Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and Downtown State College has over 300 businesses to check out for a perfect day. With so many options, where does one start? Luckily for you, we have your day planned for every type of couple. 

Are you and your partner Penn State Athletic fans? Check out the Penn State Men’s Basketball play Illinois on Valentine’s Day. Before stopping at the game, get a Penn State classic breakfast at the Waffle Shop. Next, head down College Ave. and grab some PSU basketball gear from a variety of shops, like The Lions Fan Shop, Lion & Cubs, Lions Pride, and McLanahan’s Student Store. After the game at 7 p.m., stop by HiWay Pizza for a heart shaped pizza, and grab some Ye Olde College Diner Grilled Stickies at McLanahan’s for dessert. 

Rather be outside? Happy Valley has a ton of outdoor parks and creeks, but first, stop downtown and grab all the gear you need to explore at Appalachian Outdoors and Rapid Transit, or try Freeze Thaw Cycles and IQ Skate Shop. Don’t forget, you can’t explore on an empty stomach! Stop by Duck Donuts for a quick and romantic bite with their “Box of Chocolate” donut assortment or a “Strawberry Love Shake with Chocolate Drizzle”. After a long day of adventures, enjoy dinner at BRGR with one of their many amazing burgers and their spiked milkshakes. Were the parks and creeks in Happy Valley not enough for one day? Stop by What-a-Blast Laser Tag for their midnight laser tag.

Does a full-packed day of adventure feel like too much? If you and your couple would rather have more of a relaxing day, stop at The Cheese Shoppe for coffees, cheese, and fine chocolates. Next, grab a massage at A Step Beyond Massage Therapy. Or, try Downtown’s new Underground Tufting and you and your partner can make rugs. Next, grab some sushi at Tadashi and you must grab Insomnia’s red velvet cookie to wrap up a relaxing Valentine’s Day. 

Are you and your partner more of the book type? Start your Valentine’s Day at Webster’s Bookstore & Cafe for some reading and a “Brown Cow Latte”, a latte made with chocolate milk. Next, check out The Squirrel and Acorn bookshop or Nittany Quill for some stationary and book shopping. After hours of shopping and searching for new books, enjoy a nice dinner at Central Reservation and try one of their cocktails. Don’t forget Kitchen Kaboodle, where you can pick up a couple of martini glasses to craft your own drinks at home! Finally, end your day early at Yogurt Express and head home to start reading!

Rather enjoy a classic and romantic Valentine’s day? Start your day grabbing your partner a bouquet of flowers at Avant Garden or grab their XOXO Box, which includes one dozen red roses, a dozen chocolate covered strawberries, and a Valentine’s day balloon bouquet. Next, stop by Elixr Coffee for some coffee and pastries, and try their Strawberry Oat Milk Latte. Then, grab some dressy clothes for dinner at Harper’s Clothing before painting some pottery at 2000 Degrees. For dinner, enjoy the Tavern’s Valentine’s Day menu, offering Lobster Risotto and a Bobon Trio. Finally, end your perfect day with ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery, which includes a free chocolate covered strawberry with every purchase! Or, stop by Reini Goldsmiths & Jewelers for 10% off all of February on engagement rings, wedding bands and anniversary rings. 

Are you and your partner more artistic and looking for new entertainment? Start your day at Sower’s Harvest Cafe, and try their Chocolate Covered Coffee Bean Mocha with some delicious breakfast. For entertainment, there is so much to see! For art, checkout Douglas Albert Gallery or Woskob Family Gallery. For a movie, check out “When Harry Met Sally” showing at The State Theater at 8 p.m. and for a good laugh, try Blue Brick Theater’s Improv shows every Friday at 7 p.m. Or, if you are looking for more of a hands-on experience, check out Uncle Eli’s for a variety of art supplies to start creating. Finally, end your day with dinner at Federal Taphouse and try their Charcuterie Board appetizer or their Triple Chocolate Baileys Cake. 

If you don’t have a partner on Valentine’s Day, there are so many other options to enjoy a Galentine’s day or just enjoying time with friends. The Corner Room offers brunch Friday through Sunday, including a Mimosa Tower to share with friends. Head up the street to select the perfect stuffed animal or Jellycat from Growing Tree Toys. Do some self-care by shopping at some boutiques like Connections, Lock Boutique, or Metro | Barefoot. For Galentine’s Day, stop by the Makery for their “Galentine’s Day Adult Floral Centerpiece Workshop” on February 12 at 6 p.m. or their “Adult Beginner Painting Session” on February 13 at 7:30 p.m. The Tavern also offers a wine tasting, “Bonbon & Bubbly Tasting”, on February 15. Or enjoy a scenic dinner at Allen Street Grill. Or, enjoy a Drag show with friends at Cafe 210 for their “VDay at Cafe”, with State Queens at 8:45 p.m. Finally, February 11 and 14, Ikonic Tattoo is offering a Valentine’s Flash Sale with previously created designs on only arms and legs.

Not sure what to do or get for your Valentine? Stop by Downtown State College for one of our Downtown Gift Cards!