Ever heard of a Redevelopment Authority? (And do you know why it’s so awesome that our town has one?)

The State College Redevelopment Authority – aka “the RDA” – is a local government organization made up of volunteer appointees that impacts life in our town in lots of meaningful ways. But many locals have never heard of it and don’t realize what an asset it is for our community!

Even the team here at Rediscover State College, a project which is funded by this very organization, had very little idea about how it worked or the impact it had around town.

Thankfully, that’s changed. And after we spent the past year or so working with the RDA on a new website (check out the blog post to see the Before & After!) we can now officially say we get it.

While the RDA does most of their work behind the scenes, it’s clear they have a finger on the pulse of our town’s current needs and challenges and remain a persistent champion of innovative, community-first development. We’re fortunate to have them in our corner, diligently working to foster a more vibrant State College.

To read more about the RDA and some of its exciting projects look for this link in the Blog Highlight@rediscoverstatecollege

#rediscoverstatecollege #downtownstatecollege #downtownstatecollepa #happyvalleypa #happyvalley #statecollege #statecollegepa #rda ...

"My favorite kind of hike in Central PA these days is a mellow three-mile loop around a lake. All I need is a two-hour window for this mini-adventure. I like to pack a light backpack with snacks, water, a notebook and watercolors. I put the harness on my dog, remember to pack a towel for that post-hike wet/muddy dog and in less than thirty minutes, we can be at our location.

There is something so gratifying about loop trails, especially when lakes are involved. Often it’s not possible to see the whole lake without going all the way around. It’s nice to set out on a mission and finish with a sense of accomplishment."

Local writer @carolyne.rose.m writes about 3 of her favorite local hikes with details on what you can expect about each location.

HOW TO READ MORE: Look for this link in the Blog Highlight @rediscoverstatecollege

Photo: Rufus near the Whipple Dam loop trail.

#rediscoverstatecollege #happyvalley #happyvalleypa #downtownstatecollegepa #downtownstatecollege #statecollege #statecollegepa #outdoors #adventure #pahiking #doglife #hike #lakes #lakehikes ...

We are recording the 3rd season of the Rediscover State College Podcast and can’t wait to share it with you this summer.

In Season 3 of The Rediscover State College Podcast, we’re sitting down with local icons who started from scratch and built something special.

They’ll share the struggles they faced when they first arrived, how they found their footing, and what ultimately helped them succeed.

We can’t wait to share this season with you. A big thanks to @kerrybestwick and @jamiebestwick for kicking off this new season of recording.

Thanks also to @collabordiepodcast for the awesome studio.

Stay tuned!

#rediscoverstatecollege #rediscoverstatecollegepodcast #statecollege #statecollegepa #downtownstatecollegepa #downtownstatecollege #happyvalley #happyvalleypa #locals ...

We launched brand new merch! “Summer in State College”-themed of course.

At our Summer is for the Locals event @champspennstate, we got a lot of love for our new black muscle tee!

You can check out all of the new gear, available in several colors in our store. Check out the tees in our story to shop.

#rediscoverstatecollege #statecollege #statecollegepa #downtownstatecollege #downtownstatecollegepa #happyvalley #happyvalleypa #summerisforthelocals #towniepride #newmerch ...

"Ask a local for directions to anywhere in State College, and there’s a good chance they’ll begin with “Well if you’re on Allen Street…” The memorable downtown scene at the corner of Allen and College serves as a perfect reference point, especially since it’s one of the few that has remained mostly unchanged over the years.

Personally, Allen Street is also a memorable reference point along my journey into adulthood. This journey, like so many others’, began at Penn State. Though unlike many others, I didn’t exactly “bleed blue and white” or have close family members who were alumni to prepare me for my experience. In fact I was a bit overwhelmed by my peers’ unwavering PSU passion my freshman year. The sheer volume of students, opportunities, and palpable energy on campus put my head and heart into overdrive as I connected with people from everywhere, all with fascinating backgrounds and future plans.

