Day 81: Things to Do in State College this Weekend...

If you're looking for something to do in the State College area this weekend, look no further. From Penn State Football to singer/song writer Judith Hill to taking in the peak autumn foliage, there is plenty to do this weekend! 

• College Football: Penn State plays Illinois
• Saturday, 12-4 PM @ Beaver Stadium
• A Google search will find available tickets, or watch the game on ESPN.

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• Singer / Songwriter Judith Hill performance
• Friday, 8 PM @ The State Theatre
• Well known from her recent appearance on "The Voice"
• Tickets are still available ($29) on the State Theatre website. 

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• Take in the Autumn colors
• Foliage is at its peak this weekend, so consider checking out a local hiking trail, park, or forest to soak in the fall colors. Check out some of our previous blogs on where to get outdoors, these are all prime spots...
• Go for a hike up Mt. Nittany
• Visit Black Moshannon State Park
• Visit the Mt. Nittany Winery
• Visit Shaver's Creek Environmental Center
• Visit Penn's Cave
• Go for a hike at Shingletown Gap
• Go for a bike ride in the Centre Region
• Hike up Indian Steps to the Mid-State Trail

 

Day 52: Hike Up Indian Steps to Mid-State Trail

Day 52: Hike Up Indian Steps to Mid-State Trail

Looking for something both challenging and refreshing to do? Go for a hike a four mile hike at the Indian Steps.The hike begins on Harry's Valley Road, which is a dirt road located off of State Route 26. If you head south through Pine Grove Mills and up and over the mountain on Route 26. As you descend the mountain, there is a sharp left turn about a mile and half down the road. Slow down, use your turning single, and look for the dirt road on the right side of the road, this is Harry's Valley Road. If you follow this road for about 2 miles, you will cross the trail and there is a pull off on the left side of the road for parking.

Here is a short narrative from a hiker's report:

From our parking area we followed Harry's Valley Road back about a hundred feet to where the Ironstone Trail crosses the road. Turning left here we all began our ascent up Tussey Mountain.

At first we came across steps made of logs but before long we came across a rock field and the Indian Steps. We followed these steps to within two hundred feet of the top of the ridge. We climbed 600 feet in about 0.4 miles. The climb took us about 20 minutes and we all paused after the climb to catch our breath and wet our whistles.

Soon we were back on the trail, turning left at the junction with the Mid State Trail. For the next 1.3 miles we walked the ridge top not venturing far from the crest. At 1.7 miles into the hike we came across our first view to the south, overlooking Harry's Valley. This is a rocky area and I was a little wary of snakes in the area. About half way across the clearing, my hunch was proven correct as we spotted a timber rattlesnake nestled in amongst the rocks to the right of the trail. We all paused a moment to admire the snake and take a few snapshots. Shortly there after we continued our hike west on the Mid State Trail.

Another 0.2 miles of hiking brought us to the clearing where the a fire tower once stood. From here we followed the remains of an old forest road to its intersection with PA Furnace Road at 2.2 miles.

We turned left on PA Furnace Road and came across another vista to the south about 400 feet after leaving the Mid State Trail. We continued our hike down PA Furnace Road for another quarter mile. At this point PA Furnace Road switch-backed to our right but we continued straight. This is the Pump Station Trail and is a grassy forest road, now only used by hikers, bikers, and during the winter, snowmobilers.

For the next mile we had a nice, easy hike. The trail was a gradual descent on the old Pump Station Road. There were a number of views to the right as we climbed down the south side of Tussey Mountain. At 3.5 miles into our hike the Pump Station Road merged with the Harry's Valley Road.

At the junction with Harry's Valley Road we beared left and hiked the last half mile back to our cars and the start of our hike. This was a nice after work hike, being just the right length as that we were finished before it got too late into the evening. The climb up Indian Steps was an invigorating hike. Some may suggest doing this hike in the opposite direction and descending down the Indian Steps. Personally I'd rather climb a steep area such as the Indian Steps then descend. Not only do I find go up steep section easier than going down them, it was a good aerobic workout as well. I'd definitely recommend this hike to anyone looking for a nice hike with a little bit of a challenge. The two vistas make the climb well worth while."

Click here for Google Maps, enter your address in Point A and Point B is the trailhead parking.

Day 28: Wednesday Night Bluegrass at Zeno's

Day 28: Wednesday Night Bluegrass at Zeno's

Looking for some good music, good bbq dinner, and perhaps a pint or two? Stop down at Zeno's Wednesday night around 7pm..a few bucks for a cover charge will help fund the free clems bbq sandwich you'll be getting, along with some local bluegrass music. Andy Tolins Bluegrass Revue from 7 till 10pm.

Day 16: Visit the Boalsburg Military Museum

Day 16: Visit the Boalsburg Military Museum

The Museum recounts the story of Commonwealth citizens who served our country in defense of the nation. Their service is highlighted through exhibits and artifacts that are documented by the museum's excellent collection of vehicles and small arms. The current exhibit, Tactics and Logistics of Warfare, examines the organization of the armed services in the 20th century and the Pennsylvania connection to each. For more information, check out their website.

Day 9: Visit the Mt. Nittany Winery

Day 9: Visit the Mt. Nittany Winery

Nestled high on the southern slopes of Mount Nittany above the historic village of Linden Hall, Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery commands a breathtaking view across the valley to the distant Tussey Mountain Range. Just seven miles east of State College and Penn State University, the vineyard and winery are located in the heart of 65 acres of land which stretches to the top of Mount Nittany.

One reason behind the success of the winery is a well-suited microclimate. The open exposure and excellent air drainage on the southern slope of Mount Nittany protects against early and late frost damage and creates a favorable environment for growing European and hybrid wine grapes. The five acre vineyard has seven varieties, including Cayuga, Seyval Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, de Chaunac, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

For more information, directions, hours, and special events at the winery, click here.

