Huntingdon, PA - America's Coolest Small Town

By: James Bunting

Did you know that one of America’s “Coolest Small Towns” is located just a half hour south of Penn State?  It’s true.  The readers of Budget Travel Magazine voted Huntingdon, PA as the Coolest Small Town in Pennsylvania, and number 5 on the 2009 list of Coolest Small Towns in America!

The Raystown region offers an incredible amount of shopping, dining, and attractions.  Most of the activity is centered around the 8,300-acre, 30-mile long Raystown Lake.  The Raystown Lake Recreation Area welcomes nearly 2 million visitors per year to the area for world-class fishing, hiking, hunting, mountain biking, and boating.  The Allegrippis Trails at Raystown Lake have been named one of the 4 best bike trails in North America and called a "roller coaster on two wheels" -- so check 'em out! (allegrippistrails.com)

What to Do

Fishing: Raystown Lake got its initial fame for striped bass fishing, but is a very respectable lake for Lake Trout, Walleye, Muskie and Bass. The lake is host for many bass fishing contests each year; the fact that clubs and groups keep holding tournaments on Raystown speaks for the quality of the fishery.  For guided fishing tours, check out Lunker Guide Service(lunkerguide.com), or the Clapper's Guide Service (clappersguide.com).

Golfing: Fore!  Hit the links at Huntingdon’s two exceptional golf courses.  Plan a corporate outing at the Huntingdon Country Club (open to the public).  The country club has a 9 or 18 hole course, plus banquet and catering services (huntingdoncc.com).  Then, check out the Standing Stone Golf Course – rated one of the Top 100 courses in Pennsylvania. 

Other Attractions: Enjoy a tour of two spectacular caves at Lincoln Caverns (lincolncaverns.com).  The two crystal caverns offer a tremendous educational opportunity for kids and families.   Browse the galleries of Vintage Art Glass in Historic Downtown Huntingdon.  They specialize in custom stained glass pieces, blown glass crystals, and handmade jewelry.  Looking for a thrill?  Check out Central PA’s only zipline experience at Raystown Ziplines(raystownziplines.com).  The very affordable tours last an hour and consist of three separate zipline trips.  To round out your fun day of activities, WildRiver Waterpark is nearby at Lake Raystown Resort, Lodge and Conference Center (raystownresort.com).

Guided lake cruises are available from Seven Points Marina (7pointsmarina.com) and from Lake Raystown Resort (raystownresort.com) from spring to fall foliage time. Swigart Auto Museum (swigartmuseum.com ) is the oldest auto museum in the nation -- see 2 Tuckers, Herbie the Love Bug and a 1903 Oldsmobile and more all in one stop!

The East Broad Top Railroad (ebtrr.com) is celebrating its 50th season as a steam-driven railway excursion line. The EBT celebration runs June 5 - December 4, 2010 with weekend rail tours and special events throughout the season. 

Where to stay

For an authentic Huntingdon experience, stay overnight in one of the fabulous lodges in the Raystown Region.  For a terrific family getaway, check out Lane’s Country Homestead (laneshomestead.com) and enjoy the breathtaking sunsets each night.  For a lakeside retreat, visit Heritage Cove Resort (heritagecoveresort.com), which has a boat dock, in addition to canoe and kayak rentals.  Need a true weekend getaway?  You won’t find any computers, e-mails, or BlackBerrys at The Ridge Retreat (theridgeretreat.com).  There is no internet access, which will allow you to relax without the stress of technology.

Where to eat

Mimi’s Restaurant in Huntingdon calls itself, “The best little secret in the area.”  After you try their food, you’ll want to tell everybody (mimisrestaurant.net).  Can’t make it to Beaver Stadium?  Catch the game at Memories Sports Bar and enjoy some delicious wings as you cheer on the Nittany Lions (memoriessportsbar.com).    Upscale or laid back, the Mill Stone Manor has a meal for all occasions.  Enjoy a night out with a significant other in their fine dining room, or take the family out in the casual room (themillstonemanor.com). 

How to be in the know

Visit www.raystown.org/upcoming-events and get in touch with the Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau to help plan your RAYcation or day trip.