My husband and I had the opportunity to attend Susquehanna University – a small liberal arts school in central Pennsylvania. Picture small town American and therein lies Selinsgrove – complete with an adorable downtown that is the home to several shops, antique stores, restaurants and coffee shops. If you live nearby or find yourself passing through, be sure to check out the below suggestions on what to do in around the ‘Grove.

Shopping

The main drag in Selinsgrove is Market Street.     There you will find tree lined streets with plenty of shops to choose from. Some of my favorites are:

The Country Squire – a specialty home furnishings store that is as special and relaxed as a true country squire. Picture a great home in the country filled with fine design elements, but as relaxed as the simpler ways of the country, and a bygone era. But make no mistake, their designs and products have a flavor of the past but all very much in keeping with today’s times. At the Country Squire they believe in a comfortable home that only gets better as time passes.

D.J. Ernst Books – Established in 1975, DJ Ernst-Books is a small clean orderly book shop located in downtown Selinsgrove. Their emphasis is on quality of content and condition. Dust jackets and general appearance and condition are important. Because the space here is limited, they focus on quality rather than quantity.

Cottage on Pine Antiques – just off Market Street sits Pine Street. Looking for new furniture? Have you considered antique or vintage rather than new? They’d love to help you find just the right piece. You’ll be amazed at the beautiful, high quality furniture available from estate auctions, for a fraction of the price of a new piece. The Cottage on Pine offers antiques and accessories for everyday elegance.

Firehouse Marketplace – The Firehouse Marketplace has a wide variety of antiques and collectibles. You never know what you’re going to find at the firehouse, so if you’re antique hunting or looking for something for the kids, be sure to stop in.

Dining

The Kind Cafe – this is your quintessential coffee shop with pastries and sandwiches throughout. If you need a quick pick-me-up then this is the place for you!

Selin’s Grove Brewing Company – Be sure to stop in for a pint of craft beer from Selinsgrove’s very own brewpub. It’s in the old Governor Snyder Mansion – a 19th century mansion.

If you park out front, follow the steps downstairs. The entrance is in the back.

The inside looks like a charming brick cottage. They have an assortment of sandwiches and appetizers. My favorite is the Scottish Ale – however, if you are there in the fall, sip on the Pumpkin Stout!Stone Barn Winery and Vineyard – If beer isn’t your thing, head a little ways outside of town for Stone Barn Winery and Vineyard.

BJ’s Steak and Rib House – No visit is complete without stopping at BJ’s. Located on Market street, it’s blue exterior is hard to miss.

A staple is their spinach cheese dip affectionately known as Bongo Bongo. You will not be disappointed! If your appetite will allow, try the Chicago Steak!

Outdoors

Stroll along the Susquehanna River.

You can also check out the Isle of Que River Guide to go on tours, fishing trips or even rent kayaks!

Stroll through Susquehanna University’s campus. Founded in 1856, this university will forever have a special place in my heart. It is where I met my husband and where we married. Right on campus!

Hike to the Shikellamy Overlook – Shikellamy State Park is in Union and Northumberland counties. The 54-acre Shikellamy Marina is on the southern tip of Packers Island at the confluence of the West Branch and North Branch Susquehanna River and offers hiking and biking trails, a marina and boat launch. The 78 acre Shikellamy Overlook is on the western shore of the Susquehanna River. A 360-foot cliff overlooks the confluence of the branches of the Susquehanna River. The overlook is closed in the winter season.

Selinsgrove Speedway

Selinsgrove Speedway is one-half mile dirt racetrack in Penn Township just south of Selinsgrove. It hosts Road-Runner, Pro Stock, Late Model, and Sprint Car racing every Saturday night.

Knoebels Amusement Resort

If you have children or are feeling especially adventurous, check out Knoebels Amusement Resort. This is one of my favorite places in Pennsylvania. It is located about 45 minutes away from Selinsgrove but worth the trip. Picture an amusement park smack dab in the middle of the woods.

Ride the Phoenix – one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the United States

Even if it’s crowded, you don’t feel it because it’s so spacious. It is a family-owned and operated amusement park, picnic grove, and campground. It is and has been America’s largest free admission park for 87 years of operation.

They have won the Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket award for best food, 7 years straight. What other park can you experience the joys of nature and enjoy a good meal?

Sleep

After the day you had, simply walk to the Selinsgrove Inn for a delightful slumber. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. Just like Selinsgrove.