Visiting Pennsylvania

Agent Highlight: Peter Chiarkas

Agent Highlight: Peter Chiarkas

Peter graduated from Penn State with his Real Estate license in 1999. With determination, and hard work Peter has become one of the top producing agents in Centre County. With over 20 years of expertise, Peter is always networking with other agents to benefit either is buyers or sellers. If you're either selling or buying, he will make sure each transaction is run smoothly and stressful free.

With 70% of his clients generating from referrals and repeated customers, it truly shows how he puts each of his clients one of his top priority. His professionalism, marketing skills, and customer appreciation, you'll become a client for life working with Peter.

Contact:
Peter Chiarkas
C: 814-571-8204
O: 814-234-4000 x3328
E: [email protected]

...

CULTURE CORNER: Bellefonte Art Museum

Central Pennsylvania artists and art lovers have a great resource right in their own backyard.

The Bellefonte Art Museum is located in the Linn House, an historic structure on the National Historic Registry. The museum is only 20 minutes from State College and Penn State, and is centrally located in the downtown area of Bellefonte.

The museum has a strong focus on local art. The Artist Registry contains over 165 local artists, many who show their work at the museum. The Community Gallery, Pottery Gallery, Photography Gallery and Sieg Gallery all showcase the work of these different artists, rotating out every month.

The museum hopes to enrich the community not only through local work, but through the Special Exhibitions Gallery, which includes work from China, Vietnam, East Africa, Haiti, Japan and South America.

Perhaps one of the most though-provoking exhibits...

EXPLORING OUR OUTDOORS: The Mid State Trail

Whether you’re looking for an overnight excursion or simply a short day-hike, the Mid State Trail should be at the top of your list.

Known as the “wildest footpath in Pennsylvania,” the 320-plus mile trail runs just south of State College on its route from the Maryland to the New York border. It covers diverse topography and is located mostly on public land, including the nearby Rothrock and Bald Eagle state forests.

The State College section of the trail is the most popular, but you’ll still find serenity in abundance. Our local section is known for its beautiful views and a monument near Little Flat Fire Tower that was erected to commemorate the trail’s birthplace. Founded by Professor Tom Thwaites of the Penn State Outing Club in 1969, the trail holds a special place in the heart of Penn Staters and Pennsylvanians alike.

The trail passes...

CULTURE CORNER: The Rowland Theater

From its first showing of a silent film in 1917 to the contemporary films being shown today, the Rowland Theater has always been a gathering place for Centre County residents and movie buffs alike.

Considered by many to be the jewel of downtown Philipsburg, the historic single-screen theater has seen decades of cinema history, along with visits from dignitaries like President Jimmy Carter, who made an appearance there in 2002.

The theater is located about 30 minutes from downtown State College and Penn State.

Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, the building has long been a treasure to the community. Even when it was first built, residents were in awe of its size, safety, and appointments. Fortunately, most of its original charm and character has remained intact, meaning moviegoers are treated...

ALL ABOUT PENN STATE: The Arboretum

Perfect for a stroll or picnic, The Arboretum at Penn State is sure to please.

Opened in the fall of 2009, this relatively new addition to campus is 395 acres and includes the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens. The arboretum is Penn State’s second (the first is at Penn State Behrend), and the second in Centre County (the other being Rhoneymeade Arboretum & Sculpture Garden in nearby Centre Hall).

The arboretum’s mission is simple: to promote scholarship and education about plants, their history and their importance on earth.

It’s an easy place to spend an hour or two enjoying the wide variety of flora that call the gardens home. It’s especially beautiful in spring when flowers are in bloom (you can use their interactive Blooming...

CATA CORNER: Best warm-weather destinations

As the memory of winter fades and temperatures rise, Penn State students and locals alike are usually ready to get out of their homes and enjoy all that Centre County has to offer. Whether they're looking to spend a night out on the town, go for a swim or simply read a good book, there are plenty of activities in or near State College to keep anyone entertained during the warmer months.

Fortunately, many of the region’s top summer attractions can be reached via the Centre County Transportation Authority’s bus system. Most bus routes originate in the downtown, making it easy for students and others nearby to hop on a bus and visit their favorite summer spots.

For those unfamiliar with downtown State College, there’s a huge variety of dining and nightlife options. Whether...

CULTURE CORNER: Discovery Space

If your family lives in Centre County and you’re interested in science and technology, Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania is a must-see. Featuring hands-on science fun through interactive exhibits and programs, it’s perfect for kids … and adults are bound to learn something, too!

It all began in 2002 when the Downtown State College Improvement District and other members of the community envisioned a community-oriented science museum. The facility first opened its doors to the public in 2011.

Membership improved over the years, and in 2016, the museum welcomed its 700th member. In 2017, Discovery Space moved to its current location, a larger facility on North Atherton Street just minutes from downtown and Penn State's campus.

The facility...

EXPLORING OUR OUTDOORS: The Standing Stone Trail

Surrounded by multiple state forests and parks, Centre County outdoors lovers have a lot to be thankful for. Hikers especially have an abundance of options to enjoy— one of them being the 80-mile Standing Stone Trail (SST), which runs south of State College and Penn State University.

Initially built as the Link Trail to connect the Mid State and Tuscarora trails, the SST received its current name in 2007. It’s also part of the Great Eastern Trail — America’s newest long-distance trail that spans from Alabama to New York.

Running along the ridge and valley section of the northern Appalachian Mountains, the SST features many views and unique cultural attractions. The most popular section of trail, by far, is the Thousand Steps hike, just south of Huntingdon.

...

Exploring Our Outdoors: Rothrock State Forest

Outdoor activities are plentiful in the region, thanks in part to public land like Rothrock State Forest.

Located just minutes from State College and Penn State University, this 215,000-acre tract of mountainous terrain in Centre, Mifflin and Huntingdon counties offers hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing and much more.

Founded in the early 20th century by neighboring Mifflin County native Dr. Joseph Rothrock, the forest was initially barren due to excessive logging and resource extraction. Concerned that the barren ridges would not regrow without proper management, Rothrock took action in 1895 when he was appointed the first commissioner of what’s today known as the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. This was the beginning of Pennsylvania’s...

Weekend Getaways: Allegheny National Forest and beyond

Just over two hours from State College and Penn State University is the Allegheny National Forest, an outdoor lover's paradise. 

Covering approximately 517,000 square acres, the forest lies in the heart of Pennsylvania’s oil and gas region and is the only National Forest located within the state.

Early settlers cleared the land for agriculture, but the lumber industry soon followed. Deforestation caused wildfires and floods, and by 1900 most wildlife was eliminated due to overhunting.

The Forest Service began managing the land that is now the Allegheny National Forest in 1923, and things began to change for the better.

Today, forests have regrown and animal populations have rebounded. The forest — which includes the Allegheny Reservoir — is a popular outdoor retreat,...