Moving to Pennsylvania and hoping to become a Penn State fan

Dixi

Freshman
Oct 7, 2021
32
68
18
5. Here we actually think we won the Civil War.
I beg to differ Sir. Anecdotally, I've seen as many Stars and Bars in Pennsyltucky as anywhere in the South. I'll never forget going into a bar in central PA during a fishing trip and asking for the bartender to change the channel to an Eagles game during the Southern 500. We almost got into a bar fight about that.
 

Tgar

Heisman
Nov 14, 2001
6,256
14,118
113
13, ten year old twins, and 4 years old.
So, yeah, the older three are certainly ready and you live close enough to make a day trip.

The Tgar device would be buy tickets cheap on the secondary market for an early game and drive up early. You will also need a parking pass pre bought unless you want to pay $ 120.00 for the only game day lot a mile away.

With that first game, don’t concern yourself so much with tailgating, walk around take in the vibe and determine how involved upyou want your game day experience to be. The food in the stadium is stadium food but it is passible. BTW, try to get there three hours early minimum.

Be advised it can take a few minutes to get to your lot ( familiarize yourself ) and you may have a wait to exit.
 

m.knox

All-Conference
Aug 20, 2003
2,620
2,647
113
I am a miserable Mississippi State fan, except during baseball season. We are moving to Pennsylvania in a few weeks and I have always liked Penn State, but I am hoping to become a fan of Penn State and take my kids to a game or two. Any advice for a newbie?

Advice? You are going to need to get an opinion on a some real PA issues......

1.) Who makes the best Philly cheese steak? Provolone or Cheese Whiz??
2.) Sheetz or Wawa?
3.) Italian roast pork (some say it's better than the Philly cheese steak). Spinach or rapini?

And if you never had pierogies, try them. Everyone has their own little twist on them.
 

Mr. Potter

All-Conference
Oct 18, 2021
1,739
3,559
113
preacher-dawg:

What made you migrate to PA? You'll love it here. Great people, cultures and topography.
Steve's Prince of Steaks for your cheesesteak as well, I prefer the Comly location?
 
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Dragons 62

Senior
Oct 22, 2017
346
599
93
Maybe Dawg you jump on You Tube and check out an old PBS show called TV Quarterbacks featuring Joe Paterno and many years of players. Gives a great historical background look of Penn State football. If you can find episodes with Matt Millen and Bruce Clark....priceless!!
 

Monty2007

Sophomore
Apr 10, 2007
117
167
43
Maybe Dawg you jump on You Tube and check out an old PBS show called TV Quarterbacks featuring Joe Paterno and many years of players. Gives a great historical background look of Penn State football. If you can find episodes with Matt Millen and Bruce Clark....priceless!!
Bruce Clark!!! Remember playing ball against him in rec hall and tried taking a charge from him one time. That was enough.
 

Ludd

All-Conference
Oct 12, 2021
3,978
4,282
113
If you really want to be a PSU fan, your best bet is to stay off this board. Otherwise you will spend all your time being trashed and needing to defend yourself for supporting the team and the coach. This is where the worst offense is being a “fanboy”.
 

OKLALionsFan

Junior
Dec 17, 2025
142
251
62
I grew up in western PA, and moved away in 1976. 50 years later I am and always will be a passionate Penn State fan. Not a knock on you personally, but this may be the best example I can give you of the difference in mindset of PSU fans and MSU fans. The thought of changing teams would never enter my mind. That said, congratulations on your awakening. Welcome to the best fan base in the world. Enjoy the ride.
 
Sep 10, 2013
17,491
12,593
113
If you really want to be a PSU fan, your best bet is to stay off this board. Otherwise you will spend all your time being trashed and needing to defend yourself for supporting the team and the coach. This is where the worst offense is being a “fanboy”.
and go State beat Temple
 

nittanyfan333

All-American
Oct 6, 2021
3,655
7,206
113
As someone who did the reverse migration (PA to NC by way of Alaska and Vegas)....

