This column originally appeared in the January 2025 issue of Town&Gown magazine.
Well, here we are heading into 2025, and as I am sitting here writing this (with a beverage in my hand, naturally) I am thinking about all that has changed over the past 25 years in Centre County.
From all the new high-rises downtown to the revitalization of many of the unique smaller communities that make this area special, there has been a lot of growth. (Some is more appreciated than others, but I’ll leave it up to the reader to make that distinction.)
One thing that I have noticed (and appreciated greatly) is the explosion of the craft beverage industry right here in central Pennsylvania. Back when the calendar flipped into the new millennium, Centre County was home to two wonderful vineyards—Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery, which was established in 1987, and Happy Valley Vineyard & Winery, which established its vineyard in Ferguson Township in 1999 (followed by the winery in 2013). But the area was missing out on the boom of microbreweries that were popping up in other parts of the country.
Since then, the number of craft beverage makers, from spirits to ciders and from breweries to more wineries, has grown so significantly that I am afraid to say how many now call Happy Valley home, lest I forget to include one.
So, we now have an amazing craft beverage scene that highlights our wonderful hospitality industry and our local agricultural landscape, and I am grateful for it. For one of my new year’s resolutions, I plan to (continue to) drink locally and support our wonderful craft beverage makers. If you would like to follow suit, in honor of 2025, here are 25 ways to do just that (in no particular order):
- Stop for a pint at Centre County’s oldest brew pub, Otto’s Pub & Brewery. They have been brewing up their tasty beverages since 2002. Don’t forget to try some of their homemade sodas for kids and the young at heart.
- Buy a Central PA Tasting Trail Passport. This is a gateway into exploring our local makers through a self-guided tour that takes you all around the county. It is a fun way to see what our community has to offer.
- Drink a glass by the mountainside at both Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery and University Wine Company. You can’t beat the views at either location.
- Take a trip out to the small town of Millheim to visit two unique craft beverage hot spots, Elk Creek Cafe & Aleworks and Pisano Winery. While there, take a walk around the town and experience a unique small Pennsylvania town.
- Sip a craft beverage with a home-team theme before a game, such as Axemann Brewery Blue Stripe or University Wine Company’s Lion’s Roar line.
- Drive on up to Philipsburg and visit the chill vibes and great beers at The Dead Canary Brewing Company. This cool spot is a great way to spend an evening and, who knows, you might meet some new friends.
- Join a club. Many local makers offer wine or pub club memberships that provide discounts and special events. It is a fun way to show support.
- Enjoy the cozy atmosphere at the basement bar at Happy Valley Brewing Company. I especially love stopping by before going to a game on campus. Upstairs is pretty nice too; I am just a fan of basement bars.
- Test your mental mettle at trivia while drinking a craft beverage at Voodoo Brewing Co. or Axemann Brewery. After all, nothing goes better than beer and trivia, right?
- Sit in the orchard and sample some cider at 814 Cider Works. The farm is a summertime hotspot and the fun goes on all year, but check the website for winter hours.
- Enjoy the lawn at Boal City Brewing. One of Centre County’s newest breweries is a fun place to hang out any time of the year, especially after an adventure in Rothrock State Forest or after hitting the slopes at Tussey Mountain.
- Visit one of Big Spring Spirits’ awesome locations. The Match Factory location in Bellefonte will always be a must-stop for me, but their new location in downtown State College is now a go-to spot for a well-made cocktail in the heart of downtown. And their amazing-looking Pittsburgh location is set to open soon.
- What pairs the best with pizza? Why, craft beer, of course, and Marzoni’s Brick Oven & Brewing Co. is a good place to get both. Get down to their State College location if you haven’t stopped by yet.
- Enjoy a night out in the woods at Seven Mountains Wine Cellars. Campfire sing-a-longs are a spring and summertime favorite.
- Taste the unique and fun flavors Robin Hood Brewing Co. has been brewing up in Bellefonte for over a decade. It is a great place to watch the game and meet up with friends.
- Bring a bottle home. Whether it be wine, beer or spirits, you can still drink local in the comfort of your own home. Best to share with friends.
- Slip on into the tucked-away location of Good Intent Cider to sample some of their fun flavors in Bellefonte. Then take a stroll through nearby Talleyrand Park.
- Check out what is happening at the old Cerro Metal Plant in Bellefonte. Along with Axemann Brewery’s large beer hall, the aptly named Titan Hollow is home to Alloy Kitchen, Mad McIntosh Cider, Witches’ Hollow Winery and Titan Events. It is truly amazing to see how they have transformed that old building.
- Visit your neighborhood vineyard. Happy Valley Vineyard & Winery is located in Ferguson Township, giving State College locals a chance to get away to the vineyard without traveling too far from home.
- Impress your friends and order something local to drink while out for dinner. You would be hard pressed not to find a local craft beverage at many locations around town.
- Take a trip downtown and visit the good folks at Antifragile Brewing Co. in State College. Don’t forget to save room for a cheesesteak.
- Have beer with your dinner at Blonde Bistro Brew Works in Zion. Start with the Blonde Ale (of course) and go from there.
- Take a road trip. The craft beverage scene has boomed all over the region, from Altoona to Williamsport and everywhere in between.
- Roll out to Barrel 21 Distillery & Dining. Their house-made spirits are put to good use in the hands of the mixologists behind the bar. Sunday brunch is a fun way to experience what they have to offer.
- Last but not least, for a happy and healthy 2025, always drink in moderation. Cheers! T&G
Vincent Corso enjoys drinking local and meeting new people at central Pennsylvania’s many interesting establishments.
