Celebrating Penn State Pride

Traditions, pictures, and memorabilia are only some of the ways to celebrate your Penn State Pride.  Most people treasure sitting on the lion to take a picture or going to a football dressed in blue and white.  However, there are tons of other Penn State traditions and images that can show your pride for the university.

There are lots of reasons for people to visit or move to the Happy Valley, but at the top of the list has got to be the university for which the town is named.
For current students, alumni, and natives, the spirit of Penn State is a commonality that helps tie all parts of college and community together.

“Unlike some college towns where the residents and the students stay separate, State College and Penn State are closely intertwined,” said Carla Jeremias, Board Member for the State College Quarterback Club. “Many students visiting Penn State have remarked on the level of support from both the campus and community. And Penn State is something of which students and residents can all be proud.”

Those making a pilgrimage to Penn State, from near or far, have a number of destinations they can visit to “wave the blue and white” and celebrate the spirit of PSU – some of which are more well known then others.

The first stop for any school spirit trip should be the famous Nittany Lion Shrine, said to be the most photographed site on campus, according to the University. The Nittany Lion is a gift from the class of 1940 and sculpted from Limestone by Heinz Warneke.


Alumni come from all over the U.S. to sit on the powerfully crouching lion’s back and pose for pictures. On a nice day, it’s not uncommon for there to be a line for such photo opportunities.
The Nittany Lion Shrine is located on the University Park campus near the Recreation Building (otherwise known as the Rec Hall) on Curtin Rd. between North Atherton and Burrowes, so when you’re done with your own photo op you can follow Curtin to the Penn State Berkey Creamery or the Palmer Art Museum. The museum entrance is flanked by two huge bronze lion paws modeled after the original statue.

 Alternately, you can walk across the street from the Lion Shrine to enjoy a sporting event at Penn State’s Rec Hall. Completed in 1928, the building has hosted more than 20 collegiate national championships and was home to all of Penn State’s indoor sports programs, including retired programs like the Penn State Rifle and Boxing teams.

Today, Rec Hall is home to Penn State men’s & women’s gymnastics, men’s & women’s volleyball, men's and women's soccer, and men’s wrestling. It offers two gymnasiums, 14 racquetball courts, 10 squash courts, and indoor track, aerobics room, fitness center, and weight room. It also has a trove of banners and trophies of athletic victories from days gone by, such as the five national championships won in Rec Hall for boxing (1929 and 1932), wrestling (1953) and men's gymnastics (1960 and 2007).

To experience the “True Legends of Blue & White” visit the Penn State Athletics All-Sports Museum. Set just outside of the legendary Beaver Stadium, the museum lets you experience first-hand the achievements of one of the most accomplished university athletics programs in the nation.

The Penn State All-Sports Museum is a two-level, 10,000 sq. ft. facility that offers rare archival images, floor-to-ceiling visuals, historic athletic equipment, and trophies such as the fabled Heisman Trophy, won by John Cappelletti in 1973. The inspirational stories and legacy of victory are enough to get the whole family in the Penn State spirit.

The museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day of the week with extended hours for game days. The suggested donation for admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children.
Of course, the nearly 160 year old university has much to offer beyond athletics.

When you’re done basking in the glory of the Blue and White, try one of the other campus’ attractions, such as the Bryce Jordan Center, a 16,000 seat facility which hosts some of the top music and comedy performers; the Joel N. Myers Weather Center which is a veritable playground for the weather buff; the famous Penn State Berkey Creamery and the aforementioned Palmer Art Museum, a free-admission museum with over 6,000 works of art in its permanent collection. 

For more information please see HappyValley.

Nice and Cold: Local Ice Cream Spots

This weather is making everyone burn up, and ice cream is a popular way to cool down.  Homemade ice cream is plentiful in the mountains of Happy Valley.  There are some great local places that offer tons of flavors that are close to Penn State.  Keep reading to find out some of the local favorites and what they have.

Cool down with these great place to get ice cream. State College has some of your best place to get homemade ice cream in all different types of flavors. Since this is cow country, why not try locally made ice cream. Try a cone at Meyer Dairy Store or at Penn State's very own Berkey Creamery. If you're looking for a little more variety or flavor, try a smoothie at Irving's or delicious Rita's Italian ice; both located in downtown State College. In the mood for a sundae or banana split, try one from the extensive menu at Happy Valley Freez.

