State College continues to garner national recognition thanks to Penn State Football

State College is one of the premier college football towns in America, according to FanSided’s recently released rankings

The Nittany Lions have fallen out of the College Football Playoff picture, amid a three-game losing skid, but the accolades continue to roll in for Happy Valley.

Less than a month after State College was named the Best College Football Town in America, by ESPN, the home of Penn State Football was featured prominently in FanSided’s rankings, released Monday.

State College, population 42,275, home to Beaver Stadium — population 110,000, was named the best college football town in Pennsylvania in FanSided’s rankings of the best college football towns in every state:

"Happy Valley is a place that one might have to check out at least once, even if it’s as a fan of one of the Nittany Lions’ rivals. The town is built around Penn State. It’s unlike anything else in the country. This is a town that was built for the university. The area got its name because it evaded the Great Depression back in the 1930s thanks mostly in part due to the jobs provided by the university.The arboretum is amazing at State College. It’s 395 acres of greenery, plants, a conservatory, and even a planetarium. It’s a wonderful space that really gives some peace and tranquility, which might be needed if a Big Ten rival is there that week.Even if you are in Happy Valley for a football game, head to the Pegula Ice Arena. It’s one of the best buildings for college hockey in the nation. It came thanks to a massive donation a few years ago, and it was money well spent."

The tailgate scene, which opens as early as 7 a.m. on gameday is not to be missed. Nor is the vibe of the borough on a football weekend.

Few places are better to enjoy a Friday night pre-game meal or celebrate a Nittany Lions’ win than the legendary Corner Room. And, of course, the Creamery is not to be missed — pro tip, order the grilled stickies ice cream, especially for the chunks of sticky buns rolled in.