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The Best Places Off the Beaten Path, Penn State edition! 

by | Nov 2, 2023

My last few blogs have been slightly heavier topics, so I thought it was time for a lighter topic that I find very fun to discuss: places off the beaten path, Penn State edition!

  1. Hintz Family Alumni Center and Alumni Pond! I would be remiss to not encourage PLA-ers to visit the location named after our program’s founders, Ed and Helen Hintz. Not only are the garden and pond beautiful and tranquil, but the alumni center itself is a wonderful place to work and relax. I am embarrassed to say that I never went inside until my junior year at Penn State, but I’m glad I am familiar with the building now!
  2. Old Main! Despite being the most iconic building on campus, so few students ever go inside. The historic frescos are beautiful, and it is very interesting to look at all of the portraits of past presidents and university leaders.
  3.  The Arboretum and the Arboretum Trails! My heart breaks a little every time I hear an upperclassman say that they have never been to the Arboretum. On a nice day, it is the best place on campus (in my humble opinion), and the Arboretum holds events throughout the year for Penn State and the community. Even those familiar with the Arboretum often forget about the trails through the wooded area behind it.
  4. Wayfruit Farm’s Downtown Location! Yes, I am including non-campus locations on the list, and Wayfruit Farms is a new favorite of mine. They have produce, baked goods, and even a small restaurant. I am personally a fan of their whoopie pies.
  5. The Nittany Quill Downtown! I saved the best for last! I discovered this adorable store last year, and now consider myself a fairly regular customer. It is the perfect place to pick up beautiful cards and stationary, and it also has many gift items and other paper products. It even stocks my favorite stationary brand, Rifle Paper Co!

In my senior year, I am trying to visit as many places on campus that I can. I am being intentional about finding different buildings and stores to visit rather than just following my usual paths. If there are places that should be on my list or somewhere I should visit, please feel free to comment the location on this post!