lunch: Mon‑Sat 11:30‑2; Dinner: Mon‑Sat 5‑9/10; Chalkboard Sundays 4‑8. All credit cards accepted. 814‑355‑7764; gamblemill.com Gardens Restaurant The Penn Stater’s restaurant offers sophis‑ ticated dining and classic cuisine with an American flair. This restaurant also offers guests a sumptuous Sunday Brunch and the expansive America’s Bounty Buffets on both Friday and Saturday evenings. 814‑863‑5090; pshs.psu.vizergycms.com/ cp/Penn‑Stater‑Dining‑State‑College‑PA Gigi’s Restaurant & Wine Lounge A tremendous addition to the happy Val‑
ley food scene! Old world sophistication meets modern elegance in the beautifully renovated Gigi’s. Seasonal chef-prepared menu, plus small plates and extensive drink options. Patio seating is available when weather permits. Friday and Saturday nights, are Martini Nights, plus Raw Bar beginning at 5 p.m. 814-861-3463 The Governor’s Pub The Governor’s Pub is Bellefonte’s newest historical dining experience, offering fine dining with a dash of history. The Pub celebrates the seven U.S. governors and five governors of Pennsylvania who hailed from Bellefonte. Open every day, they offer a full lunch, dinner, and dessert menu, along with a beer/wine list. A private room is also available. 814‑353‑1008, thegovernorspub.com Herwig’s Austrian Bistro Everything at Herwig’s is prepared in the morning for that day and evening (Brandy even makes every bratwurst from scratch, using meat from a local butcher shop). So if they run out of food, they close... Maybe it’s due to their generous portions, but generosity is what they’re all about. 814‑238‑0200; herwigsaustrianbistro.com Hi‑Way Pizza The State College tradition for nearly 50 years, nobody does it better than Hi‑Way! Offering over 29 varieties of hand‑spun pizzas made from scratch with an endless combination of toppings. Their vodka “flaky” crust and red stuffed pizzas are simply a must have. Hi‑Way’s menu rounds out with pasta dishes, calzones, grinders, salads, and other Italian specialties. Eat‑in, take‑out, or Hi‑Way delivery. 814‑237‑0375; HiWayPizza.com India Pavilion Exotic Indian Cuisine Enjoy an upscale and elegant meal in one of State College’s most unique restaurants. Lunch buffets offered Tuesday‑Sunday from 11:30 a.m.‑2:30p.m. with more than six
main courses and additional South Indian se‑ lections on the weekends. 814‑237‑3400; indiapavilion.net Inferno Brick Oven & Bar With a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere, Inferno is a place to see and be seen. A full‑service bar boasts a unique specialty wine, beer and cocktail menu. Inferno of‑ fers a contemporary Neapolitan brick‑oven experience featuring a focused menu of artisan pizzas and other modern‑Italian plates. Lunch and dinner service transitions into night with a boutique nightclub with dance‑floor lighting, club sound system, and the area’s most talented resident DJs. 814‑237‑5718; InfernoBrickOvenBar.com Kelly’s Steak & Seafood Kelly’s has quickly become the premier dining experience for steak and seafood lov‑ ers. Kelly’s chefs were trained at America’s top culinary schools, and you’ll know it when you take your first bite. The menu is creative, but not overly exotic. Shipments of carefully selected fresh beef, seafood and poultry arrive daily. Kelly’s is also the only restaurant in the region with a live lobster tank! 814‑466‑6251; kellys‑steak.com Kimchi Korean Restaurant Kimchi offers traditional and contemporary Korean cuisine including Korean BBQ, rice dishes, seafood, noodles, soups, stews, and vegetarian dishes. All meals are served with a choice of six side dishes and hot tea. They also offer a weekday lunch special for $6.99 (11:30a.m.‑2:30p.m.). 814‑237‑2096; kimchistatecollege.com Legends This casual pub offers classic dishes for lunch and dinner in a warm atmosphere. Have a beer with friends and catch the game or en‑ joy a delicious meal with the whole family. Huge sandwiches, salads, and appetizers are featured. 814‑863‑5080; pshs.psu.edu/ PennStater.psdine
Luna 2 Woodgrill & Bar We offer wood‑fired pizza and fresh home‑ made pasta, as well as wood‑Grilled baby back ribs, BBQ ribs, homemade meatloaf, award winning burgers, and fresh seafood. 814‑234‑9009; luna‑2.com Mario’s Restaurant Fresh specialty dishes, pasta, sauces, hand‑tossed pizzas, and rotisserie wood‑grilled chicken all made from scratch are just a few reasons why Mario’s is authentically Italian! At the heart of it all is a specialty wood‑fired pizza oven and rotis‑ serie that imparts rustic flavors that can’t be beat! Mario’s loves wine, honored with six consecutive Wine Spectator awards and a wine list of over 550 Italian selections. Ma‑ rio’s even pours 12 rotating specialty bottles on their WineStation® state‑of‑the‑art pres‑ ervation system. Reservations and walk‑Ins welcome. 