Discover over 50 amazing local businesses in Downtown State College Improvement District—more are added every day. Browse our complete directory, find Downtown State College eGift Card merchants, and discover special offers. Support local, build community.
Use at any of the over 50 businesses below
Activities
Choose from hundreds of pieces of pottery and over a hundred underglazes! The trained staff guide makers in creating each masterpiece by demonstrating techniques and answering questions. When the project is complete, a glaze will be applied to the piece and it will be fired at 2000°, making the artwork food-safe, microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, and fully functional! The finished creation will be ready in 3-4 days.
Services
Welcome to A Step Beyond Massage Therapy, a growing practice based in Downtown State College, Pennsylvania, near the Pennsylvania State University. Through our holistic approach to massage therapy, we offer an array of massage therapies including Acupressure, Body Restructuring, Deep Tissue Massage, Lymph Drainage, Paraffin Dips, Shiatsu, Sports Massage and Swedish Massage. We are a fully insured Certified Professional Massage Therapist with the American Massage Therapy Association.
Food & Dining
Welcome to the Allen Street Grill. Located on the second floor of Hotel State College, an iconic corner of hospitality in the community, the Grill has offered the community and alumni one of the greatest views of town and Penn State through floor-to-ceiling windows for more than 40 years. Thoughtfully restored and reimagined by new owners, Culinary Director Karen Nicolas and the team set out to re-establish the Allen Street Grill as the epicenter of downtown dining scene with modern American cooking focused on local and quality ingredients accompanied by classic-inspired craft cocktails and great hospitality. To view our latest seasonal menu please visit our website.
Nightlife
At ANTIFRAGILE BREWING CO., something new is always brewing. Whether enjoying a fresh pour from the tap or sipping at home from a can, each beer tells a unique story. As the only taproom and brewery located in downtown State College, ANTIFRAGILE BREWING CO. is dedicated to bringing great people together with great beer. In addition to the fantastic beers, Moody Culture Kombucha, freshly crafted cocktails made from PA spirits, and meals ordered from local restaurants are also available.
Retail
Welcome to Appalachian Ski & Outdoors, the adventuresource for quality outdoor clothing and equipment since 1974. Appalachain Outdoors carries North Face sleeping bags and tents, Mountain Hardwear jackets and equipment, and Patagonia clothing as well as packs from Osprey, Gregory, North Face, Mountainsmith, and Lowe Alpine as well as great outdoor gear including backpacks, hiking boots, MSR stoves, Chaco sandals, Rossignol skis, and Black Diamond climbing equipment and so much more!
Nightlife
We’re a great place for friends, we’re a great place for music, we’re a great place to eat some BBQ with the fam and catch the big game. We’ve got easy sippin’ craft cocktails and a whiskey, bourbon, & scotch menu that rivals just about anyone (anywhere). On Tuesdays, we throw a legendary country night that we’re kind of world-famous for. Put quite simply, we’re the kind of place you want to be. Non-pretentious and right in the heart of Happy Valley. Come check us out, we know you’ll be back over and over again. Did we mention we have some pretty great BBQ?
Arts & Culture
Welcome to Blue Brick Theatre, State College’s home for laughter, creativity, and unforgettable improv performances. Established on July 9th, 2021, with a weekend of sold-out shows, Blue Brick Theatre has quickly become a vibrant hub for comedy enthusiasts in the heart of downtown State College. At Blue Brick Theatre, we believe in the power of laughter, collaboration, and the transformative nature of improv. Our shows are filled with spontaneous scenes, hilarious characters, and interactive moments that will leave you smiling long after the lights dim. In addition, we offer a range of improv classes suitable for all skill levels, where participants can learn, grow, and unleash their creativity in a supportive and inclusive environment. Join us on this exciting journey as we continue to bring the joy of improv to Happy Valley. Follow along with our upcoming shows, events, and community initiatives. Together, let’s create laughter-filled memories and build an extraordinary improv scene right here in State College!
Food & Dining
Dessert shop, gluten free options!
Services
The mission of Centre LGBT+ is to bring the community together through LGBT+ education, advocacy, and activities in the Centre County region.
Food & Dining
Informal bi-level sports bar offering pub grub & a vast menu of draft beers, plus pool tables.
