Amy originally made her way to State College as a Penn State student. After graduation, she spent 5 years working all over the country as a consultant for IT company Accenture. During this time, her now-husband, Jeremy Frank, was still at Penn State in grad school. When he got an offer to start a company here in State College with his Ph.D. advisor, they decided to give Central PA a shot.

Twenty years, four kids, three dogs, and two organizations later — they happily call themselves State College locals!

On a typical weekday, you’ll find me meeting with local artists and makers, setting up or teaching creative classes or events at The Makery, running or strength training with friends at Next LVL Fitness, or attending one of my four teenage kids’ sporting events — which are usually right downtown!

Weekends are for running or biking in Rothrock State Forest or Black Moshannon State Park, a quirky community gathering at 3 Dots Downtown, browsing the Locust Lane Farmer’s Market, and a firepit session with our Sunday crew at Boal City Brewing.

Awesome Local Alert!I’m probably most well-known around town as the founder of The Makery — a non-profit art studio with spaces in downtown State College and Bellefonte.

I can also be found studying at Elixir Coffee or Schlow Library — I’m finishing up a graduate degree in Art Therapy this summer — or taking a yoga class at PYP Studio.

The thing I’m most proud to have contributed/be contributing to our community is unplugged joy and delight for children and families in downtown State College through The Makery. I’m especially proud of the way the studio contributes a fun, family-friendly focus to our town’s many street festivals and community events.

In addition, I love that the studio has become a hub for Central PA’s many artists, makers, and creatives.

Amy in her element.

To me, a perfect day in State College looks like: Coffee and baked oatmeal at Good Day Cafe, biking up to the gorgeous grounds of the Penn State Arboretum for a stroll, checking out a new exhibit at the new Palmer Museum of Art, joining my family for a Cozy Thai takeout lunch in Martin Luther King Plaza, seeking out new-to-us books and vintage styles at Webster’s Bookstore Cafe and Tiger’s Eye Vintage, wrapping it up with a summer Movie-in-The-Park with pizza from 8 Mile. The best part? At the end of the night, we just walk or bike home.

I consider Ezra Nanes State College royalty. In addition to being our mayor, Ezra is a gracious, humble community leader whose infectious positivity has contributed to the vibrancy and inclusivity of our State College community.

One downtown restaurant that I just can’t get enough of is: Do I have to pick just one?! Allen Street Grill for date nights with Jeremy, Tadashi for lunch, and Sauly Boys when we are headed out with our four always-hungry teenagers.

The best day trip destination within a 2-hour drive from State College is: Eagles Mere Lake/Lake Mokoma. These sister lakes north of Williamsport sit at the edge of World’s End State Park and are a step back in time in all the best ways!

Favorite local park? Holmes Foster Park — this place is the best! Lots of green space to run, one playground for the “big” kids, one for the littles, lots of shady trees, and all a stone’s throw from downtown.

Something I didn’t think I’d like about living here that has really grown on me is… Living in a small-ish college town. When I moved here from a big city twenty years ago, I was concerned that I would miss the cultural experiences and bustle of a metropolitan area. What I’ve discovered is that State College has the benefit of world-class music, art, and entertainment, a vibrant, walkable downtown, and an incredible array of outdoor adventure without the traffic, expense, and congestion of a city.

My go-to “Spend an Evening Downtown” itinerary looks like: Meet my favorite date — my husband, Jeremy — at his downtown office, enjoy exquisite Old Fashioneds at the Lobby Bar, dinner at The Tavern or Central Reservation, catch an up-and-coming musician at the State Theatre, after-show drinks with friends at Chumley’s or Antifragile Brewing. When it’s time to call it a night, we’re just a quick bike ride from home.

Amy painting at The Makery

The thing out of town visitors don’t really get to see about the experience of being a State College local is…The interconnectedness of this community. My family jokes that we live on Sesame Street — with a collection of well-intentioned, quirky characters and a never-ending supply of places and events to see them. It’s a great way to live and a really special way to raise children.

A neighboring town that I love to explore is: I love everything about Millheim, PA! This one-stoplight town is home to a terrific music scene at Elk Creek Cafe, unique vegan offerings and great coffee at the Super Duper Cafe, and sublime treasure hunting at Millheim Portal. I love that central PA is full of sweet little spots like this village!

The 3 things I’d miss most about State College if I had to move are: Don’t want to think about it…there are a lot more than 3 things!

To connect with Amy, you can visit themakerypa.com, and follow @themakerypa and @mindfullymadestudios on Instagram.