Meyer Dairy Store is not simply an ice cream shop but also a trading post where farmers and patrons can enjoy some of the freshest produce around. Meyer Dairy Store makes all of their ice cream with fresh milk from their very own cows that graze right behind their store. Located just up S. Atherton Street, Meyer Dairy has convenient parking and also a cozy picnic area to spend time with the family on sunny days. Inside is a glimpse of the old world and Meyer has even put an entire buggy right by the dining. With it's sleek paint and impressive woodwork, learn about Meyer family history while enjoying an after-meal cone, sundae or milkshake.

In a rush and can't make it to the grocery store but really, really want ice cream? Meyer Dairy has all of your produce and baked goods that you could find at any farmer's market. Year-round Meyer Dairy Store is well-stocked with eggs, milk, cheese, ice cream and even whoopee pies. Enjoy timeless Pennsylvania with this one-stop shop that has all of your shopping needs.

When prospective students come to Penn State they are told about Old Main, the Lion Shrine, Penn State Football and of course Penn State Berkey Creamery ice cream. The Creamery is known for it's ice cream, sherbets and cheeses which are sold throughout the country. The Creamery remains the largest university creamery with 4.5 million pounds of milk pass through the Creamery's holding tanks. Penn State Creamery is located on campus so you can enjoy some of your favorite Penn State spots while enjoying delicious ice cream. Of course, the Creamery is never short on ice cream, two continuous freezers each produce 250 gallons of ice cream that creates a frozen concoction complete with frozen fruits or nuts. But get their early, on a football weekend the Creamery will dip several thousand cones and during the summer months the lines will extend out the doors as people wait their turn at the tubs of ice cream. Of course, the Creamery remains popular throughout the country and has served these elite individuals including former president Bill Clinton, former Pittsburgh Steeler Franco Harris and even the entire Cast of Cirque de Soleil.

Looking for the same chill as ice cream but a little more fruity flavor. The small coffee shop located Irving's, on E. College Ave., is famous for their summer smoothies. Enjoy tropical flavors such as "Joe Papaya," "Laguna Peach," or "Crazz Pizzazz."All smoothies are fresh, made with whole fruit and are simply as delicious as they sound. An Irving's smoothie is a great compliment to spend your afternoon shopping during the hot summer months. Looking for a blend of ice cream and fruit but can't seem to get the right texture? Enjoy Rita's Italian Ice where all of the Italian ice is much smoother than a snow cone. Each Italian ice is made fresh and you can enjoy dozens of deliciously refreshing flavors. Enjoy a fresh frozen treat, enjoy a frozen custard cone and add some sprinkles, hot fudge or caramel. Enjoy a signature Rita's "Blendini" and choose your favorite custard and blend it with your favorite candy treat.

Looking for the complete, sit-down restaurant that also has great ice cream, sundaes and milkshakes? Try Happy Valley Freez, conveniently located underneath Urban Outfitters, where you can eat outside on a cool, shaded patio. Happy Valley Freez's sundaes are a great end to a meal or maybe even a meal themselves. Enjoy hot fudge sundaes, banana splits, parfaits, and even a strawberry boat. All sundaes come with or without whipped cream, a cherry and even a few nuts if you so choose. Enjoy a cone of ice cream, or an ice cream sandwich and top it all off with one of 30 flavors of ice cream that can be mixed. Then, turn any one those 30 flavors into a malted milkshake or a Boston Milkshake where a sundae is put right on top of the milkshake. Enjoy!

For more information go to Happy Valley.

Games, Rides, and Food at Local Amusement Parks

Summer boredom is starting to kick in, and everyone is looking for something to do.  Driving down the road a little bit, and there are amusement parks for everyone to enjoy right near Happy Valley.  The great thing about these parks is that they are affordable for everyone.  Go carts, water slides, and and carnival food are all waiting for you at DelGrosso's Amusement Park, Tussey Mountain, Knoebels Amusement Park, and the Grange Fair.

There are several affordable amusement parks located not far from the State College area.
DelGrosso’s Amusement Park, in Tipton, Pa., remains the only permanent amusement park in the Happy Valley region. 

DelGrosso’s has rides for all ages and heights and is sure to be fun for the entire family. Enjoy everything from roller coasters to the splash of waterslides featured at Tipton Waterworks and what’s an amusement park without food? DelGrosso’s features some of the best local food including Murf ’s delicious potato salad, fresh pizza, fresh roast beef, and even DelGrosso’s very own sausage.  If it’s late in the evening, enjoy one of the free concerts featured at DelGrosso’s throughout the summer.