I’d often stop at Ben & Jerry’s on Allen Street (a space now occupied by Sauly Boys, nestled in between the “new” McLanahan’s and even newer Allen Street Pizza) between classes just to take a breath and watch the world go by from the shop’s window bar seating. Hypnotized by the heavenly aroma of roasted coffee and freshly made waffle cones, I’d toggle between schoolwork and soul searching while a kaleidoscope of inspiration passed by on foot, wheels, and paws."

Guest writer, Andrea Murrell’s writing is inspired by nature and all the people she’s lucky to know and love. She especially enjoys exploring how connections between the natural world and local creatives shape the character of the region she’s so fortunate to call home. @ajmurrell

HOW TO READ MORE: Look for this link in the Blog Highlight @rediscoverstatecollege

#rediscoverstatecollege #statecollege #statecollegepa #downtownstatecollege #downtownstatecollegepa #happyvalley #happyvalleypa #psualumni ...

TONIGHT! 4-7pm join us at @champspennstate for SUMMER is for the LOCALS - a townie takeover.

Champs will be serving up drink specials and for those who want to get mingle-y with a purpose, we’ll have a local-themed BINGO card for you upon your arrival that’ll help you connect with others at the event.

Win cool prizes, including new merch that will be unveiled for the first time tonight!

On a downtown post-graduation Friday evening, the vibe will be super laid back. Come and stay or come and go and bring your friends!

If you’re new to town, our team will be on hand to answer any questions or to provide an intro to other awesome locals who are there at the event too.

Entry is free and we hope you’ll come celebrate the start of State College summer with us!

Everyone is welcome to attend this event, though this event will be most enjoyed by adult townies! There are no specifically kid-centric activities planned from 4-7pm. Note: Champs will transition into a 21+ venue at 8pm this evening.

#rediscoverstatecollege #statecollege #statecollegepa #downtownstatecollege #downtownstatecollegepa #happyvalley #happyvalleypa #happyhour #champsdowntown ...

Meet us here @champspennstate on Friday 4-7 PM for a Townie Takeover!

SUMMER is for THE LOCALS! Let`s kick-off the best time of year in State College together.

We love the buzz in the Foodies of State College group over in FB! The foodies recommend trying the Harlicky Chicken Salad, the burgers and the buffalo shrimp.

"Champs ranch is king!" says one foodie - and many agree, chiming in with their favorite Champs wing sauce: meek, arrogant or obnoxious.

Another foodie says, "I love the time (4:00 till 7:00) so we can get home and go to bed at a decent time. 😂🤣"

Invite your friends. See you there!

#rediscoverstatecollege #downtownstatecollegepa #downtownstatecollege
#happyvalley #happyvalleypa #statecollege #statecollegepa #townietakeover #summerisforthelocals #champsdowntown ...

Our very first “townie takeover” event, affectionately called Summer is for the Locals, is coming to Champs Downtown on May 16! (Join us from 4-7pm, free entry, all are welcome– though this event will be most enjoyed by adult townies!)

This event is for locals old and new, with a special invitation to those who are newer around town. If that’s you, we hope you’ll come introduce yourself and let us know if there’s anything we can do to help you get settled and connected!

🍹🍽️From 4-7pm, Champs will be serving up on-theme drink and app specials(menu reveal coming soon!) and for those who want to get mingle-y with a purpose, we’ll have a local-themed BINGO card for you upon your arrival that’ll help you connect with others at the event. (Fill out your card and be entered to win cool prizes, including new merch that will be unveiled for the first time that evening!)

On a downtown post-graduation Friday evening, the vibe will be super laid back. Come and stay or come and go and bring your friends!

If you’re new to town, our team will be on hand to answer any questionsor to provide an intro to other awesome locals who are there at the event too.

We hope you’ll come celebrate the start of State College summer with us @champspennstate!

