A ‘Best Walkable and Shoppable’ College Town
“Home to Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove is one of the best towns offering small town charm in Pennsylvania. Walk around and see historic buildings, specialty and antique shops, quaint eateries, and a seasonal farmers market. Enjoy a microbrew at Selin’s Grove Brewing Co., housed in the historic mansion of PA’s only three-term governor, Simon Snyder. Walk to the Commons in downtown Selinsgrove for a free outdoor concert featuring a wide variety of live music from blues to jazz to rock courtesy of the annual Rudy Gelnett Music Series.” — visitPA.com.
Whether you’re here for a night or two or the next four years, you’ll find there’s plenty of great restaurants, shops, amusement parks, sports venues and culture just a short walk or drive from campus!
In addition to options to dine on campus, this list of off-campus venues, places and activities is provided as a resource.
Selinsgrove, aka as “The Grove”
Easy walk to downtown from campus:
A Small Good Thing — Handcrafted cookies and coffee near campus. They are open late to cater to your cravings.
Axemann — craft beer and cocktails paired with craft food and BBQ from Smokehouse Fixx.
Bamboo Palace — Satisfy your Chinese food fix with take-out from this Market Street fixture.
Bella’s Pizza — Bella’s Pizza stays open late for those nighttime study sessions.
BJ’s M Street Tavern & Oyster Bar — BJ’s offers, BBQ, chops, seafood, sandwiches and salads too. The Bongo Bongo Dip is a must-have.
Bot’s Tavern — serving drink specials, great wings, appetizers, sandwiches and dinners. Trivia Night on Thursdays and other pop up themed events.
The Creative Space, just a few steps from campus, offers sewing, crafting, crochet, spinning, weaving, braiding, felt crafting and pottery classes.
Isabella’s — Located in a former bank, this restaurant and cocktail lounge serves up fine Italian cuisine. The atmosphere is great for a date night or for when family come to visit.
The Kind Café — Local art, paninis and fresh-roasted organic coffee — open for breakfast and lunch.
OIP Xpress — OIP Xpress serves pizza, stromboli, salads and subs. Dine-in, take out or have delivered.
Selin’s Grove Brew Pub — Good brews and seasonal cocktails with good eats and live music events.
Subway — The popular sandwich chain serves up subs, or, if you prefer, hoagies.
Wicked Dog Grille — A hip hot-dog eatery, the Wicked Dog Grille, owned by Jeff Ries ’86, also serves sausage, slider burgers, ice cream and sorbet. Open Wednesday–Saturday for breakfast and lunch.
Longer walk or short drive:
Amato’s Pizza — An Italian restaurant with a comfortable dining room and relaxed atmosphere. One mile from campus, this eatery is a great option for students and visitors to campus alike.
Domino’s — Pizza, pasta, sandwiches and salads for carry out or delivery.
Sushi Masa — With a variety of Asian cuisine and all you can eat sushi; Sushi Masa is a fan favorite for students and locals to satisfy any sushi cravings.
Shamokin Dam and Hummels Wharf, aka “The Strip”
Numerous eateries are also a short drive from campus. Here are a few local favorites:
China House Buffet — Chinese buffet with a varied selection of other foods such as pizza, ham, fried chicken, salad bar and desserts.
Eagles Wind Coffee House — A local favorite for breakfast sandwiches and fresh donuts.
El Torito Mexican Restaurant — Family-owned and operated restaurant recognized with several local awards. Lunch and dinner menus seven days a week with Mexican food, burritos, chicken or beef dishes, huevos and shrimp dishes.
La Cocina Del Don — Family-owned Mexican restaurant with authentic dishes.
Skeeter’s Pit BBQ — Located on the bluff of the scenic Susquehanna River, Skeeter’s offers unique applewood-smoked entrees and tasty soups and sides. Open on seven days a week.
Uncle Dave’s Market — As you enter The Strip, every Friday you will see an Amish market that sells grilled chicken and pork steaks to go, as well as other items offered by produce vendors and food trucks.
