As a transfer student, it was imperative to me upon picking up my life and moving from Texas to State College, to explore the Penn State area as soon as I settled in. I was excited by the array of food or drink and the entertainment venues downtown State College had to offer. One encompassing article with a blurb about my experience at all these various settings was not enough, so I have created a “Stalking State” series where I can give an inside look into these venues and also credit each of these small businesses. Let’s start at the beginning with the first exceptional dwelling I stumbled upon.
While looking for a cozy place to get some work done that was not as dismal as the library, I discovered Webster’s Bookstore and Café on East Beaver Avenue. I saw a sign outside advertising records and was instantly drawn in. I was not the owner of a record player, but they are pretty retro and thus “cool.” Therefore, a bookstore selling records must be ultra-cool. Webster’s is easy to miss it is next door to Uncle Eli’s Artist Marketplace and Gift Emporium with a small entrance leading downstairs. It was immediately apparent that this was more than a bookstore-café, but a hipster haven. I descended the stairs, hesitating to read the walls covered in ads about yoga or tutoring while students lugging guitars and backpacks entered past me and found myself in a venue much larger than I had imagined.
I heard the familiar churn of a coffee machine brewing from a café in the back and saw a stage and large sitting area past aisles of books. The walls were covered in strange art – dark paintings and vivid photography. I knew I could easily spend a whole afternoon here. I navigated the bookshelves of varying heights, stopping to read a vegan cookbook, and thumbed through old records in bins with bands my generation wears on graphic tees but could not name a single song from. There were people of all ages around me. It was not crowded, but definitely not empty. It was also not too loud and not too quiet; this could easily be my new favorite mellow study spot. Music I had never heard before was playing through speakers and as one song became another, I knew the playlist would be completely new to me. Each song was radically different from the last, yet somehow still fit the atmosphere of what I had already determined was a totally electric café.
I followed my nose to the baked goods and purchased a vegan cranberry muffin and one of the best coffees I had yet to find in State College from a delightful barista. Since I bought something, I could get the Wi-Fi password. I parked myself next to a painting I could not wrap my head around and began my work. Distracted by the décor, I eavesdropped on two girls gossiping over their coffee or tea in obscure (for lack of a better word) ceramic mugs I have since learned you can keep on the shelves at Webster’s if you are a member. I also watched as an older man and woman, most likely professors, discuss their lectures and a younger guy tuned his guitar next to the stage. I assumed he would play soon and he did. This was my first Webster’s Noontime Lunch and Homegrown Tunes experiences, which happens every Thursday by two local artists. I loved watching everyone’s chatter die down and their attention turn to the music.
People’s daily routines were unfolding all around me, but it had a more authentic feel than when I found myself surrounded by college students discussing basic things in a basic Starbucks. That routine can get old fast. This is what it feels like to be inspired, I thought to myself. Nothing miraculous had to be going on, but just getting outside of my comfort zone and finding myself alone and aware of a new corner of State College culture was enough to encourage me to keep coming back.
Since my great first impression at Webster’s, I have been returning without a disappointing experience for weeks. The menu is great for snacking or a light lunch and they have plenty of options for vegetarians/vegans. They have many dietary accommodations, so those who find dining out difficult in State College are safe to come here. Their drinks are made with fair-trade organic coffee and served in 100% biodegradable cups. Webster’s also hosts events, which you can find out about by subscribing to their email newsletter. From open mics and slam poetry readings to tango dance lessons and book clubs, Webster’s is a jack-of-all-trades every Penn State student should check out.
How funny is it that a small detour from my daily routine would lead me down a rabbit hole into a new hot spot I had yet to realize existed at Penn State. Not only had I happened upon an ice latte far cheaper and better than any Starbucks could provide, I had also found a whole new world of people, music and culture. For this reason, I encourage everyone to step outside of his or her comfort zone. Do not miss opportunities for inspiration, especially when a campus like Penn State provides endless places to get motivated. Take a new route to class or build time into your schedule to try new restaurants and check out hole-in-the-wall venues. You will not be disappointed.
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