‘Tis the season of travel! As you know, I prefer to carry-on my luggage when I travel; if possible. This means I always ensure my beauty products are TSA compliant. Beauty products for carry-on luggage need to be 3.4oz or less and fit into a one-quart bag. I’m not sure if my beauty bag is exactly one quart, but TSA seems fine with it, so I’m good!
Since it is difficult to travel with perfume, I prefer a scented body cream which is easy to travel with and provides a nice fragrance. This scented body cream is perfect for travel and offers a powdery gourmand scent which I love wearing. I have to credit my daughter for showing me this body cream! It’s fabulous!
I also travel with minimal makeup and prefer powder foundation over liquid while I am on vacation. It’s one less liquid to deal with!
So, without further ado, here is what’ inside my travel beauty bag for winter 2025 and the holiday 2024 season:
I have always wanted to go to Hersheypark. This past Thanksgiving week I finally got my chance! The park is decorated for the holidays, so we went in the evening in order to enjoy the lights and holiday theme. This turned out to be a good idea since the park isn’t very crowded during the week at 5pm. Although I purchased a fast pass for my family, it turned out that the pass wasn’t really needed. The lines were short, and it was easy to walk around. I imagine on a warm summer day the place is packed solid!
Hersheypark is located in Hershey PA, and it is home to the delicious chocolate we all grew up with. One of the first things we noticed upon entering the park is the sweet smell of chocolate. It was amazing. The chocolate theme is fun and definitely makes you crave chocolate! haha
We went on several rides including the Ferris wheel, Reese’s Cupfusion, the merry-go-round, swings, classic cars, a train ride, and more! The park includes rides for all ages and tastes. There are several roller coasters and thrilling rides. For food, we enjoyed a hot dog before indulging in chocolate.
Since it was cold outside, we opted for hot cocoa in order to get our chocolate fix. It was really yummy! After all, we are in the town where chocolate is made!
Hershey PA gets quite chilly in the late fall, early winter months. So, I opted to wear my heavy down coat and bundle up with my pink scarf. I should have brought gloves, but I accidently left them in my suitcase. Rookie mistake. Bring gloves if you visit at night! If your coat does not have a hood, wear a snow hat or beanie too.
Since I knew there would be plenty of walking, I wore my Hoka’s and they were perfect. My feet were happy! Love that!
After we enjoyed the park, we visited the gift shop-of course! They have tons of chocolate flavors and offerings not found in other locations. It was a chocolate dream! So, if you visit Hersheypark, remember to hit up the chocolate shop on your way out and get ready to indulge. Leave room in your suitcase for chocolate, that’s all I have to say. You might go a little crazy in the shop.
You can learn more about Hersheypark, and buy tickets, at Hersheypark.com.
Heading to State College, PA for a football game or any sports match, game, tournament, meet, etc.? Or perhaps you have a high school senior touring Penn State and are looking for a nice place to eat. Or maybe you are just passing through central PA and need to stop for a nice meal. Whatever the case, you have stopped in the right place!
Since Penn State is a globally recognized, prestigious University, the area attracts a diverse range of restaurants who cater to the sophisticated palettes of visitors to the area as well as students and residents. This means when you visit, you will be able to find a fabulous meal comparable to what we enjoy here in the San Francisco Bay Area. Love that!
So, without further ado, here are a few fabulous restaurants to enjoy in the State College area!
Allen Street Grill
Allen Street Grill is a famous go-to for parents to bring their students to for a nice meal when they visit. In addition, students view it as the perfect place for a fancy date! They have a seasonal menu which always includes a delicious risotto and a Bolognese dish. These are my favorites!
Allen Street Grill is located at 100 W College Ave. I recommend making reservations on Open Table on busy weekends such as move-in, football weekends, Parent’s Weekend, Graduation, and move-out.
Rey Azteca
As a west coaster, it is really hard to find Mexican food on the east coast. They just don’t make it like they do in California. There are several Mexican restaurants in the State College area, but Rey Azteca is the closest to authentic you will find.
Rey Azteca is located at 485 Benner Pike, you do not need reservations and there is plenty of parking.
India Pavilion
India Pavilion is tucked away at 222 E Calder Way and can easily be missed. Make sure you don’t walk past it! They have an amazing lunch buffet which is what we enjoyed on our recent visit. This is hands-down one of the best Indian restaurants you will find. Seriously, here in the Bay Area we have tons of Indian Restaurants, and this one could easily thrive in the San Francisco Bay Area where we have a large Indian population. The food is delicious! So, make sure you pop in for lunch or dinner when in the State College area. Love it!
Mercato Mio
The mushroom risotto at Mercato Mio is something I crave. This delicious restaurant is located inside the Hilton at 1221 E College Ave and offers a fabulous Italian menu. Also, the tiramisu is something dreams are made of. Highly Recommend! You can make reservations on Open Table. Love!
Tadashi
Tadashi has two locations across the street from Penn State University. The original location offers ramen and don. You can find it at 206 W College Ave. It is the ultimate comfort food on cold, snowy days, and for homesick students. The second location at 100 S Atherton offers sushi and Udon. Yum! Both locations are delicious and must-visits on your next trip to the State College area.
The Corner Room
The Corner Room is a Penn State staple for visitors and students alike. If you haven’t eaten at The Corner Room, you haven’t been to State College. We recently visited on Thanksgiving and enjoyed a delicious holiday meal. They make the best brussels sprouts on the planet and the Grilled Stickies for dessert are a must. The Corner Room is located at 100 W College Ave.
The Tavern
The Tavern is a special place. It is located in an historical building and the interior is cozy, upscale, and inviting. Of course, the food is something out of this world. This is a fabulous restaurant for celebrating a birthday, special occasion, and your student’s graduation. Everything on the menu is outstanding, I am partial to the mushroom risotto. The Tavern is located at 220 E College Ave and reservations can be made on Open Table.
The Waffle Shop
The Waffle Shop is a Penn State staple. This is where student line up on the weekends and wait a long time for a delicious brunch meal. Across from campus, The Waffle Shop offers a large brunch menu and is very addictive. I recommend going very early or on off days to avoid the line. Otherwise, it is worth the wait in line. You will enjoy your meal. The Waffle shop is located at 364 E College Ave across from the Penn State campus. Highly recommend!
In addition to restaurants, there are plenty of faster food options if you are in State College and would like something quick. Halal Cart offers delicious halal meals. I highly recommend the combo plate with chicken and falafel. Yum! Although the official address is 137 E Beaver Ave, the cart is right in front of the Pugh Street garage.
So, the next time you visit Central PA and find yourself in State College, check out some of these delicious restaurants! Enjoy!
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