“Getting to Know the Neighbors” is a series where awesome locals share their local favorites. 

Ever noticed that visits to the UPS store in Hamilton Square Shopping Center just feel… different? If you’ve ever left with a little more pep in your step than you went in with, you can thank manager Allen McGriff, who makes an effort to cultivate an environment with great customer service and a friendly atmosphere.

After living in the Maryland/D.C. area but realizing that they didn’t want to raise a family in the city, Allen and his wife began looking for somewhere to move with their firstborn and stumbled upon State College. They figured they’d move to the area to save some money for five or so years and then relocate down south. But they ended up falling in love with our community and, almost two decades later, have been here ever since.

We asked Allen to fill us in on his local favorites and hope you’ll enjoy hearing about his State College experience!

Day to Day

On a typical weekday, you’ll find me… managing The UPS Store or coaching one of my basketball teams (either Park Forest Middle School or a travel AAU team called Team Lockdown.)

And the weekends are for… my wife and kids! Gaming with the kids, movies with my Queen. Likely watching some basketball on TV or finding a basketball court to get some shots up if my family has their own plans going on. And of course getting laundry done.

If State College had its own TV show, my character would be the one who is always… making everyone laugh. I try to stand out as the comic relief.

Awesome Local Alert!

I’m probably most well-known around town as… “The UPS Store Guy” or the town’s Notary Public, but I can also be found at a local park or gym (C3 Sports, the YMCA, Circleville Park, etc.) coaching players to polish up their game. Being referred to as “Coach” as my name and not just a title is pretty awesome.

The thing I’m most proud to have contributed/be contributing to our community is… giving every customer the best customer service I can and coaching players up to their potential. Just trying to do my part in leaving this community better than how I found it.

Favorite Things

The season I love most in State College is… summer, because that’s the only season we can guarantee that we won’t see snow in Happy Valley.

One downtown restaurant that I just can’t get enough of is… Carter’s Table. Them tacos are beautiful to look at, and just as delicious to devour.

The best day trip destination within a 2 hour drive from State College is… Harrisburg, because there’s plenty to do. However, Lancaster has become a close second for me with basketball tournaments at Spooky Nook.

Favorite local park? Circleville. Between the basketball courts, the pavilions, the volleyball net in the sand, and just the playgrounds and open fields, there’s a bit of something for everyone. Even had a BBQ there a few years ago for Memorial Day.

Something I didn’t think I’d like about living here that has really grown on me is… the small town vibe. I’m from NYC so I’m used to the busyness and attitude. Happy Valley is more of its own bubble away from the nonsense everywhere else. We take care of our own, and I’m proud of that.

My go-to “Spend an Evening Downtown” itinerary looks like… a late night summer walk from my house to either downtown or on campus. Coolest & most peaceful part of the day in the summer.

The Local Experience

On game days, you’ll find me… either at home on the Xbox with the kids, watching a movie with the fam, or out shopping at Sam’s Club as soon as the game starts to avoid any traffic.

A neighboring town that I love to explore is… Lancaster. I dig the outlets.

The 3 things I’d miss most about State College if I had to move are… the peace, the community, and the fact that I can get anywhere in town within 15-20 minutes.

The coolest, under-the-radar thing in State College is… probably the inclusivity. I’ve been here for close to 20 years, and I’ve seen State College come such a long way with building for everyone. Everything from different organizations, on campus events, and even law enforcement try to make sure that everyone feels included. Coming from where I’m from, that’s a huge deal to me.

Something that has pleasantly surprised me about living in State College is… the growth in diversity.