Popular national and regional chain restaurants include:
Sunbury
Big Mambos Latin Bistro — Mostly made to order and take out so call ahead to place your order. Some limited dining.
The Hound & The Moon Bakery — They make special to-go orders of cakes, cupcakes and rustic breads. Located at 338 Market Street in Sunbury.
Penn’s Tavern — Take a trip back in time and have dinner in the oldest building in Northumberland County … it was built in 1703. The food is true German American cuisine.
The Squeeze-In — Tasty fast food for a cheap price in a cozy atmosphere. A great place to go for a hot dog and a cream soda.
Northumberland
Front Street Station — Climb on board and dine in a train car at this quaint railroad eatery, with live entertainment, happy hour and their staple sidecar dish — cheddar cheese soup.
On A Roll — Grab a large freshly made sandwiches or a salad.
Lewisburg
Abrana Marie’s — Authentic Mexican cuisine. BYOB
Bull Run Tap House — Casual restaurant with cold beer, good food and a fun, friendly atmosphere. Serving delicious burgers, wings and sandwiches. The Mahi fish tacos are a customer favorite.
Elizabeth’s Bistro — Elizabeth’s offers an upscale dining experience and great ambiance. A great choice to celebrate those special accomplishments (maybe that 4.0!) or just to show your parents a good time when they come to visit.
La Primavera Italiano Ristorante — Scusi, are you craving a fine pasta dish and that real Italian flavor? Then this is the place for you. A chance to really experience La Vita Bella.
Siam Restaurant & Bar — A casual Thai food bistro that also serves Indian food, organic juices and draft beer.
Sweet Frog Yogurt — Design your own dessert at this frozen yogurt oasis.
Selinsgrove, aka as “The Grove”
Easy walk to downtown from campus:
Market Street, Selinsgrove — Browse used books at DJ Ernst Books, shop natural, organic and local foods and supplements at Lighthouse Health Foods, and purchase or have your bike repaired at SB Cyclery, and more.
Mustard Seed — Browse the collection of thrifted items for sale. Proceeds benefit local charities, organizations and residents in need. Located on Market St., Selinsgrove.
Mystic Gem Boutique — New/Fair trade clothing, gently used & vintage clothes, jewelry, art and crystals. Located on Market St., Selinsgrove.
Remember When — A vendor collective of antiques, primitives, jewelry, soaps and gifts. Most locally hand crafted. Located on Market St., Selinsgrove.
Selinsgrove Farmers Market — Take a short walk to the corners of Pine and Market streets and you will find Selinsgrove’s best kept secret. The market is where the local farmers offer vegetables, meats, cheese and more from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday, May through December.
Shady Pines Primitives — “The Olde Log Cabin on Market Street” offers an array of primitives and antique treasures.
Street of Shops — With over 125 vendors with specialties ranging from custom jewelry, candles, pottery and other handcrafted items, this indoor shopping village is a must-see and a great Sunday afternoon adventure.
Around Susquehanna Valley
Boscov’s — Family-owned department store with great values on apparel and shoes for the entire family, handbags, cosmetics, jewelry, domestics, small
appliances and home accessories.
CommunityAid Thrift Store — Get bargains at this mega clothing and household thrift store, where sales support over 800 charitable organizations in Central PA.
Monroe Marketplace — In addition to Target and a few restaurants, there are plenty of stores such as Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Giant Food Store, Kohl’s, Michael’s, Old Navy, Ross, TJ Maxx and Ulta Beauty.
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet — They sell real brands at real bargain prices.
Susquehanna Valley Mall — With over dozens of stores and some eateries to choose from, this is a great option for retail therapy during those stressful exam times. In addition to Boscov’s, shops include Aéropostale, American Eagle Outfitters, Bath & Body Works and Shoe Dept.
Target — In addition to groceries, a CVS pharmacy and Starbucks, the store offers same-day delivery, drive up and in-store order pickup.
Walmart Supercenter — In addition to groceries, a pharmacy, photo center and vision center, the store offers delivery and curbside order pickup.
Weis Markets — Grocery store located along Route 522 in Selinsgrove. Here you will not only find groceries but also a food bar, a bakery and a Sushi chef.
