By Ali Sherretta, Spring 2018 Intern
Ready, set, staycation! Here is a day-by-day tip sheet for an amazing State College Staycation:
Monday
Start your week of relaxation with an indulging breakfast, like a custom creation from Duck Donuts! Then, explore Schlow Library for a great book to enjoy this week. While you’re there, take a minute to look up in the stairwell to view a hidden gem. Magic Mondays begin at noon at Webster’s and there is a screening of The Wizard of Oz at The State Theatre at 3pm. For dinner, you can’t go wrong with a Baby’s ½ price milkshake! Grab a burger at this 50’s inspired restaurant and put on your favorite song on the jukebox. End the evening with some brain teasing Team Feud Trivia at Bill Pickle’s.
Tuesday
Greet the day at Sower’s Harvest Cafe where you can get freshly made breakfast and endless coffee. While you wait for your food, relax in a bean bag chair or play the piano! For dinner, check out the Allen Street Grill where you can sit upstairs with a lovely view of State College. Don’t stay too late though because Tango at Webster’s starts at 7pm! Grab a friend or significant other and dance the night away. Other evening options includes Primanti Brother’s Penn State Hockey Coaches Show, as well as their karaoke night, known locally as “Primantioke, Quizzo at The Darkhorse Tavern, or Eric Ian Farmer performing at Local Whiskey.
Wednesday
Every pasta lover’s dream can come true on Wednesdays at Champ’s Downtown, where it’s All You Can Eat Pasta day! Walk off those carbohydrates with a stroll around Downtown State College’s public art offerings. Then, stop by the The Makery to pick up a new skill at their Hand Lettering class. For your evening entertainment, options abound! There’s “Gaffeoke” at The Shandygaff, Team Trivia at The Darkhorse Tavern, and Wing Night & Team Trivia at Bill Pickle’s. Sing your heart out or tap into the deepest recesses of your trivia facts with your friends! Finally, Burn Unit is playing a “Locals and Staycationers Unit-e” show at The Phyrst.
Thursday
Treat yourself to exotic flavors without ever having to go through a TSA checkpoint. Take your taste buds south of the border at Yallah Taco, across the pond at Herwig’s Austrian Bistro, or to the land of the Taj Mahal at India Pavilion. Then, take your ears on a musical journey! Check out The Hush Room to hear Toy Cars, Ghost Music, and Real Fake Girlfriend or head to Zeno’s to hear DopplerPoppins: A Getaway to a World Faraway.
Weekend
Friday’s happy hour kicks off at Bill Pickle’s with the Penn State Alumni Association. It’s also the start of the Central PA Home & Garden Show at the Bryce Jordan Center, which runs through Sunday.
See how many adventures you can pack into the weekend! Check out Rapid Transit for a brand new pair of sneakers, stop by Appalachian Outdoors for a Purple Lizard map, or Freeze Thaw Cycles for a tune-up and then hit the hills! Have you been to the top of Mount Nittany? Or, explore any of these nearby treasures: Rothrock State Forest, Black Moshannon State Park, Bald Eagle State Park, Whipple Dam, or Shaver’s Creek.
After a long day of exploring, Mad Mex is the perfect place to rejuvenate with a margarita on the outdoor patio. Another great option is to grab a seat at Local Whiskey by the open windows and enjoy a great night out with friends!
Saturday also features Open Studio time at The Makery, Metropolitan Opera HD presents: Semiramide at The State Theatre, and Mister Hand at The Saloon.
Soak in the last bit of your Staycation on Sunday! Brunch options include Webster’s live music brunch, The Deli’s live jazz brunch, and The Corner Rom’s All You Can Eat Breakfast Buffet. Close out your memorable week at The State Theatre’s Attic with music by Hunter Lytle, Dino Pattcio & the Intruders, and Thieves & Lovers.
However you spend your time during your Staycation week in State College, it’s sure to be a blast!
For more State College Staycation ideas, please visit DowntownStateCollege.com.
