Spring graduation has come and gone!

I was walking around the Arboretum two weeks ago and there was a swarm of volunteers getting everything ready for the big weekend. Mowing lawns, touching up flower beds, giving everything a little spruce up before hoards of graduates and their families would stop by for post-ceremony cap and gown photos.

To be honest, I was walking around feeling like such an insider. There would be tens of thousands of out-of-towners coming to celebrate their graduates over the weekend, many of them ending up here at some point. But here I was, wandering around this State College treasure on a Thursday morning before starting my work day. No crowds. Warm sun. Perfect breeze. Chatting with one volunteer about tulips. Hearing a little girl with a pink baseball hat exclaim, “Beeeeeee!” with utter delight when she spotted one in the pollinator garden.

It was one of those pretty-much-perfect mornings that made me appreciate how incredible our springs and summers are.

All around town, trees are exploding with flowers and color. I was walking through my neighborhood the other day and petals from those trees were fluttering through the air like springtime snowflakes. Fairytale style.

(Side note: Join me on a little tree tangent? I recently learned that State Collegehas been regularly recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to urban forest resources. Way back in 1903, an effort was kickstarted to plant tons of trees, which is why you’ll see so many wise old well-established ones all over town. And I’d bet that many locals could list off at least one or two favorites that they regularly pass while they’re out walking the dog or wandering along a trail. I certainly can!)

Anyway. Since a majority of the students have left for the summer, we’re all getting ready for The Big Shift. This is the time of year where State College transitions into a playground for locals. The resources and amenities that make this an amazing college town during the fall and spring semesters are still here in the summer. (But with shorter lines, smaller crowds, and more open tables.)

The vibrant energy of downtown during the school year downshifts into a peaceful, spacious summertime. And there are plenty of beloved local events and traditions — Arts Fest, Memorial Day in Boalsburg, summer camps, Grange Fair, and Rhoneymeade Fest, to name a few — to keep things fun. 

It’s a unique cycle that keeps things feeling fresh and new, while also feeling steady and reliable.

So, my slowed-down spring and summer to-do list is well underway. Topping the list? Kayaking at Stone Valley. (It’s the perfect spot to go if you don’t own a kayak. You can rent one!) Walking downtown for date night at Allen Street Grill. Getting some work done at Rothrock Coffee and having lots of seats to choose from! Plopping down under a great tree on a peaceful Old Main lawn with an Irving’s breakfast sandwich and a coffee. I know the list will grow.

There’s still lots to say about this season in State College and all of the great things locals will be getting into while the students are away. We’ll get into even more next time.

In the meantime, what would be on your list?!