AOAA Trails — An extensive off-road trail system that’s been named one of the top 10 destinations in the country for ATVs, full-size vehicles and dirt bikes.
Bowling — Throw a few frames just up the road at Best Bowl or Strike Zone Bowling Alley in Sunbury.
Buffalo Valley Rail Trail – This 9.1 mile trail between Lewisburg and Mifflinburg is suitable for all ages and abilities, whether for recreation or transportation. The trail provides a safe environment for children to play, dogs to explore and adults to unwind.
Camp Woodward — A premier action sports and gymnastics facility. This is not your parents’ summer camp. Learn how to tear up skate and BMX parks, and nail gymnastics exercises.
Hersheypark and Hershey Chocolate World — For all of the chocolate lovers out there, spend a little time in the “Sweetest Place on Earth,” especially around Halloween time for Hersheypark in the Dark and the winter holidays for “Christmas Candy Lane.” Don’t pass up the Great American Chocolate Tour—there’s a free taste at the end of the ride!
Hooplas — Get in a round of mini-golf at the challenging 18-hole course, jump on the trampolines, play arcade games or hit the rope course.
Golf — Looking to play a round of mini golf, practice your swing or get in nine holes? Try one of these golf courses in the area: Sunny Hill Golf Course, Kidd’s Par 3 Golf Course or Tee to Green Golf Center.
Knoebels Amusement Resort — Once you work up an appetite on some of the world’s highest-rated wooden roller coasters, check out Cesari’s award-winning pizza. For dessert, go for hand-dipped ice cream in a fresh-made waffle cone or a famous funnel cake. Don’t forget to get your picture taken with Cosmo, Knoebels’ mascot!
Sunbury Ice Rink — Practice your triple lutz or cheer on Susquehanna’s ice hockey team as they compete against their fiercest rivals — the Bucknell Bison. That’s one game you don’t want to miss!
Sunbury Skate Park — Get some air on these inclines or try your hand … or board … at the tri-level bar. No charge and only one requirement — a helmet!
Sunset Skating Rink — Relive those middle school days as you skate around this retro rink. It wouldn’t hurt to practice your limbo skills before you go!
Susquehanna Sports Place — Enjoy a scenic 22-hole mini golf course or hit the batting cages. Located in a quiet remote spot right off the strip.
Bloomsburg Fair — Every fall, this 10-day county fair attracts nearly a half-million people to enjoy big-name performers, hundreds of vendors and an altogether unforgettable experience. Don’t miss Pierogie Joe’s, fried Oreos or cactus taters!
Christkindl Market — In the 100-year-old German tradition, this event will be just the experience you need to rekindle your spirit for the holidays before heading home for break. Don’t miss out on the gingerbread houses!
DJ Ernst Books — The aspiring writer or literature lover’s paradise, right here in Selinsgrove. Find inspiration in one of the many rare or out-of-print books, maybe even discover an autographed edition.
Hunter House Museum — Follow the roots of Fort Augusta, once the stronghold of the Susquehanna Valley. A great stop for history students wanting to discover more about the area.
Heart of Lewisburg Ice Festival — A three-day festival full of ice-sculpting, orchestra concerts and an international hot drink tasting, this is a great mid-winter opportunity to bundle up and beat the freeze!
Joseph Priestley House — Check out the place where this acclaimed scientist, theologian and discoverer of oxygen, spent the last few years of his life. Another great find for the history buff!
Late Night Shoppers Night — Round up some friends and head to downtown Selinsgrove to do some holiday shopping for the family before heading home for winter break. Don’t miss the community tree lighting!
Lewisburg Arts Festival — Held at the end of April, it is a two-week celebration with food, live music in the park and arts galore! A great stress-reliever during a challenging part of the semester!
Market Street Festival — A must-see Selinsgrove tradition with over 100 vendors. You too can get in on the act through student organization booths or performances.
Mifflinburg Buggy Museum — Enjoy an interesting look at the area’s quaint heritage by visiting the vintage buildings equipped with original tools, furniture and educational displays. Visit the museum for a unique cultural experience, a volunteer opportunity or to locate an internship.
