1. Ground Hog's Day
It's easy to forget that Punxsutawney Phil is just a short drive from Indiana. Join the celebrations in Punxy at Gobbler's Knob on Feb. 2. It's a whole day filled of fun and one giant party to celebrate Phil. Check out all of Phil's celebrations here.
2. Indiana Wine Fest
Recommended for you
For those 21 and older, Indiana Wine Fest is held at the Kovalchick Complex every so often. The latest upcoming event will be held on Feb. 20, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The upcoming lineup will feature 16 and counting wineries from around PA. More information and tickets can be found here.
3. Hoodlebug
The Hoodlebug Trail is a small trail right off campus across the street from the Robertshaw parking lot. Whether going for a walk or a run, be sure to check out this charming little trail before you leave Indiana.
4. Yellow Creek National State Park
This state park is a quick 15 minute drive from IUP and with 2,981 acres it is beautiful. Park goers can enjoy fishing, hunting, swimming, hiking, biking and even boat rentals not to mention it's the perfect place for a cookout or picnic. Yellow Creek isn't only good for the summer though, you can use the cold months to sled, snowmobile, or even ice skate. More information can be found here.
5. Indiana County Fair
The county fairs starts every year right when the school year begins in August. Join the Indiana Fair for rides, great food, tons of animals, and concerts.
6. Disobedient Spirits
Disobedient Spirits, for those 21 and older is a craft distillery right outside of Indiana in Homer City. This place offers a variety of craft liquors from vodka to gin to whiskey and more. Set up a tour, a tasting, or join them for one of their upcoming events.
7. Co-op Park
The Co op Park is only three miles from campus with 270 acres. The park offers camping, sports fields, picnicking, and in the wintertime there's even sledding and tubing. The 10 miles of trails and hiking is sure to leave you satisfied.
8. Northern Appalachian Folk Festival
This Folk Festival comes to Downtown Indiana and offers a concert series over a span of days of various bands and artists. Follow here for updates on the 2016 festival.
9. Tres Amigos
You can't leave Indiana without having one of Tres Amigos famous giant frozen margaritas. Bring your friends for food, drinks, and a fun environment.
10. Levity Brewing
Levity is a new brewery to Indiana that offers specialty craft beers and even craft soda for those 21 and older. It will be Indiana's first brewery since 1939. Although Levity isn't open for business yet, tours can still be scheduled here. Keep up to date from the opening of what's sure to be a huge attraction in Indiana.
11. Twisted Jimmy's Milkshakes
Whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic, don't leave Indiana without trying one of Twisted Jimmy's masterful milkshakes with flavors ranging from smores to cinnamon toast crunch.
12. Stern's
Sterns Ice Cream is a small shop located in the shopping center next to Subway. Be sure to stop in for one of their unique flavor selections of soft serve. But remember, cash only!
13. Relay for Life
Relay for Life takes place in Indiana in the Field House every April. The event lasts all day and is a great way to get involved whether you join a Relay team, create your own, or simply participate in walking and fundraising. Relay is just one of many ways to get involved in Indiana.
14. Crouse's Cafe
This cafe on Philly street is known for some bomb food and delicious breakfast. Be sure to get there early and remember that this small cafe is only opened until 3pm.
15. The Meadows
The Meadows is right on Oakland and has everything from frozen custard to cones to sundaes to shakes. The ice cream is phenomenal and in stiff competition with Stern's, just ask any IUP student, they're probably on one ice cream team or the other. Both places are worth a shot before you leave IUP.
16. The Jimmy Stewart Museum
Just because.
So there you have it! A bucket list to get you through your years at IUP. As a senior there's a few things on this list that even I'm excited to try, starting with #1. See you in February Punxsutawney Phil!
