I know I may say this too often, but the growth of the craft beverage industry in this area blows my mind. From craft breweries to cideries to distilleries and tasting rooms, there are choice locations all around this county for beverage enthusiasts to visit and sample, each with their own unique atmosphere.
Yes, from State College to Bellefonte, and from Philipsburg to Millheim, a plethora of options are in play for those interested in local craft beverage experiences.
Now we can add Spring Mills to the list.
That is because one of the area’s OG craft beverage producers has expanded to add another fun location. C&D Brewing Ventures Inc., owner of Otto’s Pub & Brewery and Barrel 21 Distillery & Dining in State College, has added a new restaurant and tasting room in Penns Valley.
Since early March, The StillHouse has been serving up craft cocktails made with Barrel 21’s spirits and pouring Otto’s beers and sodas out at 137 Streamside Place in Spring Mills, all in a new elevated casual dining establishment and Barrel 21 tasting room.
Located next door to the YMCA, the new location looks to provide a gathering space for the local community and add to the growing number of reasons for people to travel out to Penns Valley and see this unique and beautiful part of Centre County.
It is just the latest example of growth from the team over at C&D. After all, it was over 20 years ago (gasp, how can it be that long ago?) that Otto’s Pub and Brewery first brought Centre County into the microbrewery/brew pub game, and it hasn’t looked back since.
Over the years, Otto’s and its sister location next door, Barrel 21 Distillery and Dining, have kept the State College community stocked with craft beverages, good food, and fun times, growing right along with the community.
“We firmly believe that Penns Valley is growing as well, and there is an awesome opportunity for diverse businesses in the Penns Valley area,” says Loryn Rumsey, communications and marketing manager for C&D Brewing Ventures. I spoke to Loryn shortly before The StillHouse opened last month, and she says they were excited to bring something new to the heart of Spring Mills.
“I feel like this is a centralized location where families and community members are already coming to for various activities, so we are hoping we are providing an opportunity for families to gather after participating in classes and providing a place to hang out and get together,” says Loryn.
Otto’s founder and longtime head brewer, Charlie Schnable, agrees, saying that his newest venture will bring something different to the area with a concept that reflects the community.
“We’re excited to bring something truly unique to Penns Valley,” says Charlie. “This community is rooted in tradition and hard work, and we wanted to create a space that reflects that — where people can come together to enjoy exceptional food, craft drinks, and genuine hospitality.”
Those who already know and love Otto’s craft beer (my hand is raised) and sodas and Barrel 21 craft beverages will have an idea about what to expect.
“It is going to be similar to what we do at Barrel, with craft cocktails made from Barrel 21 spirits,” says Loryn. “We are thinking that this will be a craft cocktail bar experience.”
Along with cocktails and mocktails, she says The StillHouse will also serve Seven Mountains Wine, along with a wide variety of Otto’s beer. And don’t forget soda from Otto’s soda shop (I’ll take root beer, but something tells me the birch beer might be a hit in Spring Mills).
Of course, C&D Ventures already knows the area well, with its own A.V. Farms located in Penns Valley. The beef farm keeps Otto’s and Barrel 21 supplied with locally produced burgers, steaks, and more, and that will hold true at The StillHouse.
Those familiar with the other two locations will find some familiar favorites on The StillHouse menu, plus a variety of interesting new flavors to try, with a focus on handcrafted deli style sandwiches (you had me at house-made pastrami).
Like the beer made at Otto’s and the ingredients on the menu, many of the sandwiches have a locally sourced name, such as the Penn’s View Pot Roast open-faced sandwich and the Egg Hill Club Sandwich (I am happy to say it includes an egg), so locals should feel right at home.
“We are very excited to be bringing this different experience to the area, and see how everyone responds. We are hoping that we can become a go-to space for people in the area,” says Loryn.
Sounds good to me. Now I have another good reason to visit beautiful Penns Valley. Seems like The StillHouse will be worth the trip. Hope to see you there. Cheers! T&G
Vincent Corso enjoys drinking local and meeting new people at Central Pennsylvania’s many interesting establishments.