814‑234‑4273; MariosItalianStateCollege.com Mt. Nittany Inn Why eat just anywhere when you can dine on top of the world, or at least on top of the mountain between Centre Hall and Pleasant Gap, overlooking beautiful Penn’s Valley. The breathtaking view, combined with fresh, delicious menu offerings, make the Mt. Nittany Inn the perfect choice for lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch. 814‑364‑9363; mtnittanyinn.com Otto’s Pub & Brewery The only brewery in State College, it’s THE place for fresh food and fresh beer. Their American cuisine is made with local ingredients, and the beer is brewed onsite. They get their beef from a local farm, whose cows get to enjoy spent grain of the brew‑ ing process! Many menu items, like wings and fondue, feature beers as a centerpiece. 814‑867‑6886; ottospubandbrewery.com Port Matilda Hotel & Tavern Enjoy classic American tavern fare at the Port Matilda Hotel & Tavern. Come as 37
Where to Eat you are and try their homemade soups and Friday fish fry all year long. There are six rooms available for rent onsite. It is truly the best place you have never been. 814‑692‑4097 P.J. Harrigan’s The award‑winning Ramada Conference Center’s on‑site restaurant is packed with authentic memorabilia from the sports and entertainment worlds. Take advantage of specials like Happy Hour weekdays from 5‑7 p.m., free dessert on Wednesdays, and 35‑cent wings on Fridays. Or come for their Express Lunch, available every day from 11 a.m.‑2 p.m. and get two hot soups, a hot entree, fresh bread, and a variety of salads for $6.99! 814‑235‑3009; pjharrigans.com
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Pizza Mia! Known for its crust, Pizza Mia hand‑tosses its dough from spring harvest flour, specially‑filtered Bellefonte spring water, 100% extra virgin olive oil, premium harvest gold raw cane sugar, salt, and yeast. Check out their huge menu of pizzas, wraps, and wings. 814‑355‑3738; bellefontepizzamia.com Rumors Lounge at The Atherton Hotel With full‑service lunch and snack menus and a variety of specialty cocktails and drinks, Rumors is a favorite spot to enhance formal business meetings at the end of the day or the ideal location to begin a perfect evening of conversation. Rumors also offers breakfast, dinner, and room service menus. 800‑832‑0132; athertonhotel.net
The Saloon Hosting live music every night of the week and a party atmosphere at its core, The Saloon offers a perfect mix of bar meets rock ’n roll. Home of the famed Monkey Boy®, their nationally recognized signature drink, The Saloon has a full‑service bar with over 75 spirits, 16 beers on tap and close to 100 in‑the‑bottle American craft, import, and domestic beers. 814‑234‑1344; HomeOfTheMonkeyBoy.com Tarragon Restaurant at The Atherton Hotel Well‑known for its creative menus, relaxing and lovely atmosphere, and meals that are as delicious as they are beautifully prepared, Tarragon boasts an elegant atmosphere. They encourage guests to dress casually and comfortably. 800‑832‑0132; athertonhotel.net
T.G.I. Friday’s Conveniently located on North Atherton Street near the Comfort Suites and Sleep Inn, T.G.I. Friday’s is a great place to grab a quick bite before or after the game or to enjoy a few beers in the evening. There is a full bar and drink specials and also an extensive kids’ menu, so whatever your needs, T.G.I. Friday’s can fulfill them. Frequent visitors should check out their free ‘Give Me More Stripes’ rewards program. 814‑861‑5540; tgifridays.com The Way Cafe and Bakery This cafe boasts simple country food using fresh, local ingredients. The homemade soup, fresh‑baked bread, homegrown and local fruits and vegetables, pork, and cheese used throughout their menu is what sets them apart. They offer a lunch menu Mon‑
Where to Eat day through Friday, with a full breakfast and lunch served on Saturdays. 814‑692‑5211; wayfruitfarm.com/deli Whiskers The casual lounge at the Nittany Lion Inn serves soups, salads, sandwiches and des‑ serts with seasonal outdoor seating on the garden patio. 814‑865‑8580; pshs.psu. edu/NittanyLionInn Whistle Stop Restaurant Make the short scenic drive down Route 45. Pass the Round Barn and turn left at the light. The Whistle Stop Restaurant is less than 1/2 mile on the right. Housed in a restored 19th Century railroad station, you will be treated to fresh daily lunch and dinner specials, homemade soups and des‑ serts, and a menu filled with traditional and