Nightlife
Since 1984, the most eclectic bar in town. Welcoming and diverse, we’re famous for fabulous cocktails and fantastic selection of interesting beer and local drafts. Just ask… our bartenders specialize in mixing a drink to please every palate. We have a complete food menu that introduces new dishes weekly from our sister company the Allen Street Grill. Live music, special events, and an amazing mix of characters keep things just weird enough. Are you quite the character? Hang out with us!
Food & Dining
Cold Stone Creamery transforms ice cream into an experience, where handcrafted creations are mixed on a frozen granite stone with endless combinations of flavors and mix-ins.
Retail
Since 1996, Connections Clothing has served State College and the Penn State Campus with the latest fashion trends and styles. Connections offer brands including Free People, Just Black Denim, and more. Stop on in, or purchase a gift card online!
Food & Dining
Dagu Rice Noodle brings the bold and authentic flavors of Yunnan, China, to your table. We simmer our signature broth for hours each day, using high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes passed down for generations. Paired with soft rice noodles and a variety of savory toppings, every bowl delivers warmth, comfort, and true Chinese soul food.
Retail
The Douglas Albert Gallery is the preeminent source for fine art, collectables, and better American crafts in Central Pennsylvania. The gallery has an enormous and eclectic collection that can satisfy any budget and every taste. They offer on-site services for homes and business to select and install prestige pieces, complete themes, or to solve difficult decorating situations. The gallery has been open since 1981 and serves a wide range of clientele who all share an enthusiasm for art!
Services
Drip Studios is a modern take on an old school art form. Built on a foundation of quality customer service and a relaxing atmosphere, Drip Studios uses the newest technology and techniques in tattooing to ensure our clients have a luxurious experience. With the option even for numbing during the tattoo, Drip Studios is the premier place for everything from big projects, to new time tattoo customers.
Food & Dining
Founded in 2010, and with a location having opened in State College in 2022, Elixr is continually engaged in perfecting the sourcing, roasting, preparation, and delivery of the most delicious coffee available. Elixr specializes in lighter-roasted unique and exquisite coffees.
Beauty & Wellness
At evolve, we simply believe that your hair deserves nothing but the best. We exclusively use the highest quality hair products, carefully selected to nourish, protect and enhance the natural beauty of your hair.
Food & Dining
Settled at the edge of downtown State College, on the second floor of the Fraser Centre above Target, Federal Taphouse offers a unique dining experience. Known for its bold flavors, warm hospitality, and inviting atmosphere, this upscale restaurant features an extensive food and beverage menu, including 100 beers on tap, 10 wines on tap, and a variety of craft cocktails. The spacious 10,000 square-foot space is lined with large windows, providing a fresh and scenic view of the downtown area. Federal Taphouse serves a chef-driven menu, crafted and prepared in a scratch kitchen. Local foodies rave about popular dishes such as wings, crab dip, freshly made pretzels with homemade jalapeño cheese, bison burgers, salmon, fish and chips, and artisanal pizzas. Conveniently attached to the Hyatt Place hotel, Federal Taphouse can accommodate gatherings of all sizes, from small groups to events with up to 250 guests. The restaurant prides itself on partnering with local businesses and vendors for both on-site and off-site events. With its comfortable setting, Federal Taphouse is ideal for a romantic evening or enjoying the excitement of a game on one of the 17 large flat-screen TVs!
Retail
Located in the beautiful valley of central Pennsylvania, Growing Tree Toys is a woman-owned and operated company. The brick-and-mortar store has been a staple for the locals and returning visitors to our area for decades. First opened in 1976, current ownership has been honored to continue the legacy since taking over in 2019. With an updated logo and another beloved State College store, The Animal Kingdom being folded into the prominent corner location, we have strived to create a fun and delightful shopping experience for all. We are so excited to share our handpicked collection of great products with you.
Health & Fitness
Happy Valley Optical is a local, family owned optical shop located in State College, PA. Our Optometrist, Dr. Robin Dutt, will always greet you with a smile.
Join our growing network of over 50 local businesses—more join every day—and start accepting Downtown State College eGift Cards today. Increase foot traffic, attract new customers, and become part of the community that keeps dollars local.
Downtown State College eGift Card users spend 30% more on average and return more frequently
Get discovered by residents and visitors looking for local businesses to support
Every dollar spent locally circulates 3X more in Downtown State College Improvement District's economy
Quick setup • New customers • Community support
Every purchase at these local businesses helps strengthen our Downtown State College Improvement District community. Downtown State College eGift Cards are digital gift cards that work at all participating businesses.
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