Day 8: Grab lunch or dinner at Herwig's Austrian Bistro

Day 8: Grab lunch or dinner at Herwig's Austrian Bistro

Voted number one ethnic restuarant by State College Magazine for three years in a row, this is a must experience in dining in the State College area. Be prepared to treated rudely, but in a playful way...all part of the experience! Go in with a sense of humor and a positive attitude and you'll be guaranteed a fun experience! Not to mention, the food is delicious!

From their website, "At Herwig's, we believe that a pleasant dining experience is comprised of more than just great food. Our family and staff interact with our customers on a personal level. We strive to provide an unequalled dining experience and are unafraid of going beyond traditional boundaries in order to keep the atmosphere of our restaurant as fresh and exciting.as the cuisine we serve. It is an experience which requires active participation from our clientele. Whether being asked to pronounce a menu item, or pleading for a doggie-bag, our customers have come to expect Herwig's to have a dining adventure that is uniquely Austrian!"

For menu items, directions, hours, and more information, click here.

Day 7: Visit Black Moshannon State Park to Kayak and Picnic

Day 7: Visit Black Moshannon State Park to Kayak and Picnic

Perched on the top of the Allegheny Plateau, Black Moshannon State Park features the Black Moshannon Bog Natural Area. Trails and a boardwalk help people explore the birds and plants of the bog and surrounding forests. Stay overnight to extend your stay so you can explore the beautiful forests on the hiking trails.

Black Moshannon State Park covers 3,394 acres of forests and wetlands that provide recreational opportunities for thousands of visitors. The park conserves unique, natural environments and is in Centre County on PA Route 504, nine miles east of Philipsburg. More than 43,000 acres of the Moshannon State Forest surround the park and help create a remote and wild setting.

According to local tradition, American Indians called this watershed "Moss-Hanne," meaning "moose stream," thus the origin of the park's name. Appropriately, the "black" in the park name describes the tea-colored waters. The 250-acre Black Moshannon Lake is fed by clear springs and small streams which flow through the bogs that stretch in most directions from its shores. As the clear water flows through sphagnum moss and other wetland plants, it becomes colored by plant tannins. In a sense, the bog vegetation acts like a giant teabag to color the water.

For directions and kayak rental information, camping information, click here.

Day 4: Catch A Flick at the Dollar Theatre

Day 4: Catch A Flick at the Dollar Theatre

So, it's not the fanciest or the most up to date. But you know what it is? Cheap. Very, very, cheap. $1 for movies. On Tuesday, soda and popcorn are each $1. Thus, you range from $1-$3 for a night (depending on your tastes) of laughing, crying, screaming, whatever you wish. The movies aren't super old, and if you're a poor student, $1 sounds just about right.

Day 2 - Go Ice Skating Indoors

Day 2: Go Ice Skating Indoors

The mission statement of the Penn State Ice Pavilion is to "provide exceptional, year-round ice skating programs and services in an efficient, courteous and professional manner."

The Penn State Ice Rink is open year round and offers public skating times for everyone to enjoy. If you want to head to the rink for some fun, check the website for their public hours and then lace up and head out!

PUBLIC SESSION RATES
Adult……..…………........................ $5.50
Youth 18 & under ….................... $5.00
Sr Citizen 62 & older................... $5.00
PSU Student w/ID …................... $4.50
Weekday 1 ½ hour sessions …... $4.00
Skates ……………………………........ $2.00
Skate Aids ……………....................$1.50

NOTE: if using MapQuest or a GPS devise, type in: "Penn State Ice Pavilion, Hastings Rd & McKean Rd, University Park, PA 16802."

From I-80/North (New York or Northwest Ohio):

Coming either east or west on I-80

Take EXIT 161 - PA-26 / BELLEFONTE / STATE COLLEGE

Merge onto US-220 S toward US-322 / BELLEFONTE / STATE COLLEGE

Take EXIT 74 - PENN STATE UNIVERSITY / INNOVATION PARK

Stay LEFT. Follow signs for Stadium and the Jordan Center (PARK AVE).

Go past Beaver Stadium

Turn LEFTonto UNIVERSITY DR

Go past the Bryce Jordan Center

Turn RIGHT onto HASTINGS RD.

Go .2 miles until stop sign at five-way intersection

Take SHARP RIGHT onto McKEAN RD

The Rink is the first building on the right

From US-322/South + East (Harrisburg/Philadelphia):

Take US-322 W / MT. NITTANY EXPRESSWAY (Do not go BUS. 322)

Take EXIT - PA-26 / STATE COLLEGE

Turn LEFT onto E. COLLEGE AVE / PA-26

Take EXIT - PENN STATE UNIVERSITY

Turn RIGHT onto UNVERSITY DR

Turn LEFT onto HASTINGS RD

Go .2 miles until stop sign at five-way intersection

Take SHARP RIGHT onto McKEAN RD

The Rink is the first building on the right

From US-22/West (Pittsburgh/Southwest Ohio):

Take US-22 E

Merge onto I-99 N / US-220 N / ALTOONA (stay to your left)

I-99 N and US-220 will split at Bald Eagle.

Keep RIGHT at US-220 / US-322 split.

Continue on US-322 E EXPRESSWAY / PENN STATE UNIVERSITY

Take EXIT 73 - PENN STATE UNIVERSITY

Turn RIGHT onto PARK AVENUE

Go past Beaver Stadium

Turn LEFT onto UNIVERSITY DR

Go past the Bryce Jordan Center

Turn RIGHT onto HASTINGS RD

Go .2 miles until stop sign at five-way intersection

Take SHARP RIGHT onto McKEAN RD

The Rink is the first building on the right.