1: forget about Sweet Tea. thing of the past
2: learn how to self-loathe (VERY PSU advice). especially the phrase "I hate us" (amirite @BobPSU92 ?)
3: Learn how to creek fish for trout. Unless you spent time in the southern Appalachians, all you'll know is stillwater fishing.
4: "stick to your ribs" food in the north is different than the south. thick, not fried.
5: your #1 hated team apparently needs to be Pitt. Not because they play yearly or anything, but because long ago they played and it was the inter-state rivalry.
 

Tgar

Heisman
Nov 14, 2001
6,256
14,118
113
Advice? You are going to need to get an opinion on a some real PA issues......

1.) Who makes the best Philly cheese steak? Provolone or Cheese Whiz??
2.) Sheetz or Wawa?
3.) Italian roast pork (some say it's better than the Philly cheese steak). Spinach or rapini?

And if you never had pierogies, try them. Everyone has their own little twist on them.
What the **** is this? He needs no options……..

wiz, always Wiz.
WaWa. Always WaWa except when taking a piss, the Sheetz bathrooms are better.
Roast Pork with Sharp Provolone and Broccoli Rabe, long hots for the fearless


oh, and bonus since he is in the Harrisburg Burbs, probably right around the corner…..

the Market Street Deli in LeMoyne, serious Italian Hoagies Game

items.
12” Hoagie - Delivery/P-up

12” Hoagie - Delivery/P-upOur Hoagies are packed full with Boar's Head meat and cheese. We only use Liscios hoagie rolls. 12" large and 8" small. All hoagies come with Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Oil+Vinegar and Seasonings unless you request something else.
 

preacher_dawg

All-Conference
Nov 12, 2014
2,652
2,054
113
I grew up in western PA, and moved away in 1976. 50 years later I am and always will be a passionate Penn State fan. Not a knock on you personally, but this may be the best example I can give you of the difference in mindset of PSU fans and MSU fans. The thought of changing teams would never enter my mind. That said, congratulations on your awakening. Welcome to the best fan base in the world. Enjoy the ride.
I wouldn't say I am necessarily changing teams. I will always be a Mississippi State fan. Too many memories growing up, but I enjoy being part of a college community, especially one whose fanbase is not obnoxious. I don't know what I would do if I was around Ole Miss or Bama territory. Even other fanbases that are not as obnoxious, but in the SEC like Arkansas or Georgia would be difficult. I am very thankful I didn't land in O$U territory.


The big thing is that I want my kids to experience a good college community that I did growing up, and I am pretty confident I found one in Penn State.
 

LafayetteBear

All-American
Nov 30, 2009
33,126
8,423
113
I hope you like cheesesteaks. I'm posting this link to a Reddit thread ranking cheesesteak shops in the Philadelphia area. It may well prompt some argument here. You'll need to get used to that.

 

preacher_dawg

All-Conference
Nov 12, 2014
2,652
2,054
113
I hope you like cheesesteaks. I'm posting this link to a Reddit thread ranking cheesesteak shops in the Philadelphia area. It may well prompt some argument here. You'll need to get used to that.


Yes, I love cheesesteaks, that is when they are prepared well. I had a flyover in Philly one time and I had to try an authentic cheesesteak. It was great.
 
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manatree

All-American
Oct 6, 2021
3,023
5,465
113
Lykens. It's north of Harrisburg.

The Friday market & auction near Gratz is a must go since you're that close. My parents live in Sunbury and typically go once or twice a month. I have relatives that live closer and they go every week and it is their main source for produce. There are still a couple of butchers that go there every week. Bixler's & Troutman's still go there. Also, look into Snyder's Meats up in Pitman. When you decide to tip your tongue into the scrapple (aka ponhaus) world, I think that Wehry's is the best. They label it as Snow Creek brand and are one of the few that still use buckwheat flour in the mix which is key. . I believe Bixler's sell it at their stand in the Gratz Friday market.

My parents also always hit up Hoover's discount store for bulk foods and discount groceries.

The Gratz Fair is over 150 years old and is a great example of a small rural town fair.

Shady Lane Hardware & Variety is an Amish run store that is well stocked and also has a good bit of household supplies upstairs. They also have another hardware store outside of Herndon.

