Take a Stroll and Discover Happy Valley.
The biggest star of UNIV-CON has to be the Penn State campus. One of the largest universities in the country, and home to Joe Paterno and the Nittany Lions, Penn State is used to out-of-town guests.

Penn State has something for everyone. Go shopping downtown, try out some of the famous restaurants, check out museums or just stroll around the campus. We've put together a recommended list of things to do and places to visit during your stay.

Penn State is filled with various different eateries scattered throughout the downtown area.  Many of these locations are a minutes walk away from the conference; and some are even located right in the same building where workshops will be held.  Stay tuned to this section as we are hoping to work with some of the restaurants to get our attendees coupons, specials,

UNIV-CON's Top Restaurant Picks

Allen Street Grill
Meet me at the Corner! A State College Tradition since 1926. Great service with great hospitality! Value meals featured daily, breakfast, lunch, dinner and beyond. Serving PSU Creamery ice cream. The funnest children's menu in town!
MAP

Beulah’s Bar B Que
Beulah's opened it's doors in November 2002 featuring authentic Kansas City Style barbecue. The home style desserts hit the spot every time!
MAP

Duffy’s Tavern
This year we are delighted to have our food catered to us by Duffy’s Tavern.  It is rumored that this restaurant may be haunted.  Will you investigate…their food?
MAP

Hi-Way Pizza
Hi-Way Pizza, established in 1963, has been voted "Best Pizza" in State College for more than 20 years. With over 35 years of tradition, Hi-Way uses the finest ingredients available to make its unique products.

Penn State Sub Shop
A Penn State Tradition. Alumni owned and operated. The best cheese steaks in town - our beef is sliced fresh daily. Premium Boar's Head meat and fresh cut fries. Come in and see our wall of fame!Penn State Sub Shops #1-making you famous 1 bag at a time!
MAP

Penn Lottery
The Pennsylvania Lottery, a beloved statewide tradition, has been enhancing lives and offering fun-filled excitement since 1971. Accessible online and through numerous retail locations, including many spots in State College, the Pennsylvania Lottery offers a wide array of games that promise the thrill of anticipation and the potential for significant cash prizes. It is the only state lottery that designates all its proceeds to programs benefiting older residents.
RESULTS

Masala
State College's finest Indian Cuisine, $6.95 lunch buffet everday, abundant parking, award winning catering for parties, private room available for large groups.
MAP

The Deli Restaurant
The Deli Restaurant, a State College tradition established in 1970, has developed a reputation for award winning food as well as the area's largest menu. Featuring a casual Americana theme, The Deli combines regional favorites with ethnic specialties.
MAP

Mario and Luigi’s Restaurant (Paranormal Plumbers?)
Mario's has become the Italian tradition in State College. Mario's is famous for their original vodka sauce, a delicious tomato cream sauce that goes perfectly with any pasta. Desserts are a specialty as well, from Tiramisu to Italian Rum Cake.
MAP

Cant find what you want here? Click here to view a full listing of restaurants in State College, PA.

Penn State Traditions
Along with the Penn State shops that have been landmarks in State College, below you will find a list of some of the best Penn State traditions that you should surely take some time and experience during your stay here on campus during Univ-Con.

Penn State Creamery (Berkey Creamery)
Getting ice cream at the Creamery has been a tradition since 1896. On football weekends salespeople dip several thousands of cones, and on a summer day, lines extend out the doors as people await their turn at the tubs of ice cream. Visitors are advised not to miss this important stop. Creamery ice cream is so fresh that only four days, on the average, elapse between the cow and your newly dipped cone.

Palmer Museum of Art
The Palmer Museum of Art on the Penn State University Park campus is a free-admission arts resource for the University and surrounding communities in central Pennsylvania. The museum offers an ever-changing array of exhibitions and displays of its permanent collection. With eleven galleries, a print-study room, 150-seat auditorium, and outdoor sculpture garden, the Palmer Museum is a unique cultural resource for residents of and visitors to the region.

Matson Museum of Anthropology
The Matson Museum of Anthropology is located on the second floor of the Carpenter Building, which is located in the northwest corner of the Penn State University Park Campus, near the Nittany Lion Shrine.

The Land-Grant Frescoes
Among the largest works of their kind on any campus, the land-grant frescoes grace the upper walls of Old Main's lobby and pay tribute to the establishment of the University and land-grant education. The idea for a mural embodying a pictorial synthesis of Penn State’s founding and growth originated in the 1930s with three professors of art and architectural history: Harold E. Dickson, J. Burn Helme, and Francis E. Hyslop.

Other Websites

Main site for PSU
Main site for State College
Penn State Visitors Guide