As the end of the semester approaches and many students look forward to trips to the beach, State College's version of the year-round shore resort is going on a permanent vacation.

The Surf Club Bar & Grill, 128 E. College Ave., is closing its doors for good, and in doing so becomes the fourth local retailer to shut down its business within the past month.

Bob Ziegler, owner of the Surf Club, refused to comment on why he decided to close his business. Ziegler also would not comment on whether or not he planned to sell either the property or his liquor license.

Bob Price, executive director of Downtown State College Inc., said he had heard rumors about the Surf Club closing but had not heard anything definite.

Price said that the recent closings of Auntie Anne's, 352 E. College Ave.; Carriage House, 109 S. Pugh St.; Crabtrees Jewelers, 132 S. Allen St.; and now the Surf Club are just part of the changing face of business in State College.

"It's part of the evolution of downtown," he said.

While some storeowners have been closing their businesses recently, others have been opening up new ones, Price said, adding that new establishments of Irving's Bagels, 131 W. Beaver Ave., and Charmaine's French Bakery Cafe, 234 E. College Ave., will be a big part of downtown business.

Price said that in a small town, businesses can be greatly affected by anything from different styles of management to the weather.

"There's no question we've gone through the worst weather in history in State College," he said, adding that it was difficult to do business in town this winter.

Andy Zangrilli, owner of Dante's Restaurants Inc. and Tatoo, 620 E. College Ave., said it is disappointing when someone goes out of business.

"I'm sorry to hear that happen to anyone in business," he said.

Zangrilli said it is tough to do business in State College because it is a "cyclical town," with students moving in and out.