A Spring State of Mind

See ya, Old Man Winter. Spring has sprung in Happy Valley! After four long months of lifeless trees, grey skies and constant cold, it’s time to remind ourselves of the beauty of State College. And what better way to do so then spending some much-needed time outside? Pack up that parka and break out sun glasses – it’s springtime at State.

Visit the Arboretum

Penn State’s Arboretum is much more than a garden – it’s a state-of-the-art facility for education and research. Because of that, the Arboretum is full of beautiful flowers and plants uncommon to backyard gardens. Unbeknownst to most students, it stretches far beyond the beautiful fountain seen from Park Avenue and includes a wooded walking trail. According to Kathleen Reeder, Event and Marketing Coordinator for the Arboretum, the gardens should begin to bloom within the next three weeks. It’s the perfect place to break for some serenity and reflection during the final few weeks of the semester.

Hike Mt. Nittany

If you haven’t done so yet, you’re doing Penn State wrong. Every Penn Stater should have this on their bucket list to experience the beauty of Happy Valley from a to-die-for view. It’s a fun activity for a weekend adventure with friends, but be prepared to do some actual hiking. Bring some food for the top!

Go to a Baseball Game

The team is 4-0 at home this year, the best home start to the season since 1997. There’s also a new coach, which is bound to bring a new energy and excitement to the team. Medlar Field at Lubrano Park is an awesome facility. And hot dogs. Who doesn’t love a good baseball game?!  Check out the schedule and plan a fun day at the ball game with friends.

Eat Outside

This one’s simple, but needs to be appreciated. At this school, we rarely have the opportunity to eat outdoors after mid-October. Take your lunch to the Old Main lawn or opt for outdoor seating at one of the awesome restaurants downtown and take in the sunlight. It’s a no-brainer, we know, but it’s seriously underrated. Get excited! Better days are ahead of us people.

Photo by Jonathan Hsieh