Bellefonte lives up to its name.
Translated as “beautiful fountain” in French, the borough boasts distinct architecture, quaint shops, and pleasant views — charm practically flowing from every surface. Founded in 1795, the Centre County seat is roughly 20 minutes away from downtown State College, offering a slower pace and historic character.
With help from a historian and people who live and work in the community, PA Local has crafted a guide to spending a day in Bellefonte.
Morning
Start the day with a stroll through Talleyrand Park, where you can take in waterfront views from the gazebo, a suspension bridge, or the walkway along Spring Creek. The 3.5-acre park is a popular spot for community events, home to a large population of mallards and geese, and offers direct access to the waterway for fishing.
If you visit Monday through Saturday, plan to pay with quarters or a card to park on the street or in one of the municipal lots. Sunday is free.
On your way to the park, stop by the historic train station and the memorial honoring seven governors who lived, worked, or studied in Bellefonte. Just steps away from the park entrance, you can grab a drink or food at Bonfatto’s Italian Market & Corner Cafe or My Café Buzz.
Talleyrand is a staple for walking tours led by educator Matt Maris, who founded Local Historia.
The site has a rich history, he told PA Local. The park is filled with placards highlighting local landmarks, including Bellefonte’s namesake, the Big Spring. The spring is often mistaken for a pool because a light blue cover protects the water source. Without the water, Bellefonte’s earliest settlers may have picked another location to build their community, Maris noted.
“It’s one of the 10 largest springs in Pennsylvania, and it puts out about 15 million gallons of water a day,” he said.
From the park, it’s an easy walk to the Gamble Mill — once a working gristmill and now a place to stay, eat, and drink — and the former Pennsylvania Match Company, now home to Big Spring Spirits craft distillery and the American Philatelic Center.
Early afternoon
Head up West High Street to see the Centre County Courthouse, which was built in 1805 and stands in the middle of town. The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial stands outside the courthouse, as well as a statue honoring Andrew Curtin, who served as Pennsylvania’s governor during the Civil War.
Bellefonte “can be a little hilly,” Staci Egan, owner of independent gift shop Smith and Front, warned. So be prepared to get some steps in, she told PA Local.
“Beyond that, it’s very scenic, and I think it’s loaded with personality compared to some of our other neighboring communities that have been taken over by Big Box,” Egan said, referring to major retailers.
If you’re looking to shop, hit Allegheny Street.
Jelly’s Treasure Chest sells vintage toys spanning decades, while Bellefonte Brick Studio offers unique LEGO sets for kids and the young at heart. Women’s clothing store Helen Foxx and Co. is celebrating its 10th birthday, and independent Bellefonte Print Factory carries a variety of book genres and welcomes visitors to enjoy its community space.
If you’re into antiques and vintage finds, you can easily spend hours wandering the multiple floors of Plaza Bellefonte and the Great Mish Mosh. For a more curated shopping experience, nearby Belle Mercantile brings together a mix of vendors offering home decor, kitchen goods, clothing, jewelry, treats, books, and more.
For lunch, State Burger offers patties, salads, and milkshakes, and its signature fry “dust” seasoning is beloved. You could also grab a bite at Pizza Mia, Bellefonte Wok, or Diamond Deli. For a caffeine fix, head over to Shaky Hands, where local artists display and sell their work.
Weekend visitors should head to the Bellefonte Art Museum for Centre County to take in the latest pieces, as well as a permanent exhibit commemorating the region’s role in the Underground Railroad. You can visit the museum for free, but donations to the nonprofit are appreciated.
From here, you can walk the many — some steep — side streets, which boast historic homes and Victorian architecture, such as the Reynolds and Hastings Mansions.
Even if you’re only in town for a day, make time for Bellefonte’s bed and breakfast stays, including The Queen and Our Fair Lady. Both historic properties offer a glimpse into the area’s history. Lorraine Mulfinger, president of Downtown Bellefonte Inc., recommends calling ahead to see if the owners can arrange a tour.
Evening
Rest your feet and enjoy dinner downtown.
For a local favorite, head to Hofbrau for pizza and their signature root beer. You also can’t go wrong with Governors’ Pub or Talleyrand Tavern. And if Big Spring Spirits is still on your mind after the morning walk through the park, stop in for a light bite, craft drink, or mocktail.
After dinner, you can go on a private walking tour or check out Local Historia’s upcoming history nights at the Gamble Mill.
If you’re visiting in the fall, check out the Bizarre Bazaar, a Halloween market, on Oct. 24. And if you’re planning several months ahead, keep an eye out for Victorian Christmas, an annual holiday tradition featuring costumed carolers, a cookie crawl, and lots of opportunities to shop small.