A Walk in the Park

...Lederer Park that is.


Once the weather starts to break here at Penn State (fingers crossed that it's soon), Lederer Park is a great place to relax -- perfect for de-stressing, especially with finals on the way! I visited the park when we had the bout of warmer, super sunny weather and it was a great place to enjoy a nearby public park.


Located down University Drive, it is not even a mile away from campus. I plan to run there once the weather is favorable. The park itself is a great place to run as well. The sun breaking through the trees is just gorgeous and makes you find a deeper appreciation for nature.


The park, itself, features:

• Walking paths 
• An Arboretum
• 2 picnic pavilions (perfect for warm weather get-togethers + grilling)
• A portable bathroom (because peeing in the woods isn't pleasurable)

(Photo by tomdobbs via Flickr)

Essentially, Lederer Park is a great, nearby spot to relax, read a book, take a walk/run, or just indispensably enjoy.

Rating: 3.5/5 

Where:

1101 University Drive

State College, PA 16801

Elk Creek Cafe + Ale Works

With fresh,  home-brewed beers consisting of names such as Big Trout Oat Stout, WinkleBlink Ale, and Hairy John's IPA, you know from the get-go that this place has got some personality! Elk Creek Cafe + Ale Works is a hidden gem located off of the main street in Millheim, Pa.  About a 20-25 minute drive from State College, this refreshing brew pub is worth the visit.


Elk Creek is committed to the community by supporting local and sustainable farms.


A bit about the beers:

• Eight beers on tap (two being seasonal); all brewed in-house.
• Reasonably priced; $3 a pint; $8 to sample each of the eight beers on tap.
• They are delicious.

Moving on to the food:

• Specializing in Nouveau Dutchie Cuisine, which means their is a focus on local, Central Pennsylvania ingredients and from-scratch preparation.
• The menu includes tapas, sandwiches, salads, and entrees (The Elk Creek Burger was my choice).
• The food is fresh (The burger contained local pasture-raised beef on a Gemelli bun with hand-cut fries and Stone Meadow cheese -Yum!)
• The service is extremely friendly (Mimi had extensive knowledge about the menu as well as a great sense of humor).

A piece on the entertainment:

• Local art decorates the walls.
• On Saturday nights, the cafe turns into a music hall with performances by local authentic Roots, Jazz, and Blues bands (Frog Holler was the band of choice last night).
• Thursday nights are Pub Jam hosted by local musicians.

Everything about Elk Creek Cafe + Ale Works makes you feel comfortably at home. The town of Millheim is very quaint, and a horse and buggy drive-by may even take place as you are on your way to or from dinner. If my blog has not convinced you yet, check out Elk Creek's website: http://www.elkcreekcafe.net/ . And if that does not persuade you to check out this hidden hotspot, you are missing out. 

Rating: 4.5/5 (Solid)

The 411:
Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks
100 West Main Street
PO Box 432
Millheim, PA 16854
(814) 349-8850

The Hours:

Wednesday + Thursday 4 pm - 10 pm

Friday + Satuday        12 pm - 11 pm

Sunday Brunch            11 am - 2 pm

First Stop: Farm Fresh Local Dairy

Meyer Dairy

I don't want to spoil your dinner now, but have you ever been to Meyer Dairy? 

If not, check it out!


Hidden amongst the hustle and bustle of South Atherton Street is a small, quaint farmhouse. Inside awaits the freshest milk and ice cream that I, personally, have ever tasted along with the friendliest employees and patrons.

In the four years that I have been acquainted with State College, the area seems quite loyal to local businesses. A bit about Meyer's history, the store is currently owned by Joseph C. Meyer, Jr. and has been passed down through four generations. To be exact, the Meyer family began their company by delivering milk to homes in horse-drawn carriages in 1887, and in fact, one of the original carriages is still displayed in the dining area of this nostalgic dairy store.

Moving on to a bit about Meyer's products, the ice cream is so different! For all of you who have been to Penn State's Creamery (Of which, I could never bash because their campus-made ice cream is delicious as well) or even Cold Stone or Dairy Queen -- this does not even compare. It is just a different kind of ice cream, but do not be skeptical or scared of different! It is farm fresh (and so fresh you can look out the window and see the cows in the pasture -- the actual cows who provided the cream to make the delectable treat in your cone).

And Meyer Dairy only gets better -- Much of the storefronts unique atmosphere comes from the remeniscence of buying glass bottles of milk and bringing them back to be refilled at a discounted price. Pasteurized in the back of the building, giant vats hold gallons upon gallons of milk. From these vats, the reusable glass jugs are filled and sold. Older generations, who are more familiar with this process, and younger, unfamiliar generations both seem to enjoy the passé techniques of Meyer Dairy.  And who would not mind saving a few pennies by eliminating the price of the container?  

Enough of me rambling on about how much of a fun experience Meyer Dairy is -- Go check it out yourself! I think I am going to go have some ice cream now...

Rating: 5/5 (Yum)

FYI: 

Meyer Dairy

2390 South Atherton Street

State College, PA 16801

(814) 237-1849

Hours: 

Sunday - Thursday 8:30 am - 10:00 pm

Friday - Saturday  8:30 am - 11:00 pm