The Shopper

Centre County is a shopping destination for many visitors. Whether it is locally made arts and crafts or traditional business districts, lots of visitors seek out opportunities to shop our local stores and sample our wares.

We have so many businesses in Centre County, there’s no way we can cover them all, but we can highlight districts that attract shoppers.

Downtown State College

"Downtown" is considered to be the south side (town-side) of College Avenue, both sides of Beaver Avenue, and everything in between the two. South Allen and South Pugh streets extend the business district south a couple of blocks beyond Beaver Ave.

Almost 100 restaurants and over 70 retail establishments, including those selling clothing, shoes, toys, jewelry and many other things. Farmers' markets pop up weekly, coffee shops keep shoppers going, and bars and clubs keep the nights lively. 

State College - North Atherton

This is the northern retail hub serving the "suburbs" of State College, where the big box stores anchor several plazas, including the Wal-Mart plaza, the Trader Joes Plaza, and the Colonnade, with Wegman's, Target, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Kohl's. Several dozen smaller retail establishments and a host of restaurants contribute to this bustling district. 

Walmart, TJ Maxx, Trader Joe's, Old Navy, Ulta, Home Goods, Kohl's, Wegman's, Michael's Craft Store, Petco, numerous restaurants including Panera, Red Lobster, Texas Road House, Wendy's, McDonalds, Chik-fil-A, Jersey Mikes, Moe's, and many more.

State College - South Atherton

The large plaza in the South Atherton corridor is named the Hills Plaza after the former anchor retailer of yesteryear. This area has been growing recently.

Ollie's Bargain Outlet, Weis, McDonald's Taco Bell, The State College Diner, Kid-to-kid. Across the street is Happy Valley Mini Golf, Sheetz, and at the bottom of the hill is a small plaza with Simply Health Salt Spa, Subway, Little Caesar's, Honeybaked Ham, and Rothrock Coffee, among other businesses.

Nittany Mall Area

Between State College and Bellefonte sits the Nittany Mall, which contains numerous stores selling all kinds of things from clothing to video games. There is a large plaza across the street from the mall anchored by Walmart and Sam's Club.

The mall is anchored by Macy's, Dunham's, Bon-Ton, and Sears, and has many smaller retailers and several long-time resident restaurants. The plaza across the street from the mall on the Benner Pike houses Sam's Club, Walmart, Ross, Barnes and Noble, Bed Bath and Beyond, and many more retailers, as well as a few restaurants, including Quaker Steak and Lube and Perkins.

Boalsburg

Boalsburg Pennsylvania is considered the birthplace of Memorial Day. This charming and patriotic small town is still reminiscent of the early 19th century, yet is located only five minutes from Penn State University. Boalsburg has it all: charming beds and breakfasts, casual and fine dining, and unique specialty shops like A Basket Full, many set in the historically-preserved main street based around a diamond-shaped town square.

Riley on Main Home Decor, Duffy's Tavern, Kelly's Steak and Seafood, Brewer's Cafe, and several other quaint shops and accommodations. 

Philipsburg

Philipsburg is a small town in the Moshannon Valley trying to revitalize itself in a new age. Evidence of Philipsburg's golden era is visible in the area's rich architecture. Philipsburg's Heritage Days draws thousands of people to the town in the summer.

The Philipsburg shopping district was added to the national register of historic places in 1999. 

Bellefonte

Downtown Bellefonte is an attraction in its own right with a beautiful waterfront and its plentiful Victorian architecture but it is buzzing with modern, locally-owned businesses as well.

Plaza Center Antique Gallery, Co2 The Unique Boutique, Helen Foxx & Co, Mish Mosh, Big Spring Spirits, Good Intent Cider and so much more.