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This agricultural field trip across the top of the State of Independence takes you from the scientific center of Penn State University to the markets and shops of Grove City.
PrintEmail>>>>>The title of this roadtrip is a little misleading, because we're actually starting you off a little south of Interstate 80, in the town of State College. The Pennsylvania State University boasts a world-famous agricultural program, so it's no surprise that the State College Farmers' Market is so popular. Check it out and pick up some tasty treats to fuel up for the rest of the day, because there's plenty to do in this bustling college town. Visit the College of Agricultural Sciences for some perspective on the university's place in world agriculture; the nearby Ag Arena hosts many special events throughout the year. The Pasto Agricultural Museum, located in the Agricultural Administration Building, is another fascinating stop it includes more than 1,100 unusual farm and household items dating back to the early 1800s. And no trip to Penn State is complete without a visit to the famous University Creamery. This is the largest university creamery in the nation, processing about 4.5 million pounds of milk each year, about half of which comes from the university's own herd of 225 cows. That's a lot of ice cream!
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Today you'll head north a bit to Interstate 80 and the Victorian town of Bellefonte, home to seven former governors and plenty of tycoons from days of yore. Stroll around and check out the homes of the formerly rich and famous, then head for the Bellefonte Farmers Market. This is an excellent place to score some fresh fruits and vegetables as well as baked goods for breakfast.
Next up is the Clearfield County Farmers Market, just in case you didn't get everything you wanted in Bellefonte. Even if you did, stop and explore anyway this is a roadtrip, after all, and discovering new things is part of the fun! And speaking of fun, a few miles to the south in Curwensville you'll find the Starr Hill Vineyard & Winery. This is the newest winery on the famous Groundhog Wine Trail, so it's well worth checking out. Stop by for a taste or two of the fruit of the vine; you can also take a winery tour and shop for gift baskets. Wind up your day in Reynoldsville, at Bennett Farms and Greenhouse.You'll start today by heading for historic Victorian Brookville, home of Farmer Smith's Gift Store and Garden Center. This is the area's largest gift store; you can also buy plants here. And once you've satisfied your consumerism urges, you'll be ready for the Quiet Creek Herb Farm and School of Country Living. This unique establishment offers classes and festivals designed to teach people how to live more holistically. Shop for gifts related to the culinary arts, or learn about medicinal and decorative herbs. The farm is actually a charitable, non-profit organization dedicated to increasing public understanding of the importance of conservation, ecological thinking, and sustainable healthful living, so all of your purchases make a difference!
Next on your list of places to visit is the Clarion County Farmers' Market, a traditional farmers' market featuring locally grown produce, fresh poultry, eggs, and more. And in Grove City, you'll want to hit Seivers Farm Market. This family-owned market offers homegrown vegetables and jellies as well as lawn furniture and Amish-made crafts. If you visit in the fall, you can even take a hayride to the pumpkin patch!