As college towns and their shopping options rank, State College doesn't have it so bad.
Downtown alone offers various retailers that feature high-end denim and student favorites like French Connection and Free People, but College Avenue can grow old faster than last seasons' legwarmers. Even venturing out to Nittany Mall with its minimal selection of stores and styles doesn't offer solace.
As football season draws to a close, free weekends will once again return to State College. So when the fall shopping bug bites, hit the road and visit some of these day trip-worthy shopping destinations.
Logan Valley Mall, Altoona
Distance: 45 minutes
As the closest shopping destination outside of Happy Valley, the Logan Valley Mall, though still a small center, offers a refreshing change of scenery. Aside from a Macy's that is considerably larger than the Nittany Mall's, Logan Valley has all the State College staples like American Eagle Outfitters, Gap, Express, Victoria's Secret and Pacific Sunwear. What makes it notable is the classic and always affordable Old Navy, as well as Buckle, which carries a variety of brands including Hurley, Lucky and Puma. Logan Valley also boasts one of the few East Coast locations of Jimmy'z, featuring California-inspired urban wear (often generously discounted at 40 percent off the entire store) for men and women. Just down the street, visit Kohl's to check out Simply Vera by Vera Wang before returning to University Park.
Park City Center, Lancaster
Distance: 2 hours
Park City Center offers an excellent variety of stores within a reasonable distance of State College. Already well equipped with Gadzooks, Zumiez, Ann Taylor LOFT, H&M and many others, Park City Center also has a number of specialty stores such as The Body Shop and Bakers shoes. Improving upon the largest enclosed shopping center in south-central Pennsylvania, this fall and spring, customers will see an onslaught of expanding retailers, including White House Black Market, Bebe, Banana Republic, Aldo Shoes and Sephora.
Prime Outlets at Hagerstown, Hagerstown, Md.
Distance: 2.5 hours
While many Penn State students have visited Prime Outlets at Grove City, the Hagerstown location is actually closer to State College and offers top retailers at factory prices. J. Crew, Polo Ralph Lauren, Fossil, Guess, BCBG MAX AZRIA, Coach, Vans, Nine West and Puma are just a few of the more than 100 retailers available. The high quality and low prices make Hagerstown the perfect place to get in some early holiday shopping.
King of Prussia Mall
Distance: 3 hours
Easily one of the best malls on the East Coast, the King of Prussia Mall is a utopia for shopping-deprived Penn Staters. Yes, three hours is a bit of a haul for retail therapy, but the two-story Urban Outfitters alone justifies the drive. Still not convinced? There are more than 400 other stores in two separate centers to tempt your inner-designer. The shopping haven has every retailer a college student could desire, as well as higher-end stores like Burberry, Versace, Lilly Pulitzer, Diesel, United Colors of Benetton, Betsey Johnson and Juicy Couture. Topped off with department store royalty Bloomingdale's, Lord and Taylor, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, King of Prussia has it all. With the center's expansive size it's the perfect way to get a shopping fix and some exercise, too.