My cousin lives in Hickory Corners and swears by Schiano's in Berrysburg for Italian-American food. Hickory Corner's also has a carnival (Aug 5-8). It's really small, but it serves as the major fund raiser for the fire company. It's always good for a sausage sandwich, bean soup and the always popular cake wheel.

If you ever venture up into coal country, Masser's market in Paxinos has a small, but great selection of meats and frozen soups. Masser's restaurant just up the road has a good representation of the local food. Kowalonek's in 'chendo is another great butcher shop.

Of course, perhaps the most important thing. Knoebel's.

One more thing. I'll leave you this Lykens State Police report from 2015.

LykensChickenPoliceReport.JPG
 
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FGDreadnought

Redshirt
Jul 1, 2022
21
27
13
Welcome to Lion Country. Best wishes on your new position and home. May your children adapt well to the new area and schools. Hope you can get to a game to experience the whole gamut of fun. If you attend a White Out game you will be impressed. Passionate fan base. Learn about wrestling, it is incredible. Weather: all four seasons have their benefits until the temps drop into single digits and lower. Having lived in O$U country for 20 years, it's good to be back in PSU territory.
 

Dragons 62

Senior
Oct 22, 2017
346
599
93
The Friday market & auction near Gratz is a must go since you're that close. My parents live in Sunbury and typically go once or twice a month. I have relatives that live closer and they go every week and it is their main source for produce. There are still a couple of butchers that go there every week. Bixler's & Troutman's still go there. Also, look into Snyder's Meats up in Pitman. When you decide to tip your tongue into the scrapple (aka ponhaus) world, I think that Wehry's is the best. They label it as Snow Creek brand and are one of the few that still use buckwheat flour in the mix which is key. . I believe Bixler's sell it at their stand in the Gratz Friday market.

My parents also always hit up Hoover's discount store for bulk foods and discount groceries.

The Gratz Fair is over 150 years old and is a great example of a small rural town fair.

Shady Lane Hardware & Variety is an Amish run store that is well stocked and also has a good bit of household supplies upstairs. They also have another hardware store outside of Herndon.

My cousin lives in Hickory Corners and swears by Schiano's in Berrysburg for Italian-American food. Hickory Corner's also has a carnival (Aug 5-8). It's really small, but it serves as the major fund raiser for the fire company. It's always good for a sausage sandwich, bean soup and the always popular cake wheel.

If you ever venture up into coal country, Masser's market in Paxinos has a small, but great selection of meats and frozen soups. Masser's restaurant just up the road has a good representation of the local food. Kowalonek's in 'chendo is another great butcher shop.

Of course, perhaps the most important thing. Knoebel's.

One more thing. I'll leave you this Lykens State Police report from 2015.

View attachment 1240319
There are some awesome nuggets of wisdom in this post. Snyder's meats in Pitman is awesome!!!!! bring a check or cash...no credit cards. Try the Lewisburg sausage from Bixler's. yum!!! Take a pilgrimage up to Shendo for kielbasi. I'm a Lucky's Deli fan myself....friends with the owner.....Dave Luckashunas. A real pistol that massive lad is
 

DaytonRickster

All-Conference
May 29, 2001
2,611
3,044
113
What the **** is this? He needs no options……..

wiz, always Wiz.
WaWa. Always WaWa except when taking a piss, the Sheetz bathrooms are better.
Roast Pork with Sharp Provolone and Broccoli Rabe, long hots for the fearless


oh, and bonus since he is in the Harrisburg Burbs, probably right around the corner…..

the Market Street Deli in LeMoyne, serious Italian Hoagies Game

items.
12” Hoagie - Delivery/P-up

12” Hoagie - Delivery/P-upOur Hoagies are packed full with Boar's Head meat and cheese. We only use Liscios hoagie rolls. 12" large and 8" small. All hoagies come with Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Oil+Vinegar and Seasonings unless you request something else.
That's a hoagie!
 
Sep 10, 2013
17,491
12,593
113
I wouldn't say I am necessarily changing teams. I will always be a Mississippi State fan. Too many memories growing up, but I enjoy being part of a college community, especially one whose fanbase is not obnoxious. I don't know what I would do if I was around Ole Miss or Bama territory. Even other fanbases that are not as obnoxious, but in the SEC like Arkansas or Georgia would be difficult. I am very thankful I didn't land in O$U territory.


