For our family, Penn State isn’t just a school—it’s a tradition. I grew up a huge fan, watching football games on Saturdays with my dad, cheering them on, and even had the thrill of cheerleading in the Big33 game in high school and meeting the legendary Joe Paterno. My husband, Matt, is equally devoted, with both of his parents and his sister being alumni! In fact, his parents even had their first date at the iconic Corner Room. So, while we often visit State College for football weekends, this fall, we decided to discover the magic of this charming town on a non-game weekend.
It turned into the perfect family getaway, blending our deep Penn State roots with new adventures for our four young kids. Best of all? We got to connect with our niece, a bright sophomore at Penn State, making this a true family affair and an unforgettable Pennsylvania weekend trip. As a bonus, the drive was only about three hours from our home outside of Philadelphia!
Day 1: Modern Luxury and Delicious BBQ Bliss
We started our easy family road trip from outside Philadelphia and arrived in State College, PA, late Friday evening. After the three-hour drive, the seamless check-in at the Hotel State College was a welcome relief. We were immediately greeted by Joyce, who helped coordinate our stay and graciously assisted us with our luggage — a major win when traveling with four kids!
We stepped into our newly renovated room, and it was stunning. The space featured sleek, mid-century modern furniture complemented by thoughtful vintage accents, like a retro refrigerator and radio. The real showstopper, however, was the luxury bathroom—complete with temperature-controlled heated floors, heated toilet seats, a bidet, and multiple shower heads. This was a slice of spa-like heaven on our State College family vacation. Our window overlooked Allen Street, showcasing the beautiful orange and yellow fall leaves—a perfect backdrop as we unwound.
For dinner, we opted for a quick, late-night bite from the delicious Bill Pickle’s Tap Room located right on the property. The smoked BBQ style was incredible:
- Matt devoured the El Loco (chopped brisket, queso sauce, beer onions, Green Chili Verde).
- I indulged in the Punch and Fluff (pulled pork, tangy slaw, sweet BBQ sauce).
Day 2: Nittany Views, Classic Treats, and High-End Dining
We kicked off Saturday with a quintessential Penn State experience: breakfast at The Corner Room, conveniently connected right downstairs to the hotel. It’s a Penn State institution and a true piece of local history (since 1926!). We were there for one thing: the famous Grilled Stickies, which were an absolute hit with the kids! I enjoyed a classic eggs and bacon breakfast, Matt built his own omelet, and the delicious lattes were just the fuel we needed for our day.
Family Adventures in State College
Our adventure-packed itinerary proved State College is incredibly family-friendly even when the focus isn’t football:
PSU Shopping Spree: We strolled down College Avenue, shopping for some new Penn State gear, specifically knit caps for our upcoming hike later that day. The sheer volume of PSU swag in the shops kept the kids entertained.
Hiking Mount Nittany: We met up with our niece and headed to Mount Nittany for a hike up to the summit, overlooking State College. This was a new adventure for us, and it was wonderful to enjoy the crisp fall weather with family. As an added highlight, a friendly neighbor at the trailhead set up elaborate, motion-activated Halloween decorations—spiders, a growling bear, and hanging bats—that scared and entertained every hiker. It was a wholesome moment that really showcased the great sense of Happy Valley community.
The Penn State Creamery: After working up an appetite, we rushed back to campus for a mandatory stop at the Penn State Berkey Creamery! This is always a family favorite for their amazing ice cream. Matt loved reliving his childhood memories with the famous cheese curds, too. This is a great stop if you’re exploring family travel destinations.
An Elegant Dinner at Allen Street Grill
After unwinding and freshening up, we dressed for a phenomenal dinner at the elegant Allen Street Grill. The atmosphere was modern, yet cozy, and the food and cocktails were incredible.
- Appetizers: We enjoyed the rich BUFALA MOZZARELLA and the exquisite JAPANESE A5 WAGYU CARPACCIO—a true indulgence.
- Main Courses: Matt, a big seafood lover, got the delicious PAELLA DE MARISCO (sofrito, crawfish, shrimp, lump crab, mussels, chorizo, green pigeon peas, saffron salsita). I had the mouth-watering CORNISH GAME HEN (pommes aligot, braised kale, roasted chestnut stuffing, mushroom stout gravy). They were also happy to accommodate the kiddos with classic, simple dishes.
Day 3: Campus History and THON Spirit
Sunday morning began with a sense of calm. We went back to our beloved Corner Room to enjoy another round of the famous Grilled Stickies. We grabbed a corner booth before the morning rush to really slow down and enjoy the scenery. This downtime gave us a chance to share stories and laughs from our busy Saturday before heading out for one last day of State College sightseeing.
Iconic Penn State Stops
Old Main & The Lion Shrine: We walked across the street to Old Main where the kids got to run and play. We then made our way to the Lion Shrine, arguably the most photographed spot on campus, to get our family portrait!
THON 5K: Our hearts were full as we cheered on the thousands of students and supporters participating in the Dance Marathon (THON) 5K. The kids loved supporting the Penn State THON effort to fight childhood cancer. It was a powerful reminder of the incredible dedication and sense of community at this university. If you’re inspired, please consider donating to support finding a cure for childhood cancer.
The Squirrel and Acorn Bookshop: Before heading home to Philadelphia, we stopped at The Squirrel and Acorn Bookshop to pick up some books. It was the cutest, most welcoming independent bookstore for all ages, and the kids loved having their own area to pick out new books.
Final Thoughts: The Perfect Family Getaway
Our trip proved that State College, PA, is a perfect family destination, even on non-football weekends. The vibe was enjoyable, relaxed, and full of things to do for all ages. From the luxury of the Hotel State College and its renovated accommodations to the delicious local food and the challenging hike up Mount Nittany, we found countless ways to make lasting family memories. We Are…already planning our return!