Attractions
Central Pennsylvania
Penns Valley
Outdoor Fun
Touring Attractions
Doing what you love in Central Pennsylvania
There is so much to enjoy in Penns Valley, State College, Bellefonte and the other areas in and surrounding Centre County. You may be booking the lodge to get away from it all, but don’t forget to take advantage of all central Pennsylvania has to offer. Whether you’re an outdoorsman drawn to the streams and forests, a brew head looking to taste the next greatest creation in a glass, an art enthusiast searching for the perfect piece, or a biker braced to barrel down the side of a mountain at mock five, there’s something here for you.
for the foodies
The Valley has been doing the farm to table thing since before it was a thing. Restaurants in central Pennsylvania often get their meats, cheeses and greens from the farm next door. And the local chefs are being quite creative with their plates. Though you are welcome to use the Lodge’s chefs kitchen or grill for your meal, here are some places to look into for your special night out.
Restaurants
Elk Creek Cafe + Ale Works (Millheim)
Revival Kitchen (Reedsville)
Big Springs Spirits (Bellefonte)
Inglebean Cafe (Millheim)
Brother's Pizza (Centre Hall)
Pizza Heaven (Spring Mills)
Riddle's Ice Cream (Spring Mills)
For the adventurer
With two state forests to explore, nationally recognized fly fishing waters (like Penns Creek), beautiful golf courses, quiet roads and a competition almost every spring, summer and fall weekend, you won’t be bored here. There are TWO Epic mountain bike rated trails in Rothrock State Forest. And with a Purple Lizard Map covering all of the trails in the area, you’ll never get lost. Don’t have your gear? Here’s a list of places in central Pennsylvania where you can rent bikes and cross-country skis, purchase a pair of trail runners and more: Freeze Thaw Cycles, The Bicycle Shop, Appalachian Outdoors, and Rapid Transit Sportswear.
Outdoor Activities, Sports & Adventure
STATE FORESTS
Rothrock State Forest - Nearly 300 miles of hiking & biking trails (including 2 IMBA epics), kayaking & swimming.
Bald Eagle State Forest - Expansive terrain with hiking & biking trails, world-class fishing, kayaking & swimming
Purple Lizard Maps - Pick up a Purple Lizard Map at the Lodge or order one ahead of time to plan out your adventure.
FISHING
World Renown Fly Fishing on Penns Creek (Coburn)
The Feathered Hook - Guides & Fly Shop (Coburn)
Penns Creek Guides (Spring Mills)
GOLF
Mountainview Country Club - Public (Boalsburg)
Penn State Blue & White Courses - Public (State College)
Toftrees Golf Course - Public (State College)
Centre Hills Country Club - Private, Local Guests Welcome (State College)
Tussey Mountain Par 3 (State College)
BIKING
Purchase a Purple Lizard Map to plan your mountain biking adventure in Rothrock or Bald Eagle. Or enjoy road biking the quiet, rolling hills of Penns Valley. Join Penns Valley Pedals & Pints in Millheim any summer Wednesday for an all levels road ride beginning at 6pm.
SWIMMING/KAYAKING
Kayak Penns Creek or Poe Paddy Lake in Bald Eagle Forest, or Spring Creek in Bellefonte. Swim and enjoy the beach at Poe Paddy Lake.
Tussey Mountain Outfitters - Rent Kayaks (Bellefonte/Millheim)
SKIING
Tussey Mountain - Ski, Snowboard, Tube (Winter)
RACES & OUTDOOR EVENTS
Hardcore Mudd Run - April (Obstacle Challenge - Rothrock)
Greenwood Furnace Trail Challenge - May (Running - Rothrock)
Trans-Sylvania Epic - May (Mountain Biking - Bald Eagle/Rothrock)
Rothrock TrailMix - June (Mountain Biking - Rothrock)
Millheim Triathlon - June (Millheim)
Happy Valley Sprint Triathlon - June (State College)
Wilderness 101 - July (Mountain Biking - Bald Eagle/Rothrock)
Tussey Mountainback - October (Ultra-Marathon - Rothrock)
Penns Valley Pedals & Pints Summer Wednesday Night Ride
for the artist & Fair Goer
State College hosts one of the most spectacular art festivals in the country. They even have a kids ArtsFest the day before the 3-day event that brings people out in droves. But it doesn’t stop there. Central Pennsylvania has embraced the cultures and creativity that makes us who we are. From orchestra performances and galleries to festivals and fairs, be sure to check the calendar to see what’s happening during your next visit.
Arts & Culture
PERFORMING ARTS
Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State - Performances, Symphony, etc. (State College)
Pennsylvania Chamber Orchestra (State College)
Nittany Valley Symphony (State College)
Bucknell University - Weis Center for the Performing Arts (Lewisburg)
ART GALLERIES
Green Drake Gallery & Arts Center (Millheim)
FESTIVALS
Lewisburg Arts Festival - April (Lewisburg)
CelticFest - June (Boalsburg)
Central PA Festival of the Arts - July (State College)
People's Choice Festival - July (Boalsburg)
Grange Fair - August (Centre Hall)
PVCA Crickfest - September (Coburn)
Elk Creek Cafe Oktoberfest - September (Millheim)
Tussey Mountain Oktoberfest - September (Boalsburg)
Aaronsburg Fall Festival - October (Aaronsburg)
Juniata River Valley Festival of Ice - November (Lewisburg)
Mifflinburg Christkindl Market - December (Mifflinburg)
Bellefonte Victorian Christmas - December (Bellefonte)
From the moment you walk into Brush Mountain Lodge, you are captivated by the view. It draws you in and you never want to leave! We gathered from Long Island, Maryland and Philly to spend the weekend with family at the Grange fair – where our family has come together for 128 years! From old generations to the new, it was amazing.
for the taster
Like a good beer tour or winery tasting? There are quite a few choices within a 30 mile radius. We suggest downloading the Brewers of PA Digital Trail App to see where the following breweries, distilleries, cidery and wineries in central Pennsylvania are in relation to the Brush Mountain Lodge. We’ll even help you with arranging transportation with Fullington Limousine to take you and your friends on a stress free tour.
