Imagine finishing up a long hike or an epic mountain bike ride in Rothrock State Forest and having a chill place to go with your family and friends (even the four-legged variety) to enjoy a pint by the firepit with some nice food and plenty of comfortable space to share stories of your adventure. Call it après-ride or -hike, instead of après-ski (the French term for social activities after skiing).
Well, what better place to do that than on the slopes of nearby Tussey Mountain resort, at the new Tussey Beer Garden. After all, a ski resort knows a thing or two about the après lifestyle.
This great atmosphere is open to everyone, whether it be after a long day of work, a day on the trails or a round of mini-golf with the family. With views of the mountains above and Happy Valley below, Tussey Beer Garden is the perfect place to relax outside on a summer afternoon. Sitting there with friends and family listening to music under the lights by a fire is what summer nights are made for.
Long known as a summertime fun center, with its driving range, go-karts, skate park, mini-golf and more, Tussey Mountain has also had a hit with its widely known WingFest. The fun outdoor event is a Thursday night summertime must in Happy Valley. Other events and concerts have been known to draw in the crowds, too.
Now, the Tussey Beer Garden keeps the summer fun rolling in the evenings Wednesday through Friday, and afternoons and evenings on Saturday and Sunday.
Yes, Josh Lincoln has set up a great little atmosphere at Tussey with a great outdoor space for hanging out. A variety of bands are lined up all summer long, and the Adirondack chairs lining the stage are the perfect place to watch a show. Firepits provide atmosphere and warmth on cool nights.
A wide array of beer is flowing from the 10-tap system, sure to fit every beer drinker’s palate, including interesting selections of IPAs and sours that might be hard to find on tap around here. Other canned and bottled beverages are available as well.
The Beer Garden actually premiered last fall a little higher up the slope above the WingFest stage. This summer Josh and his team set up shop closer to the Fun Centre action on the bunny slope.
“I moved it down here because it is flatter and it has this great view of Bald Knob and Mount Nittany and the whole valley,” says Josh. With a family friendly and dog friendly atmosphere (staff was quick to offer water dishes to the pups), the space invites people to have fun, relax and enjoy themselves. Kids are free to roam and explore within sight on the open ski slope. There are plenty of comfy chairs and picnic tables, or bring a blanket and some lawn chairs and spread out. “That is kind of the idea; it is just a really casual atmosphere, with casual food.”
That fun includes cornhole boards and Kan Jam games that can be enjoyed by all ages. Axe throwing stalls are an activity just added to the mix, and I am going to have to test my throwing skills (probably not very good).
The evolving food options may be casual, but that doesn’t mean they are not delicious. Fresh-cut fries, wings, pulled pork and hot dogs along with arancini balls (stuffed Italian fried rice balls) were on the menu when I stopped by to chat with Josh over a pint, and they seemed to be a hit with the people around me.
Yes, all around me people were smiling, laughing and having a good time. Who wouldn’t be when they are outside enjoying a tasty beverage, good food, music and a magical view? Sounds good to me. See you there soon. T&G
Vincent Corso enjoys drinking local and meeting new people at central Pennsylvania’s many interesting establishments.
