Weekend Getaways

Weekend Getaways : Black Moshannon State Park

Black Moshannon State Park- Just a 27 minute drive from State College, PA is a 3,480 Acre Pennsylvania State Park in Centre County. Black moshannon forest and wetlands provide recreational opportunities for all visitors!

Wondering how Black Moshannon got it's name? The "black" in the park name describes the tea-colored waters. The 250-acre Black Moshannon Lake is fed by clear springs and small streams which flow through the bogs that stretch in most directions from its shores. As the clear water flows through the moss and other wetland plants, it becomes colored by plant tannins.

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Weekend Getaways: The Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes region of New York – just three hours from State College and Penn State – offers a variety of activities for the perfect weekend getaway.

Perhaps best known for its wine industry, there’s plenty of craft breweries to keep your trip exciting. For those interested in local New York libations, we recommend the Craft Your Adventure craft beverage tour.

This self-guided adventure has a variety of stops, meaning you’re bound to find a new favorite beverage on the trip! Enjoy beautiful lakeside views, fun events with live music, food trucks, tasting rooms and more on this fantastic excursion.

While libations are popular in the area, so are the natural attractions. Stretching over 950 miles, the Finger Lakes Trail is probably one of the longest hiking trails you never knew existed. The trail can be accessed from a number of spots,...

Weekend Getaways: Allegheny National Forest and beyond

Just over two hours from State College and Penn State University is the Allegheny National Forest, an outdoor lover's paradise. 

Covering approximately 517,000 square acres, the forest lies in the heart of Pennsylvania’s oil and gas region and is the only National Forest located within the state.

Early settlers cleared the land for agriculture, but the lumber industry soon followed. Deforestation caused wildfires and floods, and by 1900 most wildlife was eliminated due to overhunting.

The Forest Service began managing the land that is now the Allegheny National Forest in 1923, and things began to change for the better.

Today, forests have regrown and animal populations have rebounded. The forest — which includes the Allegheny Reservoir —...

Weekend Getaways: Harrisburg & beyond

Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, sits on the Susquehanna River about a 1.5-hour drive from State College and Penn State University.

This small city (pop. 49,528 city/574,659 metro) is the perfect weekend getaway, offering a variety of nightlife, cultural attractions and more, ideal for couples or the whole family.

In the warmer months take in a minor league baseball game on City Island, located in the middle of the Susquehanna River just a short walk from downtown. You could always take in city views on your way to the island while riding the Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat, which offers a number of themed rides throughout the year. Additional recreational pursuits can be found on the island, including miniature golf, arcade games, batting cages and a city beach.

If the weather works in your favor, continue the fun at Penn National Race Course, located a short drive from...

Weekend Getaways: Gettysburg and Adams County

Adams County, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone: From national historic sites to wineries and antiques, it’s easy to spend a weekend getting lost in the area’s history and culture.

Located just two hours from Penn State's main campus and best known as the home of the Battle of Gettysburg, over 23,000 soldiers perished here in the largest conflict ever fought in the Western Hemisphere. This monumental battle site is memorialized throughout the Gettysburg National Military Park, which protects and interprets the 1863 battlegrounds.

We recommend stopping at the museum and visitors center first. This beautiful facility houses the famous 1884 Gettysburg Cyclorama and includes artifacts like cannons, firearms, uniforms and more. There’s also a gift shop and restaurant.

This is a great place to start your day: Grab a map and head out to the historic battlefield on your own private auto tour, or take one of the many...