comfort foods. Don’t miss “the best prime rib anywhere” on Saturday evenings. You can bring your own beer or wine. When you leave here, you can’t wait to come back. 814‑364‑2544; whistlestopcentrehall.com Z Bar at The Deli Celebrating American Craft Beer with 57 drafts, a cask‑conditioned “real ale” hand‑pump beer engine, and a 150+ bottle list. American is their thing, but they’ve got crazy good brews from all over the globe and a rotated stock of 30+ respected selec‑ tions by the bottle/glass. Shot with your beer? Or a snickers martini perhaps? Their back‑bar rocks a crazy collection… you’ll see. 814‑237‑5710; TheDeliRestaurant.com Zola New World Bistro Zola’s menu changes with the season, prom‑
ising creative entrees made with the fresh‑ est, most organic ingredients. The ambiance is classy but not stuffy, especially Friday nights, perfect for date night, when Zola fea‑ tures jazz and oysters—talk about a mood setter! Hot tip: don’t skip dessert, no matter how full you are. Head on over before or after a State Theatre show. 814‑237‑8474; zolabistro.com
Catering The Arena Bar & Grill Why settle for the same old party? Take your group to Northland Bowl and the Arena Bar & Grill to celebrate with great food and tons of fun for all ages. Packages are built to suit your needs. Cosmic bowling, an arcade, and pool tables will keep
your group entertained. 814‑237‑8833; thearenabarandgrill.com The Autoport Contact the Autoport to plan your custom event where your guests can enjoy delicious food and comfortable lodging. Various menus are available and the Autoport offers extensive beverage options for wine, beer, and cocktails. Warmer months offer cozy outdoor seating on the patio, near the pool and firepit. 814‑237‑7666; theautoport.com Hoag’s Catering at Celebration Hall Owned and operated by the Moerschbacher family for over 50 years, Hoag’s Catering at Celebration Hall specializes in off‑site catering, party rentals, and on‑site events. Hoag’s offers the best quality food and
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Where to Eat service that allows its customers to truly be guests at their own party. Celebration Hall is fully equipped with tables and chairs and can handle small and large groups up to 250 people. Convenient free parking is available on site. Hoag’s friendly staff is available to assist you in catering, banquet, and event planning needs. 814‑238‑0824; hoagscatering.com Damon’s Grill Damon’s caters any size event, for any occasion. Their professional catering staff has years of experience and menus for any budget. From barbecue ribs to prime rib and more, Damon’s will help plan your event and make it a success. Call their catering hotline at 814‑237‑9151 and ask for Kerry DuBois. damons.com
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Gamble Mill Restaurant & Microbrewery This charming, historic location offers profes‑ sional event management for large functions and can accommodate up to 200 guests. 814‑355‑7764; gamblemill.com Gardens Restaurant The Penn Stater’s restaurant offers sophis‑ ticated dining and classic cuisine with an American flair. They also offer guests a sumptuous Sunday Brunch and the expan‑ sive America’s Bounty Buffets on both Friday and Saturday evenings. 814‑863‑5090; thepennstaterhotel.psu.edu/ThePennStater‑ Hotel/dining/the-gardens.cfm The Governor’s Pub Book the Governor’s Pub’s private rooms for your next meeting, party, or special event. 814‑353‑1008; thegovernorspub.com
Herwig’s Austrian Bistro Everything at Herwig’s is prepared in the morning for that day and evening (Brandy even makes every bratwurst from scratch, using meat from a local butcher shop). So if they run out of food, they close... Maybe it’s due to their generous portions, but generosity is what they’re all about. 814‑238‑0200; herwigsaustrianbistro.com KAARMA Indian Cuisine Redefined Enjoy “redefined” Indian Cuisine at KAARMA, located in the middle of downtown on Beaver Avenue. They offer a daily lunch buffet at only $7.25 and students can save Monday‑Thursday with their $9.95 dinner special. Consider them for your next catering function as well. 814‑238‑8141: thekaarma.com
Kelly’s Steak & Seafood Two private dining rooms accommodate par‑ ties of up to 25 or 50 people, perfect for re‑ unions, rehearsal dinners, and other special occasions. Reserve a room and customize a menu to suit your tastes and budget. Kelly’s also offers off‑premise catering, Buffet Style, Tailgate Style, or a Fine Dining Experience. The menu is structured with a large selection to allow you to customize the scope, style and cost of any event. They also can provide accessories such as plates, silverware and food warmers as well as whatever staffing levels you desire. Kelly’s can deliver and set‑up, or you can pick up. They will provide you with personal assistance planning your event to make sure every detail meets your expectation. 814‑466‑6251; kellys‑steak.com