Packwood House Museum — Originally a two-story log cabin, this museum offers world-class artifacts in a small-town atmosphere. Not many other places present art from both the Pennsylvania Germanic heritage alongside treasures from the Orient.
Renaissance Faire — God Save the Queen! Don’t be surprised if you find yourself chanting these words right along with the other lords and ladies at the Shire of Mount Hope. From the human chess match to the jousting tournament, this faire will take you back to the heart of the 16th century.
Slifer House Museum — This Tuscan-style Victorian mansion was once the home to a great developer of this region and famed Pennsylvania statesmen, Colonel Eli Slifer. A visit here brings the Victorian lifestyle alive.
AMC Classic 12 Theatre — Twelve screen theatre located at the Susquehanna Valley Mall in Selinsgrove. Discount Tuesdays and matinees every day before 5 p.m. AMC Classic serves up movie memories with friends and family.
Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble — For a Broadway-level performance close-by, this local theatre hosts outstanding performances year long including favorites such as “A Christmas Carol,” “You Can’t Take it With You,” and “Much Ado about Nothing.”
Campus Theatre — One of few surviving mid-century movie houses, The Campus Theatre shows independent, art and foreign films, hosts several film festivals and the Silent Movie Extravaganza in collaboration with the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra. If you want the couch seats, make sure you go early.
Community Arts Center — Go see a show at this historic Williamsport theatre that has been restored to its original 1928 grandeur.
Whitaker Center — Enjoy movies on Central PA’s largest IMAX theater screen, enjoy outstanding live performances at the Sunoco Performance Theater, and get educated with The Science Center’s unique science programs!
Canoe Susquehanna Guided Kayak Trips — Not sure you want to head out on the river by yourself? Grab a group of friends and go on a Susquehanna River kayak adventure with a guide. Best advice – it’s all in the hips!
Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland — You can visit with some of nature’s fascinating yet more misunderstood creatures here, at one of only eight accredited zoos in Pennsylvania.
Isle of Que/Susquehanna River — When campus becomes too routine, just grab your bicycle, kayak or even your running sneakers and head to the Isle of Que! Just a short walk from campus, the Isle of Que is a charming hideaway along the Susquehanna River.
Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art — 500 acres and twelve miles of trails – a great place to celebrate your love for the outdoors. Make sure to browse through the nature print and photography exhibits.
Pine Creek Gorge — Also known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, it is 50 miles long and 1,000 feet deep and offers incomparable views and scenery, great hiking and picnicking options and a breathtaking fall color display. Follow the Turkey Path Trail to find the waterfall!
Penn’s Cave — Stalagmite, stalactite or flowstone cascade? You tell the difference on a boat tour of the country’s only all-water cavern and wildlife park.
RB Winter State Park — Known to many in the area as the Half Way dam, the focal point of this park is Half Way Lake and beach, but there are also lots of opportunities for hiking, canoeing and other recreation.
Selinsgrove Speedway — You’ll quickly become familiar with the Friday night rumbles of the local track, which was designed by a Hollywood stuntman and frequented by some of NASCAR’s first competitors.
Shikellamy State Park and Overlook — Named for the famous Iroquois chief who helped develop the area, the park has several picnic pavilions and a one-mile bike path. For spectacular views of Northumberland and Sunbury, venture up to the overlooks, 360 feet above the river.
T&D Cats of the World — Visit or volunteer some time at this exotic animal refuge. When else will you have a chance to work with lions and tigers and bears — Oh my!
