Bellefonte, settled in 1795 and incorporated in 1806, is the county seat and has produced five of the Commonwealtha s governors plus two others who served as governors elsewhere (in California and Kansas). The contributions of all seven are commemorated with a memorial in Talleyrand Park.
Depending on which historical account you read, Bellefontea s name either comes from Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-PA(C)rigorda s assessment of the areaa s natural spring a la belle fontea (a beautiful fountaina ); or adopted from ironmaster John Dunlopa s workshop, Bell Font Forge, a nod to the claim that this place was where the best iron was cast.
Either way, Bellefonte has a distinct personality that blends grand historic buildings with modern small-town charm. Its wealth of Victorian architecture is a sight to see, and therea s plenty to do downtown and all around this beautiful borough.
How to Spend Your Morninga |
The first impression many get upon driving into Bellefontea s downtown district is one of historic importance thanks to the imposing Centre County courthouse that faces High Street. Find a place to park and tuck intoA Cool Beans Coffee and TeaA for a hot cup of joe and a breakfast treat before venturing across the street toA Plaza CentreA for a step back in time. The 30,000-square-foot maze of antiques, collectibles, vinyl, vintage clothing, arts and crafts and so much more is situated in two restored theatres.
Plaza isna t the only place to discover hard-to-find treasures in Bellefonte. If youa re a bargain hunter,A Faith Centre Thrift StoreA is worth a look; and if eclectic furniture and home goods is your thing, stop intoA The Great Mish MoshA on South Allegheny Street.
After all that window shopping, head over to theA Bellefonte Art MuseumA for Centre CountyA to browse some of the regiona s finest artworks. In addition to the Windows on the World Gallery, which displays art from all over the globe, the museum showcases local artists in six special galleries. Dona t leave before checking out theA Underground Railroad: A Journey to FreedomA exhibit, which commemorates Bellefontea s link to the Underground Railroad. The permanent exhibit is tucked into a secret space that was hidden behind one of the walls of the 1810 Linn House, a former stop in the hidden trail toward freedom. (Admission is free.)
Grab a Bite for Luncha |
For a burger, fries and other American fare, tryA State Burger Co.A If pizza and wings are your things you have a few great options, but a local favorite isA Hofbrau PizzaA on Bishop Street.A The Blonde Bistro also covers Italian cuisine but branches out to other flavors as well.
How to Spend the Afternoona |
After lunch take a stroll through 3.5-acre Talleyrand Park, a picturesque piece of land with meandering paths, bridges over Spring Creek and plenty of ducks. Therea s a playground for the little ones and in the summertime you might catch live music from the gazebo. Be sure to visit theA Visitora s Center located in the Train Station.
From Talleyrand, walk over to theA American Philatelic Society, formerly a 19th-century match factory thata s now on the National Register of Historic Places. The center houses the American Philatelic Research Library, the worlda s largest philatelic library, home to more than 80,000 volumes and special collections dedicated to postage stamps and stamp collecting. You dona t have to be a stamp collector to find the artifacts about postal history pretty interesting.
(Admission is free, but only members can check out materials.)
Round out your afternoon in good spirits with a stop at one, or both, of Bellefontea s trendy sipping establishments.A Good Intent CiderA offers patrons a taste of several flavors of hard cider. AndA Big Spring SpiritsA is Bellefontea s own distillery, giving visitors a chance to try their locally made gin, vodka, rum, whiskey and more, in addition to a full menu of creative cocktails using the hometown spirits.
Where to Grab Dinnera |
Once youa ve wet your whistle, there are plenty of dinner options to choose from downtown. For a tiny taste of TV history, stop in atA Mamma Lucreziaa s, a casual Italian eatery that was featured in an episode of Food Networka s a Restaurant: Impossiblea in 2014. Or tryA The Governora s Pub, named for the aforementioned seven governors that hail from Bellefonte.
Where to Spend the Night…
All that Victorian architecture has been put to good use in various ways, not the least of which is by some beautiful bed and breakfast establishments. For a sweet overnight stay downtown, tryA Reynolds MansionA orA The Queen, A Victorian Bed & Breakfast.A If you dona t mind a quick drive, head over to theA Hublersburg InnA in nearby Howard, where you can get a casual dinner (try the cheesesteak!) and a cozy room.
Make the Most of the Next Morninga |
For breakfast, anyone whoa s been through the Centre Region knows you cana t go wrong withA The Waffle Shop, and therea s one right in downtown Bellefonte.
Finally, a trip to Bellefonte would not be complete without taking in some outdoor action. Stop in atA Tussey Mountain OutfittersA to rent canoes, kayaks or SUPs for a few hours of fun. Theya ll even drive you and the equipment to an access point alongA Spring CreekA orA Bald Eagle Creek.
Spring Creek is one of the sweetest spots for trout fishing youa ll find anywhere; chances are youa ll catch anglers proving that point on any given day. If youa d like to throw out a line or just enjoy the creek from land, head toA Fishermana s ParadiseA about 2 miles southwest of downtown. (Note: Youa ll need a permit to fish.) There youa ll find a wide 3-mile path through Spring Creek Canyon, which follows the creek to the Bellefonte State Fish Hatchery. Ita s the perfect place for a casual stroll, bike ride or run.