Where to Eat Lodge at Tussey Mountain A beautiful facility year round, the Lodge at Tussey Mountain will host your wedding, staff retreat, picnic, or other special event! They have a fully equipped kitchen, bar, and courteous staff who will accommodate you in every way. 814‑466‑7976; tusseymountain.com
Penn State Hospitality Penn State University offers two full‑service hotels, each with its own atmosphere and modern amenities. Both feature gracious ac‑ commodations, exceptional service, a choice of dining experience, and state‑of‑the‑art facilities for conferences, banquets, and spe‑ cial events. 814‑863‑5014; pshs.psu.edu
Mt. Nittany Inn Why eat just anywhere when you can dine on top of the world, or at least on top of the mountain between Centre Hall and Pleasant Gap, overlooking beautiful Penn’s Valley. The breathtaking view, combined with fresh, delicious menu offerings, make the Mt. Nittany Inn the perfect choice for lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch. 814‑364‑9363; mtnittanyinn.com
Happy Valley Catering by Pizza Mia Pizza Mia is offering the same mouth watering, in‑house style pizza, wings, subs and salads that has earned their reputation. 814‑355‑3738; happyvalleycatering.com Tarragon Restaurant at The Atherton Hotel Tarragon Restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, and room service menus.
Well‑known for its creative menus, relaxing and lovely atmosphere, and meals that are as delicious as they are beautifully prepared, Tarragon boasts an elegant atmosphere and encourages their guests to dress casually and comfortably. 800‑832‑0132; athertonhotel.net
Visit HappyValley.com for the area’s only comprehensive online listing of restaurants.
Zola New World Bistro Zola’s menu changes with the season, prom‑ ising creative entrees made with the fresh‑ est, most organic ingredients. The ambiance is classy but not stuffy, especially Friday nights, perfect for date night, when Zola fea‑ tures jazz and oysters—talk about a mood setter! Hot tip: don’t skip dessert, no matter how full you are. Head on over before or after a State Theatre show. 814‑237‑8474; zolabistro.com
Some exclusions apply. Dine-In or Carry Out only.
355-3738 106 North Spring St., Bellefonte
www.BellefontePizzaMia.com
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Where to Stay Toftrees Golf Resort & Conference Center
Hotels The Atherton Hotel Enjoy all the comforts of a full‑service boutique hotel conveniently located just one block from Penn State University in the heart of downtown State College. Amenities and conveniences include complimentary use of Penn State’s pools and Natatorium and of The North Club, Lionheart, and Titan exercise facilities; on‑site exercise facilities; affordable in‑room dining; Lodgenet movies and on demand television; local shuttle services; large, comfortable guest rooms; full service conference and banquet facilities; covered parking; and warm and welcoming staff and service. The Atherton is within walking distance to most all university and downtown restaurants, shops, and venues. 800‑832‑0132; athertonhotel.net The Autoport The Autoport, Pennsylvania’s first motel, is located 1.5 miles from Penn State. They’re open for breakfast at 7 a.m. and serve a Sunday breakfast buffet from 9 a.m. to noon. Other features include lunch and din‑ ner specials, daily half‑priced happies from 5 to 7 p.m., free wi‑fi and HBO, a heated
pool, famous fire pits, nightly entertainment Wednesday through Saturday, and their new separate smoking lounge. 814‑237‑7666; theautoport.com Best Western Plus University Park Inn & Suites Come stay at one of the newest hotels in Happy Valley. The Best Western Plus offers a hot, complimentary breakfast each morning, an indoor pool and hot tub, a fitness area and a very friendly staff. The hotel also prides itself on being eco‑friendly. 814‑234‑8393; bestwesternstatecollegehotel.com Fairfield Inn & Suites When visiting Happy Valley, choose the Fairfield Inn & Suites State College for your business or leisure travel. Minutes from Penn State University, Bryce Jordan Center, Beaver Stadium, and Medlar Field, the Fairfield is less than five years old and offers an ideal location and award‑winning service. Spacious guest rooms feature luxury bed‑ ding, coffeemaker, high‑speed Internet, and individual climate control. After a substantial complimentary breakfast buffet, visit the fitness room and the beautiful indoor pool next to a charming outdoor patio. The Fair‑
