Food, Travel, United States

A Weekend Getaway to State College, PA

Last weekend, Nicolas turned 25! He had never experienced a proper birthday weekend before, and no one deserves a wonderful birthday more than him, so we celebrated Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday! Along with celebrating at work, my family had the coziest party for him. On Saturday, we left for a little weekend getaway to State College.

Nicolas had never spent much time in State College, and some amazing family members gifted us a stay at The Carnegie Inn! We were super excited to go away for a weekend especially because we could drive and barely had to pack anything. We are normally used to a big production with packing, flights, etc. We look forward to taking more little vacations like this now that we live in the states!


The Carnegie Inn & Spa is so cozy and charming. It definitely has the vibe of a European bed and breakfast which I love. The inn itself is surrounded by a little forest, and the view from our window was very nice. The bathroom was big with a shower and a bath. I especially liked the little towel made specifically for taking off my makeup. (Is that weird? Haha 🙂 )  To make our stay even cozier, there was a coffee and hot cocoa station right outside our room!

 

There was also a beautiful front porch with rocking chairs (my favorite.)

 

If I am completely honest, the highlights of our weekend mostly revolved around food. We went to Olive Garden because if there is an Olive Garden, we go to Olive Garden (and eat 94485 breadsticks.) Nico got a slice of the brownie lasagna for his birthday!

 

I also took him to Cracker Barrel for the first time because it is an *essential* part of living in Pennsylvania. 🙂

We were recommended by several people to try the American Ale House and Grill. We went for brunch, and it did not disappoint! The vibe of this place is so cool, and their menu options are even cooler. We both had the BEST EVER avocado toast and split a yogurt creme brûlée which you must try to understand how yummy it is.

 

We also went to The Original Waffle Shop for brunch, and it was fantastic. I got blueberry waffles, and Nicolas tried their chicken and waffles.

 

It wouldn’t be a trip to State College without visiting the Penn State Berkey Creamery! Nicolas had also never been here. We had to stand in line for quite a while to get our ice cream, but it was so worth it. I got chocolate marshmallow and Nico got chocolate chip cookie dough.

 

I hope you’ve all had a nice weekend! What are you looking forward to this June? I am planning on relaxing, eating outside, swimming, sitting by a fire, and just enjoying summer!

xx, Madison

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10 Comments

  • Reply mamasmercantile June 4, 2019 at 10:50 am

    Sounds and looks idyllic, what an amazing weekend away creating some wonderful memories for you to treasure.

    • Reply Madison Marie June 5, 2019 at 2:37 pm

      Yes, it really was! <3

  • Reply Linda Conley June 4, 2019 at 1:11 pm

    A very Happy Belated Birthday to Nicolas. You guys are just so darn cute, smiles.

    • Reply Madison Marie June 5, 2019 at 2:36 pm

      Thank you, Linda! You are just the sweetest! 🙂

  • Reply Shannon June 4, 2019 at 2:15 pm

    Cracker Barrel is definitely an experience! We made it a habit to stop at them every time we road tripped out of Florida. I can’t believe Nicolas had never been before! My husband LOVES the chicken and dumplings there.

    I am actually gearing up for a girl’s weekend in Philadelphia. My husband’s cousin Arianna is getting married in September so we are celebrating her bridal shower and bachelorette party this weekend. I’ve been to Philly before but never gone out there so I’m looking forward to it!

    • Reply Madison Marie June 5, 2019 at 2:36 pm

      Hahaha, yes! Now he has experienced Cracker Barrel, and I’m sure we will have to go again soon. 🙂 I’ve never spent any time in Philly!!! Sounds amazing – have a great trip! <3

  • Reply Madeline June 4, 2019 at 10:05 pm

    How fortunate Nicolas has you to help him experience a birthday weekend! (They are the best way to celebrate!) It looks like a cozy and wonderful getaway with tons of delicious food.

    • Reply Madison Marie June 5, 2019 at 2:35 pm

      Awe, thanks! Yes, it was such a nice weekend, and all the food was amazing!

  • Reply Megan June 5, 2019 at 6:52 am

    I am in LOVE with the wallpaper in the hotel room you stayed in! I’m so glad you and Nicolas had such a great time together 🙂

    • Reply Madison Marie June 5, 2019 at 2:34 pm

      The aesthetic of this hotel was everything! Thanks, sweet friend. <3

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