So go downtown/Things will be great when you’re downtown
No finer place for sure, downtown/Everything’s waiting for you!
-“Downtown,” written by Tony Hatch and performed by Petula Clark, 1964
British songwriter and producer Tony Hatch was inspired to write his international No. 1 hit song after visiting New York City for the first time. While no one will ever confuse Downtown State College or Bellefonte with the glimmering lights and bustling traffic of the Big Apple, we do have our own “Dahntahns,” as we Yinzers from western PA pronounce it. We sometimes forget about exploring what is in our own backyards.
Yes, you can always go to Downtown State College or Downtown Bellefonte for shopping, a night on the town or just to go people watching. While the two downtown areas I mention above are very different, each offers its own charms. Whether you like walking around Talleyrand Park and visiting the eateries and shops on Allegheny and High streets in Bellefonte or strolling along College or Beaver Avenues and Calder Way in State College, there are plenty of fun things to do.
While some locals like to complain about going downtown, especially in State College when the students “invade,” others love it when the students return from breaks and the town comes roaring back to life. Some people just like to complain, period. Number one on their list…parking.
There, I said it. OK, parking isn’t always great, but a lot of work has gone into making it better. This will still be a bit of a challenge in State College especially once the students return. Not sure we have an easy solution to this because we are all so impatient and want speed and convenience in this instant gratification world. Yes, my family and I even occasionally gripe about parking, but then we go to visit friends in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, New York, and D.C. and quickly realize just how spoiled we are and how available and affordable parking really is Dahntahn.
What got me so fired up about promoting our downtown areas? It was being able to see and spend time recently with so many of the people we haven’t seen over the past 16 months. The business and shop owners, who have had to struggle through the pandemic, and other members of the community that we have missed bumping in to and loved getting to catch up.
On Aug. 10, my wife and I attended the Celebration of Life for local businessman and philanthropist Ed Friedman, which was very appropriately held at the State Theatre, almost one year after his passing. It was the first time we have seen many of our friends and colleagues since COVID began. These are people who love this town and have given their time and philanthropy to help. It seemed to be very cathartic for everyone in attendance.
Ed’s wife, Charlene, and her family did it right and the celebration of Ed’s life was just that, a celebration with his family, friends, business associates and those of us from the community for whom he helped make life in State College better because he cared.
Ed’s stepson Ty Stewart welcomed the family and friends who packed the theater. He was followed by memories and funny stories from Ed’s friends and associates Roy Love, Mike Keebaugh, Mike Negra, Mark Morath, Bill Hayes, Donn “The Swami” Wagner and Rabbi David Ostrich. The program ended with family members Salem Bartlett and Ty and Chase Stewart and a powerful video of “An Ode to Uncle Eddie,” featuring Ed’s long-time friend Joe Kelley.
Ed was a tough but fair businessman, but also a softy at heart who did so much for so many behind the scenes. He cared about helping people but never cared about getting credit. An auction of Ed’s rather unique antique collection took place the following day to benefit the State Theatre, the great downtown facility that meant so much to Ed and Charlene.
The next night, my wife and I returned downtown for an early anniversary dinner at the “new” Allen Street Grill. Wow, what a great experience we had, from the outstanding service from general manager Becky Burger and our waiter, Chad, to the delicious halibut dinner and phenomenal desserts from culinary director Karen Nicolas. We even got a visit from Penn State alum Mike Croce, president of Hotel State College owner Pat Croce & Company. We chatted about Mike’s father, Pat, who I met years ago when he worked for the Philadelphia Flyers, and I was with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Mike and company CEO Jeff Sorg have done an amazing job renovating and reimagining the properties since taking over the businesses in October of 2019.
We are also looking forward to visiting The Tavern, another iconic local restaurant, when it reopens after months of renovations. Long-time owner Pat Dougherty is one of State College’s most amazing people and it will be great to see him and his staff back at it. Check out Saint’s Café, Crust & Crumb, and many of the other restaurants and coffee shops.
I have been around State College long enough to admit that I threw back my share of Release Valves at the Train Station and that I do miss the Golden Wok and the Skeller. While the Rathskeller may be gone, Doggie’s Pub is doing great. We even got to celebrate drinks with our three children there on several occasions, as well as the Phyrst, Local Whiskey, Champs Downtown, Central Reservation and Bill Pickles Tap Room.
Another reason to go Dahntahn is to shop. My wife makes it a point to shop local as often as possible. Steve Miska at Miska’s Jewelers, Joy Rodgers Mernin at the Nittany Quill and Bob Steinbach at Connections always go out of their way to help customers. I might be able to get shoes and sporting goods a few dollars cheaper (but not always!) elsewhere, but I choose to go to Rapid Transit on Allen Street because of level of Terry Losch and the above-and-beyond customer service from his staff. It’s up to us to be intentional and deliberate by shopping local at these stores and places like McLanahan’s, Harpers, Lion’s Pride and the Family Clothesline.
Don’t forget the other Dahntahn in Bellefonte. There are many places to try, whether it’s Bonfatto’s, Big Spring Spirits, The Governor’s Pub or the newly opened Creekside at Gamble Mill. Axemann Brewery is just a few minutes from downtown and has become a popular spot as well.
Bellefonte Under the Lights will be held on Sept. 3 and 4 this year. According to the Downtown Bellefonte Inc. website, the event is “a night of communal outdoor dining, created to celebrate what DBI loves most about Bellefonte: our vibrant businesses, gorgeous waterfront and friendly neighborhood communities.”
Enjoy downtown State College and downtown Bellefonte. Walk downtown. Say hello to people. Shop, eat, and drink. You won’t regret it.