field Inn & Suites is truly a cost‑effective and enjoyable place to enjoy your State College trip. 814‑238‑3871; marriott.com/hotels Hampton Inn & Suites Williamsburg Square Step back in time when you come to the Hampton Inn & Suites hotel in State College at Williamsburg Square. Their colonial‑style hotel in State College has the old‑world feel of the Revolutionary period, but boasts modern amenities and convenience to almost everywhere you want to be in town. Headed to Penn State? The campus is just a mile away. Want to explore downtown State College? Just four miles from their lobby. 814‑231‑1899; hamptoninn.com Holiday Inn Express This friendly, award‑winning hotel is located just off Interstate 99/U.S. 220 (322 By‑ pass) minutes from downtown State College and in the heart of Centre County. Situated only five minutes from campus, Beaver Stadium, and the Bryce Jordan Center, the hotel features newly updated guest rooms, lobby, breakfast area, and fitness room. The Boardroom has meeting space for 8 and the Williamsburg Room has space for up to 75. With a free breakfast each morning and four
Scan the QR code with your smartphone to find a restaurant 42
popular restaurants within easy walking dis‑ tance, the Holiday Inn Express State College is a great place to stay!. 814‑867‑1800; hiexpress.com Nittany Lion Inn Located 1.1 miles from downtown, it’s the only hotel on campus. Amenities include a fitness center, putting green, gift shop, free internet, and conference and banquet facili‑ ties. Food and beverages available through the dining room and on‑site Whiskers Lounge. AAA Four Diamond Award Hotel; 814‑865‑8500; nittanylioninn.psu.edu Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel Located three miles from downtown, you’ll find fun, food, and friends at the Penn Stater. Amenities include a pool, fit‑ ness center, free internet, and conference and banquet facilities. Dine in the onsite Gardens Restaurant or Legends Lounge. 814‑863‑5050; thepennstaterhotel.psu.edu
Where to Stay Quality Inn Milesburg Located off exit 158 of I‑80, the Quality Inn Milesburg is just 11 miles from State College. Features include a complimentary continental breakfast, on‑site lounge, indoor pool, and fitness center. Offering an afford‑ able lodging option with easy access to Penn State University, Beaver Stadium, and the Bryce Jordan Center. 814‑355‑7521; qualityinn.com SpringHill Suites State College One exit from Penn State, SpringHill Suites by Marriott State College is the only all‑studio suite choice among local hotels. Enhanced by service that will delight both the business and leisure traveler, this smart and stylish hotel is a breath of fresh air, designed to enrich your travels. Enjoy sepa‑ rate spaces to work and relax, along with
thoughtful amenities to help you get the most out of your stay, like free high‑speed Internet access, a pantry with mini‑fridge, coffee maker, and microwave with a comfortable seating area including a pullout sofa bed. After a rejuvenating sleep in their signature bed, start your day with their free Suite Seasons hot and healthy breakfast buffet. An indoor pool and workout facility provide the perfect opportunity to unwind. 814‑867‑1807; marriott.com Toftrees Golf Resort & Conference Center Central Pennsylvania’s only Golf Resort and Conference Center is nestled amid 1,500 scenic wooded acres in beautiful Centre County, Pennsylvania. The view is inescap‑ able. Sophistication and charm are reflected in every direction. Elegance and a relaxed
ambiance surround you amid the splendor of this natural and pristine setting in the heart of Pennsylvania’s panoramic landscape. 888‑275‑0596; toftrees.com Carnegie Inn & Spa Located in Toftrees, one mile from Penn State University, the Carnegie Inn & Spa offers guests luxurious accommodations with 21 uniquely appointed guestrooms, each with a private soaking tub and Frette Linens. Voted “Best Fine Dining” in State College, the Carnegie Inn & Spa is a AAA Four Diamond award‑winning property and is perfect for corporate retreats, intimate small weddings, and family reunions. The boutique hotel offers travelers the comforts, charm, and warm hospitality of a European Country Inn. 814‑234‑2424; carnegieinnandspa.com
Comfort Suites Relax and recharge at the Comfort Suites, located behind T.G.I. Friday’s off of North Atherton Street. Enjoy room to breathe with their 100% non‑smoking suites, indoor pool and spa, fitness room, free Internet, and de‑ luxe continental breakfast. 814‑235‑1900; comfortsuites.com Country Inn & Suites Relax at the brand new Country Inn & Suites, located one mile from downtown and PSU. Enjoy a deluxe hot breakfast buffet in their grand breakfast area, freshly baked cookies on arrival, and refrigerators, microwaves, and safes in every room. “Friends hosting friends” is their motto. 814‑234‑6000; countryinn.com
