The town of Grove City is chalk-full of small town charm. Think Stars Hollow for those of you who are Gilmore Girls fans. It is ranked among the “10 Most Beautiful Towns in PA”(onlyinourstate.com) and “The Best Small College Towns” in the U.S. (bestcolleges.com). There may not be professional sports teams to root for or five-star restaurants, but, trust me, there is plenty to do…
The Guthrie Theatre
The Guthrie is a one screen movie theater located in downtown Grove City. It shows the latest movies in a classic theater atmosphere. It was always fun going with a group of friends to opening nights of movies. I remember guzzling coffee to stay awake for the midnight show of The Avengers, Les Misérables, and The Hunger Games…it was worth the extra cups of coffee, and the best part was that tickets are only $7 (the snacks are affordable too)! The Guthrie also hosts free movie nights throughout the year. There’s no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than watching It’s a Wonderful Life on the big screen.
Beans on Broad
If there’s one place downtown that you can bet on running into a friend, it’s definitely “Beans.” The local coffee shop in Grove City is a popular spot for studying, hanging out and meeting off campus. Beans also hosts concerts and open mic nights throughout the year, so for the musically inclined, this may be a spot for you to show off your talent.
Olde Town Grove City
The town of Grove City hosts a number of events throughout the year that bring the entire community together – college students and residents. Some of my favorites were the fall Art Walk, the summer Foodie Festival, and Light Up Night in December. Check out the Olde Town website or download the Olde Town app for the latest information on town events and activities.
Artworks
For a small college town, you would be surprised how many accomplished artists call Grove City home. ArtWorks is a local art gallery run by the Grove City Arts Council that gives these artists a place to learn, network and display their professional artwork. Keep an eye out for events, classes, exhibit openings, and so much more!
Grove City Premium Outlets
If you mention Grove City, people usually think of one of two things: The College or the Grove City Premium Outlets. The internationally known outlet mall is located about 7 miles from campus and attracts visitors from up and down the east coast (including Canada!). With over 100 well-priced shops to explore, you can spend an entire day browsing for deals.
State Parks
Grove City is nestled among three state parks that are just a short drive from campus (Moraine, McConnells Mills and Maurice Goddard). Even if you’re not an “outdoorsy” person, you can’t help but appreciate the beauty of these parks. They’re great places for hiking, biking, running, playing sports, kayaking, swimming and picnicking.
Pittsburgh
Grove City College may not be located in a large metropolitan area, but we are very close to a few. We are only an hour from the second largest city in Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh. Like any major city, Pittsburgh has fantastic dining options, competitive sports teams (Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates), great cultural options (theater, symphony, museums), and shopping. My friends and I love live music, and we had the opportunity to see some of our favorite artists together. A trip to Pittsburgh is a must during your time at GCC!
Erie
While smaller than Pittsburgh, Erie has a lot to offer as well. Located on Lake Erie, you can enjoy the amenities of city and beach life all at once. It has been said that Erie has some of the most beautiful sunsets in the country. I can attest! Presque Isle is one of my favorite spots watch the sky come alive!
