Day 52 of our 2025 RVing Adventure with Historical & Musical Interludes

It's Sunday June 22nd, day 52 of our 2025 summer adventure. Yes, I took my morning walk on the Grainge grounds this morning and then we were able to sit outside and enjoy our coffee and Bluegrass Gospel on Sirius XM. Near the end of my walk, I texted with Georgia. It was great to catch up with her. I certainly miss our Zephyrhills Friday morning WW foursome!

Today was a "chores" day. We need haircuts, so I checked in on line at Great Clips. We were 12 and 13 in line with a 105 minute wait. So, we could put that further down on our long list! We naturally took the two lane roads and went on US 322 Business through downtown State College. State College is a college town, home to the campus of Penn State. When we passed by the Graduate Hotel on South Atherton Street, it’s impossible to miss the wall of shimmering colors that depict a blend of merging, symmetrical faces. The mural’s title plays off Penn State’s iconic “We Are” chant while sharing an authentic and relevant message of unity to the State College community.

We had a few items to get from a hardware store, so we were Home Depot bound first. With that checked off our list, Charlie dropped me off at Walmart, so I could get a few items. We need to drop off some mail, but there is not a USPS close to us here, so we headed to Great Clips. We were number 2 and 3 when we arrived. Amanda was just finishing up a cut and number 1 did not show up, so she took me first. While I was getting my cut number 1 showed up, so she cut his hair after mine. She did such a great job on mine, Charlie said he would wait for her. We were both very happy with our cuts. Now, Charlie says he will be set until we get to Livonia where he can get a cut by "Barber Dan."

We had decided yesterday to enjoy a light lunch at a brewery in State College. I liked the menu at Otto's Pub & Brewery the best. It was almost 1pm, so we headed there. At Otto’s Pub and Brewery passion, creativity, and community converge over exceptional beer and delectable food. Here is a bit of their story. 

The founder is Charlie Schnable. His love affair with beer began during his college days, when he meticulously brewed his own concoctions in the confines of a closet. Inspired by the vibrant brewpub scene in Seattle, he set his sights on creating something extraordinary in his hometown of Williamsport, Pennsylvania. And so, The Bullfrog Brewery was born – a resounding success that fueled Charlie’s dreams even further. 

Charlie’s vision extended beyond Williamsport. He yearned to share his passion with the community that had shaped him – State College, where he had graduated from Penn State. Initially planning to open a brewery downtown, Charlie encountered legal hurdles due to the proximity of churches. Undeterred, he discovered a gem on North Atherton and embarked on a new adventure. 

In 2002, Otto’s Pub and Brewery opened its doors, and the response was electric. Patrons reveled in the flavors, the brews, and the inviting ambiance. From their seats, they glimpsed the brewing magic unfolding before their eyes. And occasionally, they’d encounter Otto – Charlie’s beloved cat and the brewery’s namesake. In 2010, they relocated to a larger space, complete with ample parking, expanded seating, and innovative services. For Charlie, brewing is akin to cooking – a delightful alchemy that transforms raw ingredients into liquid art.

My Charlie had the Streamside IPA, a New England style IPA. I went for something a bit more fruity, the Apricot Ale. Jeremy was our server and he did an exceptional job! Charlie had the Chicken Wing Mac & Cheese, while I had the Chicken Wing Salad. Charlie had BBQ wings and I went for the Sweet Chili sauce on my wings. It was a great choice with the arugula salad base!

In the parking lot, we discovered the sister location to Otto's, Barrel 21 Distillery and Dining. In 2015, alongside co-owner Roger Garthwaite, Charlie’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to expand his craft beverage empire. Here, spirits and cocktails harmonize with delectable food and, of course, exceptional beer. Charlie’s commitment to local sourcing extends to everything – from hamburgers to bourbon. As a visionary, he continually seeks ways to elevate our offerings and delight our cherished patrons.

We needed a few grocery items and I noticed that our "hometown" grocer had a store here in State College, Wegman's. Naturally, I had to shop there. Sadly, they did not have any Hot Honey Hummus either. I did find Dill Pickle Hummus, which I put in the cart. So, I got a plain hummus and found the Hot Honey and I will create my own!

We dropped our mail in a USPS in Boalsburg and saw this sign. Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, is widely considered the birthplace of Memorial Day. The tradition began in October 1864, when three women, Emma Hunter, Sophie Keller, and Elizabeth Myers, decorated the graves of fallen soldiers in the town cemetery. They agreed to repeat the gesture the following year, and the practice evolved into an annual community event, eventually spreading to other towns and becoming the national holiday we know today. Being from Western New York, I was always taught that Waterloo was the birthplace of Memorial. The first known Memorial Day celebration was in Waterloo, New York, on May 5, 1866. This was the year that the federal government declared it the official birthplace of the holiday. 

About this same time last year, we met Bill & Dee near here at Boalsburg Duffy's Tavern. It is amazing how much changes in a year, we lost Dee suddenly this winter. We were blessed to have that afternoon last year with them both, and their four-legged Charlie too! RIP Dee, you were a shining light to so many!

We enjoyed a relaxing late afternoon on the Grange Grounds. Stay tuned for more Two Lane Adventures!