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Where to Stay Days Inn Penn State Located centrally downtown. Full‑service, indoor pool, fitness center, internet, conference and banquet facilities with a business center. Mad Mex and Brewsky’s Bottle Shop located on‑site. 814‑238‑8454; lioncountrylodging.com Econo Lodge Bellefonte Located five miles from downtown in historic Bellefonte. Free internet and free breakfast. 814‑355‑5561; econolodge.com Hilton Garden Inn Located 1.7 miles from downtown. Includes a pool, fitness center, free internet, conference facilities, and business center. Harrison’s Wine Grill and Catering on site. 866‑204‑1221; lioncountrylodging.com Nittany Budget Motel Located 3.1 miles from downtown. Offers Internet, free coffee, and light breakfast. Brewsky’s Bottle Shop located on‑site and Gigi’s Restaurant adjacent to the property. Pet friendly. 814‑238‑0015; lioncountrylodging.com Quality Inn Located 1.7 miles from downtown. Internet, conference room. Free deluxe breakfast. Pet friendly. 814‑234‑1600; lioncountrylodging.com Ramada Conference Center Located 1.4 miles from downtown. Indoor and outdoor pool, recreation center, free internet, business center, conference and banquet facilities. P.J. Harrigan’s restaurant on site. 814‑238‑3001; ramadasc.com Rodeway Inn Rodeway Inn is only two blocks from Penn State University and one mile from downtown State College. Beaver Stadium and the Bryce Jordan Center are just two miles away. Enjoy a free continental breakfast as well as free high‑speed Inter‑ net access. 814‑238‑6783; rodewayinn.com Sleep Inn Designed to dream at the State College Sleep Inn, located behind T.G.I. Friday’s off of North Atherton Street. Your satisfaction couldn’t be simpler at the Sleep Inn, featuring over‑sized showers, free breakfast, high speed Internet, and fitness center. 814‑235‑1020; sleepinn.com Super 8 44
Located 1.7 miles from downtown. Fitness center, internet, gathering room, and free breakfast. Brewsky’s Bottle Shop next door. 814‑237‑8005; lioncountrylodging.com
Bed & Breakfasts Bed & Breakfast at the Rock Garden A scenic 10‑minute drive from State College is the small village of Oak Hall, between Lemont and Boalsburg, and home to the Bed and Breakfast at the Rock Garden. The farmhouse‑style B&B has five guest rooms, each with its own private bathroom. Another bonus: each room has a gorgeous view of either Mt. Nittany or Tussey Mountain! 814‑466‑6100; therockgardenbandb.com Carnegie Inn & Spa Located in Toftrees just one mile from Penn State University, the Carnegie Inn & Spa offers guests luxurious accommoda‑ tions with 21 uniquely appointed guestrooms, each with its private soaking tub and Frette Linens. Voted “Best Fine Din‑ ing” in State College, the Carnegie Inn & Spa is a AAA Four Diamond award‑winning property and is perfect for corporate retreats, intimate small weddings, and family reunions. The boutique hotel offers discriminating travelers the comforts, charm, and warm hospitality of a European Country Inn. 814‑234‑2424; carnegieinnandspa.com Centre Mills Bed & Breakfast Stay in their lovely 1813 mill‑owner’s home, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Their fully‑re‑ stored stone house sits on 26 acres in the heart of Brush Valley’s Amish farm community but they are still close by to restaurants and shopping! 814‑349‑8000; centremills.com Chatelaine Bed and Breakfast Located six miles from Penn State’s campus, the Chatelaine Bed and Breakfast offers a luxurious escape for visitors and alumni. The Chatelaine was built in 1841 and serves as a perfect getaway in the shade of Tussey Mountain. Spend a night in one of the Chatelaine’s Empire/Federal‑style rooms, featuring fireplaces, canopy beds, and private baths, or book your wedding, bridal shower, or anniversary party. 814‑238‑2028; chatelainebandb.com Inn on the Sky Perched high atop Brush Mountain, this rustic, luxurious, heavy timber‑frame inn has two master suites with scenic
views and Jacuzzi tubs along with three additional spacious bedrooms with private bathrooms. It’s the perfect place for celebrations, corporate meetings, getaway weekends, Penn State Alumni reunions, and weddings or other special occa‑ sions! 814‑422‑0386; innonthesky.com Mountain Hideaway Only 20 minutes from State College, Mountain Hideaway is tightly nestled in the mountains of the Black Moshannon Forest in the borough of Port Matilda. The beautiful facility is equaled by its surroundings and complemented by the warm hospitality of its staff. Each of the guestrooms offers a queen‑sized bed, full private bath, gas fireplace, central air, DirecTV, and high‑speed wireless internet. 