#rediscoverstatecollege #statecollege #statecollegepa #downtownstatecollege #downtownstatecollegepa #happyvalley #happyvalleypa #happyhour #champs ...

Brad and Katie are planning to record season 3 of the Rediscover State College podcast in a new local podcast studio!

Who do you think they should talk to this season?

Want Katie’s sweatshirt? See our story for how to get yours.

Want to record your own podcast in this space? DM @jonblairbaker from @collabordiepodcast!

#rediscoverstatecollege #downtownstatecollege #downtownstatecollegepa #statecollege #statecollegepa #happyvalley #happyvalleypa #podcastlife ...

Introducing... The Good Stuff! The Good Stuff is a celebration of the locals who bring the heart, soul, and “feel good” to our community.

Dina Liberatore is an academic adviser for Penn State World Campus and in her free time enjoys walking her dog, quilting, hiking, rock climbing (a new hobby), foraging for mushrooms, and, at the top of her list — reading. It’s part of what drew her to get involved with the AAUW State College Used Book Sale, happening this year May 17-20 at the Penn State Snider Ag Arena.

Dina likes to say that shopping this event is a win, win, win: “It’s a great community event, a great way to recycle, and the money stays in the community.”

And while the week of the sale is busy for the organization and the dozens of volunteers who make the event possible, there’s a lot that happens in the months leading up to the sale as well.

The @aauw_statecollege Book Sale is held at the Penn State Snider Ag Arena. Admission is free.

Saturday, May 17: 9am-8pm
Sunday, May 18: 9am-8pm
Monday, May 19: 9am-8pm (Half Price!)
Tuesday, May 20: 9am-7pm (Bag Day!)

HOW TO READ MORE: look for this link in the blog highlight @rediscoverstatecollege

#rediscoverstatecollege #downtownstatecollege #statecollege #statecollegepa #happyvalley #happyvalleypa #booklover #booksale #reader #aauw ...

When your young kids want to see a football game but you have cold feet about getting them a full priced ticket: Blue White Game for the win!

This spring tradition makes the Penn State Football experience a family friendly event. You can sit wherever you want and leave whenever the kids are ready. 💙

#bluewhite #psufootball #rediscoverstatecollege #downtownstatecollege #statecollege #statecollegepa #happyvalley #happyvalleypa #football #beaverstadium ...

Save the date for Friday, May 16 from 4-7pm! With the students gone, the lines will be nonexistent and we’ll take over Champs to hang out and enjoy some food and drink specials, meet new people, and cheers to the chill vibes of State College summer that we love so much.

The energy and vibrancy that Penn State students bring to our town during the school year is undeniable – and a welcome feature of living in a college town! But summer? That’s for the locals.

This year, for the first time, Rediscover State College is teaming up with student hotspot Champs Downtown to host an event that’ll both kick off summer (a season which, lucky us, starts post-graduation in May!) and provide a fun meet-and-greet opportunity for anyone who’s new to town or looking to plug into the community in a deeper way.

🍹🍽 Stay tuned for food and drink specials.

#rediscoverstatecollege #downtownstatecollege #downtownstatecollegepa #statecollege #statecollegepa #statecollegesummer #happyvalley #happyvalleypa #happyhour #summer #summerisforthelocals #townietakeover #champsdowntown ...

Fifteen years ago, Christian Baum made the move to State College after graduating in a market that was scarce on jobs.

Joining some friends who were already in town, he spent the first few years staying on sofas and in basements while he worked on getting his first startup off the ground, an experience which ultimately led him to discover his niche for using business as a force for good. (Like his company Giv Local, a payment platform that donates 20% of all processing revenue to the nonprofits of your choosing!)

We asked Christian to fill us in on his State College favorites and hope you’ll enjoy learning about his local experience.

HOW TO READ MORE: Look for this link in the blog highlight @rediscoverstatecollege

#rediscoverstatecollege #downtownstatecollege #statecollegepa #statecollege #happyvalley #happyvalleypa #entreprenuer #givlocal ...