Breweries, Distilleries & Wineries
BREWERIES
Elk Creek Cafe (Millheim)
Otto's Pub & Brewery (State College)
Happy Valley Brewing Company (State College)
New Trail Brewing (Williamsport)
Robin Hood Brewing (State College)
Rusty Rail Brewing (Mifflinburg)
Selin's Grove Brewing (Selinsgrove)
Bullfrog Brewery (Williamsport)
Shy Bear Brewing (Lewistown)
DISTILLERIES
Big Spring Spirits (Bellefonte)
Barrel 21 Distillery (State College)
CIDERY
Good Intent Cider (Bellefonte)
WINERIES
Seven Mountains Wine Cellars & Wine Bar (Spring Mills & Boalsburg)
Happy Valley Vineyard & Winery (State College)
Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery (Centre Hall)
Brookmere Winery & Vineyard Inn (Belleville)
Hawstone Hollow Winery (Lewistown)
Shade Mountain Winery (Middleburg)
Visit Central PA’s many breweries, distilleries and wineries.
For the Sports Fan
WE ARE… If you bleed blue and white, or need a safe haven while you oppose the blue and white, Brush Mountain Lodge welcomes you! We love being a host for football weekends, graduations, University events and more. And only 40 minutes from Bucknell University and Lock Haven University, Brush Mountain Lodge offers beautiful accommodations for memorable moments.
Sporting Events
COLLEGE SPORTING EVENTS
Penn State University Sports (State College)
Bucknell University Athletics (Lewisburg)
Lock Haven Athletics (Lock Haven)
For the Music Mind
Central Pennsylvania welcomes bands, vocal artists and musicians from all over the world. Whether you favor strings, accoustic, rock, country, rock-a-billie, grass roots or pop, they visit here. Small venues like Elk Creek Cafe and the Rusty Rail offer intimate settings, while Bryce Jordan Center and the State Theatre host larger events – even comedy acts and film festivals. See what’s happening during your stay.
Music & Entertainment
Elk Creek Cafe + Ale Works – Music & Summer Tent Events (Millheim)
Seven Mountains Wine Cellars – Music & Events (Spring Mills)
Rusty Rail Brewing – Music (Mifflinburg)
State Theatre – Performances, Concerts, Films, etc. (State College)
Bryce Jordan Center – PSU Sports, Concerts, etc. (State College)
Tussey Mountain – Summer Outdoor Concerts, Movies, Wingfest (Boalsburg)
For the kids
Looking for a little family time? Centre County has more than a few options. From miniature golf, wildlife tours, and movies on the mountain to kayaking, skiing, fishing and swimming, you’ll find fun in Penns Valley.
Family Fun Activities
Par 3 Golf, Mini Golf, Go Carts & Batting Cages – Tussey Mountain (Boalsburg)
Get Air Trampoline Park (State College)
What a Blast Laser Tag (State College)
Penns Cave All Water Cavern & Wildlife Park (Spring Mills)
Skiing, Snowboarding & Tubing – Tussey Mountain (Boalsburg)
Tussey Mountain Outfitters Kayaking (Bellefonte)
Poe Paddy State Park Lake – Beach, Fishing, Kayaking (Bald Eagle State Park)
Whipple Dam State Park – Beach, Fishing, Kayaking (Rothrock State Park)
Rails to Trails Biking (Coburn)
Buffalo Valley Rail Trail (Mifflintown to Lewistown)
Camp Woodward Sports – Skate Boarding, Gymnastics, BMX, Horse Back Riding, etc. (Woodward, PA)
Penn State Sports Camps (State College)
make a day of it
Know you want to get away but not sure how to spend your time? Check out these great day trips in and surrounding Central Pennsylvania that will keep you exploring the area and making memories that last a life time. Hike waterfalls, ride through the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, visit Hershey Park or take a boat out on Raystown Lake.
Day Trips
IDEAS
1. Plan a brewery or winery tour around the area - check out our listed establishments. We recommend visiting the "Brewers of PA " website or downloading their app on your phone to see where the nearest establishments are located.
2. Shop State College (30 minutes) or antique in Bellefonte (25 minutes).
3. Head to Hershey Park for the day (1hr 45min).
4. Visit Raystown Lake for fishing, boating or mountain biking the Allegrippis Trail System. (1hr 45min South)
5. Ride the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail from Mifflinburg to Lewisburg. Start near at Rusty Rail Brewing, stop in Lewisburg for lunch, and end with a craft brew and game of Space Invaders, pool or table shuffleboard at Rusty Rail. (30 minutes to Mifflinburg; bike 18 miles round trip)
6. Hike Ricketts Glen State Park to see the 94-foot Ganoga Falls, the highest of 22 named waterfalls along the trail. Stop at Bullfrog Brewing in Williamsport. (2 hours North)
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