814‑692‑4980; mthideaway.com Our Fair Lady B&B Located just nine miles from Penn State’s campus lies Our Fair Lady, a Victorian Bed & Breakfast. Built in 1883, this historic property features four guest rooms with queen‑sized feather beds. Enjoy the sights and sounds of downtown Bellefonte located just blocks away. Escape the commotion of downtown State College. 814‑355‑1117; ourfairladybnb.com PA‑Reservations.com Planning a last‑minute trip to Happy Valley? Wondering who still has rooms available for football season? PA‑Reservations has had you covered since 1999! With the click of a mouse, you’ll gain access to inns, guests rooms, resorts, cabins, and houses! Their well‑maintained properties are inspected and approved for the safety and comfort of their guests. pa‑reservations.com
Lodges & Cabins Aaronsburg Farm Stay at Woodward Crossings Experience the ambiance of Woodward Crossings’ two private vacation suites with fully equipped kitchens. Choose one of their convenient packages (from romance to fishing and relaxation) for a stay in the heart of Amish Country. 814‑349‑4484; woodwardcrossings.com Mountain Acres Lodges The secluded lodge is only 15 minutes from Beaver Stadium and equally convenient to the many other area attractions. The lodge boasts a great room that opens three stories to
Where to Stay a widows walk, a commercially‑appointed kitchen, two full baths, and a grand fireplace, and seating surround. Private bedrooms are located off the second and third floor balconies. 814‑364‑1508; mountainacreslodge.com Black Moshannon Lodge Nestled in the nearly 4,000 acres of the Black Moshannon State Park, the Black Moshannon Lodge is a perfect place to stay for a getaway in the great outdoors. Come out this summer to hunt or kayak, or for a hiking or fishing trip. Your hosts, Curt and Tracy, provide all the comfort of your home—full kitchen, modern bathroom, beds for up to eight guests (with linens!), and a large back porch with a fire ring. 814‑686‑1878; blackmoshannonlodge.com
Raystown Lake Region Located in central Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains, Raystown Lake is the heart of Huntingdon County and home to year‑round outdoor fun. Check out bed & breakfasts, lodges, campgrounds, and other places to stay! 814‑658‑0060; raystown.org
heart of ‘Big Valley’ with scenic Amish farm dotted the countryside, state parks and state forests with extensive hiking and mountain biking trails, wineries, antique stores and farmers markets. Only a 35‑minute drive to State College! 717‑935‑2390; hillstoreguestcottage.com
Happy Valley Retreats Planning a last‑minute weekend trip to Happy Valley? Wondering who still has rooms available for Arts Fest? Happy Valley Retreats has you covered since 1999! Their well‑maintained properties are inspected and approved for the safety and comfort of their guests; happyvalleyretreats.com
Huntingdon Hideaway Huntingdon Hideaway is located on the Little Juniata and near Raystown Lake. This three‑bedroom home that comfortably sleeps eight is a wonderful place to stay for a getaway in the great outdoors. There is an activity for everyone. If you want to relax, you can take an Amish tour, check out the winery, shop for antiques, or even bird watch. If you are the more adventurous type, there are trails for hiking, biking, running, cross‑country skiing, and horseback riding. This area also offers boating, fishing, and water sports. After a long day of activities you will come home to a comfortable living room and fireplace, full kitchen, satellite TV, air conditioning, and even an outdoor fire ring. 412‑289‑8222; huntingdonhideaway.com
Hill Store Guest Cottage & Event Place Hill Store Guest Cottage is located in the
Ingleby Lodge A private Pennsylvania fly fishing lodge located in Central PA between Penn State (conveniently 25 minutes for PSU football fans) and Bucknell University. The 3‑story hand hewn log vacation home is situated in the Appalachian Mountain Range, just off of Ingleby Road between Camp Woodward Action Sports Center and the quaint fly fishing town of Coburn, PA—where Elk, Pine, and Penn’s Creek meet and where the National Fly Fishing championship was held. The Lodge is convenient yet secluded for all of your Central PA vacation needs. 814‑360‑5145; inglebylodge.com
timber‑framed mountain home with four bedrooms and three full baths. Take advan‑ tage of fishing in Raystown Lake or biking the certified trails, judged by the American Mountain Biking Association to be the best on the east coast. Canoe and kayak on the Little Juniata River below the dam. Fly fish the stream where Jimmy Carter fishes just below Alexandria, PA. This magnificent prop‑ erty is 33 miles (40 minutes) from Penn State. 610‑644‑7097; theridgeretreat.com
