It’s that time of year again… the season of expressing love. If you’re short on words or short on time, rest assured that Downtown State College Improvement District is here to help. Keep reading to see a sampling of what downtown State College has to offer you and your loved one this February 14th.
We Deserve This…
It might be time for you two to pamper yourselves. Enjoy a Valentine’s Day of luxury by signing up for a Couples Escape Deluxe Spa Package at Designer’s Denn Salon & Spa. It includes a private sauna, hour-long massage, facial cleanse AND is served with champagne, hot spiced chai, and Ghirardelli chocolates! For dinner, make a reservation at Federal Taphouse or The Tavern. Giving a gift from Miska & Reini Goldsmiths and Jewelers would tie the bow on this upscale Valentine’s rendez-vous.
For The Fitness Lovers…
If you would rather pass on the sweets, schedule an exercise class for you and your significant other to take together. F45 State College offers high-intensity cardio and strength-training workouts throughout the day. To refuel afterwards, walk over to Salud Juicery for a refreshing smoothie or Café Verve for a completely vegan meal. A perfect gift for the health and/or environmentally-conscious partner is a Downtown State College Gift Card, valid at over 100 businesses downtown INCLUDING restaurants with locally-grown products, such as Deli Restaurant, Green Bowl and Inferno.
The Classic Valentine’s…
A timeless date is dinner and a show. Fortunately for you, there are plenty of shows happening the Valentine’s Weekend for you and your loved one to enjoy. The Basement Nightspot will continue to host Wisecrackers Comedy Show on February 15th and 16th at 7:00pm. Put a charitable twist on your classic date by seeing The State Theatre’s Rock the 80’s Benefit Concert for Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund. The show is on Saturday, February 16th at 7pm. Tickets for both shows can be purchased online. Keep your gifts simple by buying flowers from one of downtown’s florists: Avant Garden or Woodring’s Floral Gardens.
Bring it Home…
Maybe the best thing you could do with your significant other is spend quality time together at home. Stop by Sweet Tooth Bakery or Gemelli Bakers on your way home for a freshly baked dessert and order-in from Brothers Pizza New York Style or Snap Custom Pizza for dinner once you get there. Make the evening extra special by setting the tone with some music from The Music Underground or Webster’s Bookstore Café or Alley Cat Music. A sweet-smelling gift to go along with your sweet-treats would be candles from Home Reflections or Kitchen Kaboodle. Plus, you could put them to use right away!
Adventure Seekers…
For the more adventurous folks in love with each other, consider stopping by Appalachian Outdoors for their First Friday event on February 1st. Skydive Happy Valley is one of many vendors presenting, along with Mount NitaNee Kombucha, ABC Chiropractic, and Kid Tech. Before you hit the trails, load up on all of your biking needs and have a proper fitting at Freeze Thaw Cycles. Don’t forget to stop by Rapid Transit Sports where their experts will put you in a new pair of running shoes for your next outdoor adventure date!
For the Kids…
Take the kids out on the town! Show your children some love by exploring one of Downtown State College’s toy stores. If your kid needs a cuddle buddy this Valentine’s, go to Animal Kingdom for a plush stuffed animal. Growing Tree Toys is another, specializing in educational toys to inspire childhood growth and creativity. You can also find “the perfect comic” at Comic Swap, Inc. in a vast collection spanning from Marvel to Toon Tumblers. End the day with a sweet treat for your little ones…Duck Donuts is the perfect stop and is certain to put a smile on their face!
Blue & White Valentine…
Throw a blue and white spin on the traditionally pink and red holiday with gifts from these retailers: Lion’s Pride, The Family Clothesline, and The Student Bookstore. Each one has a variety of PSU-inspired apparel and souvenirs that will let you prove your love for Penn State and for your significant other! For the glory, for Valentine’s Day.
Treat Yourself…
Valentine’s Day is always a good time of year for self-care. Men and women can spoil themselves with some “fine clothing for him and her” from Harpers. Ladies – spruce up your closet by visiting Connections Clothing or Ethereal for some fashion-forward attire. Afterwards, complete your look with shoes from Barefoot Shoes and you’re ready for anything. You do you this year!
Artsy Hearts…
If you enjoy walking past the murals and sculptures featured outside in Downtown State College, consider making a date inside at one of our indoor galleries! Douglas Albert Gallery has paintings, jewelry, home décor, and hand blown glass and sculpture on display, and Art Alliance Gallery Downtown and the Woskob Family Gallery have exhibitions every day for you and your significant other to peruse. Get creative yourself by visiting The Nittany Quill. Customize stationery and write a letter to a long-distance family member or friend to let them know you care!
Regardless of how you celebrate love or who you celebrate it with, hold hands and wander the streets downtown this Valentine’s Day. There is plenty to do and Downtown State College Improvement District is happy to be your guide! Visit our office on Fraser Street or call us at (814) 238-7004.