Selinsgrove Area — Hotels
Comfort Inn Routes 11 & 15, Selinsgrove (570) 374-8880
Econo Lodge Routes 11 & 15, Shamokin Dam (570) 743-1111
Fairfield Inn & Suites Susquehanna Valley Mall Drive, Selinsgrove (570) 884-8301
Hampton Inn Routes 11 & 15, Shamokin Dam (570) 743-2223
Holiday Inn Express Routes 11 & 15, Selinsgrove (570) 743-9275
Quality Inn Selinsgrove 613 N. Susquehanna Trail, Selinsgrove (570) 374-8880
Selinsgrove Inn Market Street, Selinsgrove (570) 374-4100
Selinsgrove — Bed & Breakfast
Fox Boro Bed & Breakfast 93 Church Road, Selinsgrove (570) 374-8750
Sunbury Area — Bed & Breakfast
The Stained Glass Inn 152 Market St., Sunbury (570) 259-1264
Lewisburg Area — Hotels (13 miles north of Selinsgrove)
Aderi Hotel 313 N Derr Dr, Lewisburg (570) 523-1171
Best Western 7701 W Branch Hwy, Lewisburg (570) 524-5500
Country Inn & Suites 134 Walter Drive, Lewisburg (570) 524-6600
Comfort Suites 4775 W Branch Hwy, Lewisburg (570) 524-8000
Fairfield Inn & Suites 70 Hardwood Drive, Lewisburg (570) 523-0095
Hampton Inn Lewisburg Route 15, Lewisburg (570) 522-8500
Holiday Inn Express Route 15 & I-80, New Columbia (570) 568-1100
Lewisburg Hotel 136 Market St., Lewisburg (570) 523-7800
Quality Inn Route 15 & I-80, New Columbia (570) 568-8000
Lewisburg Area — Bed & Breakfasts
The Barn at Pheasant Ridge 376 Pheasant Ridge Rd., Lewisburg (570) 939-0024
The Pineapple Inn 439 Market St., Lewisburg (570) 524-6200
The Tawsty Flower 106 S. 4th St., Lewisburg (570) 522-6600
Danville — Hotels
(Near I-80, Exit 224, 20 miles northeast of Selinsgrove)
Best Western-Danville Inn 79 Old Valley School Road, Danville (570) 275-5750
Doctor’s Inn 101 W. Market St., Danville (570) 275-1821
Hampton Inn 97 Old Valley School Road, Danville (570) 271-2500
Pine Barn Inn 1 Pine Barn Place, Danville (570) 275-2071
Red Roof Inn I-80 & Route 54, Danville (570) 275-7600
Super 8 by Wyndham 35 Sheraton Rd, Danville (570) 284-6505
Other Locations
Bison Farm II Bed & Breakfast Route 35, Richfield (717) 694-3807
Buckwheat Valley Guesthouse Mt. Pleasant Mills (570) 539-0090
Latorre House Bed & Breakfast 1133 Route 487, Elysburg (570) 672-7243
Mifflinburg Hotel 264 Chestnut St., Mifflinburg (570) 966-5400
Owens Farm 2611 Mile Post Road, Sunbury (570) 286-5309
Rusty Rail 5 N. Eighth St., Mifflinburg (570) 966-7878
Samuel Aurand House 401 Front St., New Berlin (570) 966-3711
Sleepy Hollow 172 Sleepy Hollow Road, Elysburg (570) 492-4339
The Inn at Turkey Hill 991 Central Road, Bloomsburg (570) 387-1500
Watson Inn 100 Main St., Watsontown (570) 538-1832
Camping
Fort Boone Campsites 8635 Route 405, Milton (570) 742-9113
Gray Squirrel Campsites 509 Grey Squirrel Road, Beavertown (570) 837-0333
Hidden Valley Camping Resort 162 Hidden Valley Lane, Mifflinburg (570) 966-1330
Irish Valley Irish Valley Road, Route 4026, Paxinos (570) 286-8501
Jellystone Park 670 Hidden Paradise Road, Milton (570) 524-4561
KOA Williamsport South/Nittany Mountain (800) 562-4208
Little Mexico 1640 Little Mexico Road, Route 204, Winfield (570) 374-9742
Penn Avon 22 Penn Avon Trail, Route 204, Selinsgrove (570) 374-9468
Splash Magic 213 Aspen Lane, Northumberland (570) 473-8021
Winfield River Edge Campsites Zion Grove (570) 524-0453
Paws Inn 335 Route 35, Selinsgrove (570) 374-2247
The inclusion of an establishment on this page doesn’t imply Susquehanna University’s recommendation or endorsement.