Campgrounds Raystown Lake Region Located in central Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains, Raystown Lake is the heart of Huntingdon County and home to year‑round outdoor fun. Check out bed & breakfasts, lodges, campgrounds and other places to stay! 814‑658‑0060; raystown.org WaterSide Campground & RV Park WaterSide, on the Juniata River and Penn‑ sylvania Canal minutes from Penn State, is one of the highest‑rated campgrounds in the state. Amenities include riverfront full‑hook‑ up sites, a heated pool, canoes and kayaks, cabin rentals, fishing, and canal boat rides. 717‑248‑3974; watersidecampground.com
For more accommodations in Happy Valley, visit HappyValley.com
Ridge Retreat Rethink your visit to Penn State. Add one day to your weekend and make it a mini va‑ cation. Or better yet, spend a whole week at Raystown Lake. Stay in a 4200‑square‑foot 45
Living/Relocate Photo by Melissa Hombosky
Bellefonte’s Talleyrand Park
Realtors Kissinger, Bigatel & Brower Realtors The people at Kissinger, Bigatel & Brower Realtors take customer service so seriously that they constantly monitor their perfor‑ mance by sending a survey to each and every customer. 814‑234‑4000; 1kbb.com Grove Park Grove Park is a new development situated in a beautiful, quiet, and open country landscape just seven miles from Beaver Stadium. Choose your own builder and enjoy large lot sizes start at just $62,000. 814‑880‑3071; buildatgrovepark.com
Home Builders Fine Line Homes Fine Line Homes builds beautifully custom‑ ized homes to fit your dreams, needs, and lifestyle. They are dedicated to building energy‑efficient homes with extraordinary quality, stunning designs, and the delightful amenities that enhance life’s every moment. Your ultimate new home experience begins
with Fine Line. They are the area’s exclu‑ sively‑licensed Woman Centric home builder. 814‑237‑5581; finelinehomes.com Haubert Homes Building your home is an enjoyable and exciting experience. Choose family‑owned Haubert Homes, which has hundreds of house plans or they can build from yours. They offer thousands of color options, virtually unlimited design changes, and options for financing. 814‑867‑3262; hauberthomes.com
Happy Valley Retirement Communities The Village at Penn State The Village at Penn State, an innovative idea in life care retirement community living, combines the cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities of a world‑class university with the friendliness and charm of small‑town living. 814‑238‑1949; villageatpennstate.com Foxdale Village Foxdale Village is a Quaker‑directed
not‑for‑profit continuing care retirement com‑ munity where you can be yourself. Enjoy the freedom to pursue your own unique endeavors while experiencing a genuine sense of community and support. Continue to live life to the fullest knowing that health‑ care is always close at hand. Come and explore all that Foxdale Village has to offer. 814‑238‑3322; foxdalevillage.com Traditions of America at Liberty Hill Offering single family homes and town‑ homes featuring single‑level living. They do the yard work so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the dramatic clubhouse, pool, and other 5‑star amenities. Call about their new HomePlus Program—enjoy your new home, better lifestyle, and no monthly payment! 814‑466‑9490 or toll free. 1‑855‑TOA‑HOME; traditionsofamerica.com
Rentals The Apartment Store The Apartment Store provides State Col‑ lege apartments for students, families, and professionals. Their housing staff is at your service to help find the perfect apart‑
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ment for you near Penn State University. 800‑553‑2539; apartmentstore.com/ state‑college Associated Realty Property Management ARPM has been serving the needs of Penn State students, families, professionals, and property owners since 1978. The professional staff maintains a high level of excellence in providing quality property management. They have over 1,500 proper‑ ties from which to choose. 814‑231‑3333; arpm.com
2013 Penn State Football Schedule August 31
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2014 Football Schedule August 30 Temple September 6 Akron September 13 Rutgers September 27 Minnesota October 11 Nebraska October 18 Indiana October 25 Michigan November 1 Purdue November 15 Ohio State November 22 Illinois November 29 Wisconsin
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2015 Football Schedule September 5 Temple September 12 Buffalo September 19 Rutgers October 3 Illinois October 10 Ohio State October 24 Purdue October 31 Indiana November 7 Iowa November 14 Michigan State November 21 Nebraska November 28 Wisconsin
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