Life in Happy Valley

Here is a quick reference to helpful information for things to do, food, and transportation in and around State College.

Lunch and news

  •  During the day, the faculty lounge on the second floor of Armsby has fair trade coffee for fifty cents per cup.
  • There is a student kitchen area on 3rd floor of Armsby with a fridge to keep your bag lunch.
  • Free newspapers are available on campus, including at many bus stops; just swipe your ID.

Student Health

  • University Health Services is very convenient: ten minute walk from Armsby, online scheduling and messaging options, and an on-site pharmacy. Dr. Karen Bascom is highly recommended!
  • UHS includes medical care, mental health care, physical therapy, nutrition programs, and clinics.
  • LADIES: For all your women’s health concerns, Jill Buchanan, LPN, at student health is wonderful. Highly recommended!
  • The Penn State Health Matters program offers lots of classes every semester at a very reasonable rate for grad students, faculty, and staff (read: no undergrads).

Gyms 

  • Zumba  is offered through the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center, and the teacher, Teresa Soler, is FANTAStic
  • Campus rec facilities provide an economical and potentially convenient option, but be prepared to wait in line for equipment.
  • There are many options for you in State College. Check for student discounts at Lotus Center or Lila Yoga downtown, or check out free sessions offered through the Spiritual Center, the Health Center, or sometimes at Appalachian Outdoors.
  • CrossFit Nittany is 10-15 minutes from campus but worth the drive! This welcoming community consists of many PSU students and friends, and the coaches are very knowledgeable.

Grocery Stores

  • Giant: north and east of DT–two locations
  • McLanahan’s: in DT– not necessarily full-service and pricier but convenient, also offers lunch counter/take out meals
  • Trader Joe’s: north of DT
  • Wegman’s: north of Downtown,  offers a wide selection of organic and even some local products
  • Weis: south of DT– two locations

Grocery Store alternatives

 CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture)

Good Eats

  • The Ale House — Toftrees area, live music/piano bar
  • Café Laura — Restaurant where Penn State students plan, market, prepare, and serve all the food.
  • Cozy Thai / My Thai
  • The Diner — State College landmark for breakfast foods and the famous grilled stickies (think Perks of Being a Wallflower)
  • Elk Creek in Millheim (local brew, local food, local music and concerts every weekend with different bands than you’ll find in SC, good for weekend brunch)
  • Fiddlehead — Specialty and build your own salads and soups. Vegetarian friendly
  • Golden Wok
  • Green Bowl — Vegan and vegetarian friendly Mongolian bar-b-que.
  • Happy Valley Brewing Company
  • Herwig’s Austrian Bistro — Homestyle Austrian cuisine and Gemütlichkeit.
  • India Pavilion
  • Order Up! — Menus for various local restaurants, order online, delivery even to Armsby
  • Otto’s — Local brewery and food
  • Sakura — Good sushi
  • Waffle Shop — State College breakfast/brunch favorite. Cash only.
  • Whiskers — Bar and pub fare with a limited vegan menu located within the Nittany Lion Inn.

Coffee Shops by Proximity to Armsby

  • At night, coffee is hard to find, so be prepared!
  • Au Bon Pain across the street in the Visual Arts Building
    • Monday – Thursday 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
    • Friday 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • The Berkey Creamery one block over on Curtin.
    • Monday – Thursday 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
    • Friday 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
    • Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
    • Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
  • The HUB
    • coffee and assorted fast food, varies
  • MacKinnon’s Cafe on the lower level of the library
    • call 814-865-9380 for hours or menu
  • Au Bon Pain in the Kern Graduate Building
    • Monday – Thursday 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
    • Friday 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Coffee Around Town

  • Callao Cafe — Good N. Atherton option, near Dairy Queen
  • Ingle Bean —  In Millheim good/local food, gluten free options, coffee
  • Irving’s — Across from Allen Street bus stop, sandwiches/bagels, and free refills on coffee
  • Lemont Cafe — Delicious coffee and local/homemade light foods
  • Saints — Gluten free, best light, small space can get crowded during busy times, $1 refills
  • Webster’s — Good/local food, gluten free options, coffee, also a used book and record store

Bars for Grad Students

Recreation

Outdoors

  • Quick hikes: Mt. Nittany in Lemont; Shingletown Gap in Boalsburg; Bear Meadows on 322
  • Fisherman’s Paradise and connecting State Gamelands, turn left off the Shiloh Road exit on I-99 coming from State College
  • Hiking/Outdoor groups
  • There are several mountain bikers in the department, who occasionally coordinate rides together.
  • Check out campus Adventure Rec! They coordinate many trips through the semester, from white water rafting to kayaking to climbing to hikes or camping, at steeply discounted prices for students.
  • Appalachian Outdoors downtown is a great place to buy gear locally, and they also have tons of information on local opportunities.

 

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