The DelGrosso’s water park features Tipton Waterworks, a wading pool for kids and adults alike, along with Tipton Rapids water slides. The water slides are twisted mazes that send patrons screaming through tunnels on inflated rafts. “Gravity Groove” will actually propel you uphill and “Midnight Express” tunneled water slides will be sure to have your adrenaline pumping. The water park is a great way for the everyone in your family to cool-off in the hot summer sun. DelGrosso’s also features a wide variety of fun rides available to all-ages and sizes.

Prices: All-Day Fun Pass Rides & Water Park $16.95 or save-a buck with the Sundowner Fun Pass (the Evening Special after 5pm Monday-Friday, not valid July 4th) $9.95 DelGrosso’s is roughly 35 minutes from State College via I-99. For more information: delgrossos.com


Spend a nice afternoon at Tussey Mountain where you can find many fun-filled activities that are a perfect way to enjoy any day of the week. Practice your short game with mini-golf, or if you are still learning golf, try your hand at Tussey’s Par-3 golf course. Great for beginners, par-3 golf is the perfect way to practice your short game or those frustrating chip shots.

Hop on the go-karts and race your friends at Tussey Mountain. The track is perfect to rent for your fraternity, birthday party or corporate social gathering as the go-karts are definitely great for team-building. Take a crack at it, and practice your swing at one of Tussey Mountain’s batting cages.
Also, Tussey Mountain maintains a driving range, a skate park, and a fishing pond. All activities are weather permissible. Too hot to spend time in the sun? Enjoy one of Tussey Mountain’s many concerts at the Tussey Mountain Amphitheater. Whether it’s jazz or country, Tussey Mountain’s Amphitheater is the perfect place to spread a blanket and enjoy a warm summer evening.

This summer, Tussey Mountain, is set to feature legendary country musician Randy Travis on July 20 and alternative-rock band Toad the Wet Sprocket on July 27. Tussey also will host WingFest, the State College Brew Expo and will feature its “Movies on the Mountain” program where guests can watch popular movies for just $1 under the stars. tusseymountain.com 

If you come to Happy Valley one time this summer, it would be to experience the world-famous Grange Fair, August 23-30 in Centre Hall, Pa. The Grange Fair remains “One of the Nation’s Most Unique County Fairs” and for good reason.

The Grange Fair began 136 years ago when Leonard Rhone organized the Grange Organization in which neighbors and residents alike would have a picnic. Today, the Grange Fair has grown to feature over 950 tents where families will camp-out for the week in addition to 1300 RV’s, hundreds of concessions, over 7,000 exhibit items, amusement rides, livestock, tractor pulling and much, much more. Competition exhibits also feature some of the most talented artists, craftsmen, cooks, and bakers around. The fair also hosts some of the top names in entertainment. The best part is, everything is included in admission at the entrance to the fair.

Available for all ages the carnival has something for everyone. Enjoy the soothing breeze and terrific view at the top of the Ferris Wheel. Or try a more extreme ride that will spin you, flip you, and whirl you until you can’t walk in a straight line.

The Grange Fair would not be complete without music. This year’s, 2012, headlining acts at the Grange Fair’s Grandstand includes David Nail, Sandi Patty, The Letterman, Kip Moore and lastly Surf ’s Up! (a surf-rock tribute to the Beach Boys). General admission season ticket is $15.00, while a single admission, one-day pass is $6.00. Parking, by vehicle, is $3.00 a day, and $10.00 for the week. RVs and campers, but no tents, is $25 a day. WiFi is available but pets are not allowed on the Fair Grounds. For more information see the Grange Fair’s official website: grangefair.net

Knoebels Amusement Park is located about an hour and 40 minutes from State College via Interstate 80 in Elysburg, Pa. However, it’s certainly worth the drive. After all, Knoebels is America’s largest free-admission amusement park where parking and entertainment is also free. Knoebels is home to all sorts of rides. Knoebels has children’s rides, thrill rides, family rides and more. It has several wooden roller coasters, one of which is “The Phoenix,” which has been rated as the No. 2 Wooden Coaster in the world. You can also cool off at Knoebels Crystal Pool and there is also a water area nearby for small children. Knoebels features terrific food as it has been the recipient of the Golden Ticket Award for best theme park food for 14 consecutive years.

For more information on these summer getaways go to HappyValley.com.