The big thing is that I want my kids to experience a good college community that I did growing up, and I am pretty confident I found one in Penn State.
I miss those times with my sons 1 n 2. Such an awesome period. ENJOY!
 

ApexLion

Heisman
Nov 1, 2021
5,914
10,104
113
You've got some great fishing close by. If your boys enjoy wetting a line, I'd give a lot of thought to getting a boat to fish for Susquehanna Smallmouth. Great fly-fishing options also.
Plus the Wiconisco, Mahantango (pronounced mak en tango), Stony and Clarks creeks for trout.
 
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ApexLion

Heisman
Nov 1, 2021
5,914
10,104
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The Friday market & auction near Gratz is a must go since you're that close. My parents live in Sunbury and typically go once or twice a month. I have relatives that live closer and they go every week and it is their main source for produce. There are still a couple of butchers that go there every week. Bixler's & Troutman's still go there. Also, look into Snyder's Meats up in Pitman. When you decide to tip your tongue into the scrapple (aka ponhaus) world, I think that Wehry's is the best. They label it as Snow Creek brand and are one of the few that still use buckwheat flour in the mix which is key. . I believe Bixler's sell it at their stand in the Gratz Friday market.

My parents also always hit up Hoover's discount store for bulk foods and discount groceries.

The Gratz Fair is over 150 years old and is a great example of a small rural town fair.

Shady Lane Hardware & Variety is an Amish run store that is well stocked and also has a good bit of household supplies upstairs. They also have another hardware store outside of Herndon.

My cousin lives in Hickory Corners and swears by Schiano's in Berrysburg for Italian-American food. Hickory Corner's also has a carnival (Aug 5-8). It's really small, but it serves as the major fund raiser for the fire company. It's always good for a sausage sandwich, bean soup and the always popular cake wheel.

If you ever venture up into coal country, Masser's market in Paxinos has a small, but great selection of meats and frozen soups. Masser's restaurant just up the road has a good representation of the local food. Kowalonek's in 'chendo is another great butcher shop.

Of course, perhaps the most important thing. Knoebel's.

One more thing. I'll leave you this Lykens State Police report from 2015.

View attachment 1240319
Hey @manatre are they still shooting pigeons up there? I haven’t been back for more than 20 years.

@preacher_dawg

this above is a list you need to print out, solid work by @manatree
 

manatree

All-American
Oct 6, 2021
3,023
5,465
113
Hey @manatre are they still shooting pigeons up there? I haven’t been back for more than 20 years.

@preacher_dawg

this above is a list you need to print out, solid work by @manatree

I think the last Hegins pigeon shoot was in the late 90s. It was initially paused for a few years as litigation worked it's way through the courts and they eventually officially agreed to end it as part of a settlement.
 
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LMTLION

All-Conference
Mar 20, 2008
1,347
2,873
112
I hope you like cheesesteaks. I'm posting this link to a Reddit thread ranking cheesesteak shops in the Philadelphia area. It may well prompt some argument here. You'll need to get used to that.


Unpopular take… the Philly cheesesteaks are overrated but the Philly style roast beef with broccoli rabe is underrated. It’s my favorite sandwich but you really do not see it outside of the Philly region.
 

LMTLION

All-Conference
Mar 20, 2008
1,347
2,873
112
Preacher Dawg may soon realize that our roads in PA suck. Road surfaces are rough and full of potholes. When driving in from other states he will notice the roads go from developed world to 3rd world with a sign that says welcome to PA and the next sign tells him the “left lane ends.” He will notice plenty of “construction work zones” with nobody actually working on anything. He will pray long and hard on the matter, but Penndot will never improve and our roads will continue to suck. We have all tried, even walking into the desert to meditate and pray on the subject. It’s no use.
 
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Thorndike2021

All-Conference
Mar 1, 2012
792
1,727
93
Are you certain that this is what you want to do? If so, we can schedule your orientation classes and then the initiation process. FYI, the initiation has many challenges...