Hey, collegiettes! Your new summer tour guide here. If you go to Penn State, it’s safe to assume that most of you live either in or “outside Philly,” you’re a “yinzer” or you’re a good ole townie from State College. Whether or not you’re a member of these areas or just visiting these places for a bit this summer, you can enjoy these hidden gems of each town.
Philadelphia:
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
Take a trip down to Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. Magic Gardens is a, “mosaicked visionary art environment as well as a gallery,” where the artist, Isaiah Zagar, shows off his artwork through expression of colorful glass bottles, mirrors, tiles and old bike wheels. I promise, you’ve never seen anything like it before – it truly is a work of art. More information HERE.
Green Eggs Café
Everyone knows the book, Green Eggs and Ham, but have you ever heard of the Green Eggs Café? Opened every day from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., this little café is home to more than nine different ways to get your eggs as well as a “Kitchen Sink” meal. There are more than enough options for you to choose exactly what you want from this amazing café. You can get anything from an omelet to Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese, which is to die for. More information HERE.
Spruce Street Harbor Park
If you’re like me, my absolute favorite part about the summer is the beach. In Philadelphia, there’s the Spruce Street Harbor Park, which is a large park that is lit up by glow stick-looking lights that hang down from the trees. Enjoy a quiet evening with your love cuddling in the hammocks that hang from the trees or sit and listen to the music that is played during the monthly music shows. You can either enjoy the serenity or take a walk on the other side to explore the boardwalk full of arcades and games. More information HERE.
Pittsburgh:
Pamela’s Diner
If you’re craving some amazing late-night diner food like I usually am, Pamela’s Diner is the place to go! Its marvelous menu ranges from tasty eggs and omelets to their enticing “Carb Corner” complemented by a list of numerous mouthwatering sandwiches – don’t mind if I help myself to the “American” French Toast, which is accompanied by bacon, sausage or ham. More information HERE.
Mattress Factory
Another gem among the rest is the Mattress Factory in Pittsburgh. No, it’s not a warehouse full of the comfy things you sleep on – it’s actually an art gallery. It’s a museum where you are actually part of the art. It has huge rooms you can go into to view different artists’ works and take pictures with the art. So go grab your cameras or iPhones, collegiettes, and check this awesome place out! More information HERE.
Hollywood Theater
Everyone likes to go see a good movie every now and then, and if you happen to find yourself in Pittsburgh, go check out the Hollywood Theater. This theater was built in the 1920s, and they not only run old movies but current ones as well. This is the perfect spot for a first date, second date or just a night out with some friends. You get the feel of the 1920s while watching a film that debuted last week – truly an unforgettable experience. More information HERE.
State College:
Webster’s Bookstore Café
A hidden spot that I didn’t know about until this year was Webster’s Bookstore Café. It’s a small hidden café right next to Uncle Eli’s, which is right near the CATA bus stop. When you walk in, you’re overwhelmed with books and the sweet aroma of coffee. It’s probably the size of the Paterno Library foyer. However, it’s packed with books you can borrow or buy as well as a small café that serves the best soup. There are little tables and booths with a charming stage to watch slam poetry on some days as well. More information HERE.
Saint’s Café
If you thought you knew all of the little secrets of State College, think again! Saint’s Café is the place to go if you’re looking for a calm, laidback spot to drink coffee. Saint’s Café is located on the corner of Kelly Alley and West Beaver Avenue. It’s a cute, quiet and cozy place to get the best dark roasted coffee and soy latte. More information HERE.
State Theatre
Unless you’ve taken some sort of art history class, it’s likely that most of you haven’t been to the State Theatre. Although you probably walk past it every day, this is somewhere you need to visit during your four years here at Penn State. There are actually some really cool things happening at the State Theatre that you wouldn’t know about unless you actually went inside. Within the next couple weeks, there’s a Taj Mahal Trio coming to perform as well as a band called the “Electric Hot Tuna” – a pair of men that play incredible rock music for all to enjoy. So next time you walk past it on your way to class, stop and see what is going on that week. More information HERE.