Seeing Happy Valley From the Air

Happy Valley is a place that is loved by Penn State Alumni and State College residents.  So, have you ever thought about seeing Happy Valley from a different point of view?   It is a great summertime trip, and gives you a view from the air that you have never had before.

Happy Valley is well known for its surrounding natural beauty. Its rolling hills and mountains, lined with luscious green trees that crowd the mountainsides. Its numerous lakes and streams are some of the most pristine you will find. Even when the weather is stormy, it’s a wonder to see the clouds roll in over the mountains in the distance.

Most of the residents and visitors are used to looking up at the mountains and standing alongside the lakes and streams. Yet, while we are constantly engaged with the beauty, perhaps we take it for granted because it’s always the same view.

Well, what if you could have a different view? A view where you would be looking down and not up at this splendid central Pennsylvania haven. And a view where you wouldn’t simply see one area, but all of it at once.

Well, you’re in luck. There are three different companies in the Centre County region that take guests up, up and away through theskies over Happy Valley and deliver astonishing views. In addition, these three companies, Skydive Happy Valley, The Sky’s the Limit Ballooning and Pine Bottom Aviation, offer a diverse selection of ways to soar through the sky.

Skydive Happy Valley
If you’re looking for the ultimate adrenaline rush, look no further than Skydive Happy Valley. You’ll get a birds-eye view of LionCountry when you and your instructor jump out of the plane at about 10,000 feet. The adrenaline rush kicks in as you hit terminal velocity (125mph) during 35 seconds of freefall before your chute opens and steers through the sky for 5 minutes before landing.
Skydive Happy Valley’s instructors are certified by the United States Parachute Association and have combined experience of more than 9,000 jumps. For a fee, your skydive be recorded, so you can share your experience with friends and family.

There are certain restrictions that must be followed. Skydive Happy Valley’s website states that participants must be at least 18years of age and weigh no more than 235 pounds. Skydive Happy Valley is based out of the Mifflin County Airport, just 30 minutes from the StateCollege Area. For more information visit SkydiveHappyValley.com
For those who are looking for a more tranquil way to get a birds-eye view of the Valley, The Sky’s 

The Limit Ballooning is the perfect option. Gather your closest friends and family and step into the basket of a hot air balloon. Then enjoy the slow lift up off the groundand ascent into the Happy Valleyskies more than 3,000 feet above ground.
The Sky’s The Limit offers trips to the sky year-round with the exceptions of several weather conditions. Balloons do not fly in rain, fog, snow or wind above six miles per hour according to The Sky’s The Limit’s website.

At The Sky’s The Limit, its name says it all. There is no limit as to where you may soar through the skies. There is also no telling where you may end up once the balloon rises and begins to float majestically through the wind stream of Happy Valley. But don’t worry, to ensure a return to the premises, a recovery vehicle follows underneath the balloon and transports the guests back after the ride is over.

The flights last for one hour but the entire trip can take three to four hours. The balloons travel anywhere from two to 15 miles depending on wind speed and direction. Safety precautions are always in procedure before the flight. According to its website, before each flight, the pilot will call for a full weather briefing to determine any weather patterns that could be dangerous. Also, the website says no more than four people can ride in the basket at the same time. Paballoonrides.com

Pine Bottom Aviation
The third way to see Happy Valley from Above is by Pine Bottom Aviation’s helicopter tours.
Buckle up inside an R44 Raven II Helicopter and settle in for one of Pine Bottom’s 30-minute tours that leave from the Altoona/Blair County Airport.

Pine Bottom has been providing helicopter tours since 2006, and during that time has provided 135 charter services and tour flights as well as supporting the local aerial photography and film market.

There’s three members on staff including one certified flightinstructor pilot with 15 years of experience. Guests can choose wherever they would like to fly but popular spots to fly over include Raystown Lake, and the Blue Knob Ski Resort Area. Tours can be extended for additional times if the passengers choose to do so.

As is the case with Skydive Happy Valley and The Sky’s the Limit, weather is a factor in the availability of flights. The helicopters offer a maximum capacity of three people per flight.
Owner Dan Lipko, says often what customers enjoy the most about the tours is: “being able to view the Raystown region from a low level spectacular view afforded from a helicopter.”

To reserve a space, guests should schedule a tour at least one to two weeks in advance.For more information about Pine Bottom Aviation’s charter helicopter rides or tours, visit pinebottomaviation.com

For more information go to:  Happy Valley