Trip To State College
Hey all,
So, I am trying to plan a trip to Penn State to watch UofM crush the Nitt Kittens. I started looking for places my group could stay and it seems like everything is sold out.
Does anyone have any info on how to grab a couple of rooms? I am also looking at renting an RV and staying by the stadium. Has anyone else does this?
Thanks in advance for the info!
August 10th, 2010 at 12:01 AM ^
August 10th, 2010 at 12:04 AM ^
We stayed in Altoona, I think, when we went in '06. It was a chore finding a room anywhere. That's what you get when State College is in the middle of nowhere and their entire fanbase descends at once into their months-ago-booked lodging.
It was an AWESOME trip, though. Really friendly people, incredible ice cream, great atmosphere for a game.
August 10th, 2010 at 12:40 AM ^
The words "Incredible ice cream" and "Great atmosphere for a game" in the same sentence left me a bit confused. I guess I don't think about ice cream during a college football game.
On the other hand, if you had said, "The beer flavored ice cream was incredible", I would have been OK with that.
August 10th, 2010 at 12:43 AM ^
Penn State, like Michigan State, has a pretty strong agricultural program, and one of their big attractions is The Creamery. It's right on the main drag of campus, and sells ice cream from their dairy program. It's a big part of their gameday experience. And incredibly tasty.
Peachy Paterno in a cone only adds to your tailgating experience, IMO.
August 10th, 2010 at 6:25 AM ^
The Creamery is right on campus, not that far from the stadium. It's a huge tradition to go stand in line after a game to get yourself a cone, even in brisk October weather.
I'd recommend the Toasted Coconut, although Peachy Paterno is probably their best seller.
August 10th, 2010 at 12:17 AM ^
Look into Clearfield. There were rooms there last time I checked.
August 10th, 2010 at 12:20 AM ^
Although I'm staying with high school friends so i'm afraid I can't help you out.
I just want to remind you to bring your halloween costume.
August 10th, 2010 at 12:43 AM ^
I am taking myself and 6 others...We have decided to take a RV from A2... I have everything in place. We decided the up front cost is a little more with a RV, but we don't have to worry about anyone driving back to clearfield (an hour away) drunk. I'm so JACKED and ready to go like yesterday! Have fun and get ur tickets soon!
August 10th, 2010 at 5:17 AM ^
So I'm not sure how old you are so I can't really promise that my experience is relevant to your potential trip, but...I went in '08 (as a sophomore at Michigan). We went in an RV and simply parked in the huge field 15 minutes or so by the stadium. My experience was sort of a mixed bag...there were the typical douchebags that you'd find at any venue, but at the same time there was a number of classy (usually older) fans that came up to me and wished me good luck and a good time in Happy Valley.
We stayed the night in the RV so I can't really help you re: hotels, but you shouldn't have any issues. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience despite the drubbing we received. Beaver Stadium was definitely LOUD (although a little NFL-esque for my taste) but I'm sure you'll have a good time. Good luck with your plans!
August 10th, 2010 at 7:49 AM ^
Can you give me some tips on renting an RV? Company, cost, etc. I wanted to do it for the ND or PSU game leaving from AA.
August 10th, 2010 at 8:36 AM ^
If you have the wherewithal consider staying in NYC. It's a 4 hour drive, and it's a fact that everybody knows somebody living in NYC so you'll have a place to crash.
August 10th, 2010 at 8:48 AM ^
The traffic after a PSU game is insane, as there are basically four lanes of traffic out of State College for 70,000 or so non-students. A lot of people bring RVs for night games because they know they won't get anywhere for a few hours after the game anyway, so they just leave the next morning.
August 10th, 2010 at 10:54 PM ^
Get some ice cream at Campus Creamery