PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK
THE RACE DIRECTORS GUIDE: PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK
The Ironstone 100K is contained in a triangle with Altoona in the southwest corner, Huntingdon to the southeast, and State College in the north. There are tons of things to do, places to eat and good drinks to be had. This list was compiled by the Ironstone 100K race director on his favorites.
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HOLLIDAYSBURG / WILLIAMSBURG
U.S. Hotel Tavern: The U.S. Hotel Tavern in Hollidaysburg is a historic U.S. Hotel has been a part of Hollidaysburg since 1835 when the building was initially used to accommodate westward travelers with lodging, food, and spirits at the terminus of Pennsylvania Canal and the Allegheny Portage Railroad. The rail yard across from the tavern was once a lake where the canal boats were lifted onto the railcars. Hollidaysburg was connected with the Great American West and a vital link in the development of industrializing Johnstown and Pittsburgh. In 1905, the cut block barroom was added to the structure and still serves as the barroom today. The hand-carved mahogany back bar, beveled silvered mirrors, hand leaded stained glass windows and a brass foot rail, under which is a fresh flow through spittoon, are original to the 1905 design of the bar. Be sure to ask the bartender to see the spittoon in action since it still works!
When it comes to beer, there are 14 taps available and usually there are a few IPAs, a porter, and a couple of stouts on tap. Be sure to check out the cooler (or ask for the list) for some more interesting, hard to find beers.
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More eats and drinks in Hollidaysburg: If you need just a quick bite so you can get back on the trails, Gearhearts Meat Shop on Turkey Valley Road is 3 minutes from the park. Get the pulled pork sandwich or a burger – you won’t regret it!
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Zmac’s Riverside Pub at 118 River Road is the closest tavern/inn/pub from the start of the race. Friendly staff.
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Headquartered in Williamsburg, PA, Biddle's Brewing blends a fun and casual coffee shop atmosphere into the lifestyle of rural America. Biddle's works to incorporate a adventurous spirit and competitive nature to build individual customer relationships and always serve the perfect cup.
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In Hollidaysburg, the main street runs through the downtown. Places we recommend is cozy Allegheny Crepes and Creamery for breakfast or lunch between Penn and Union Streets; Mayfield Eatery (breakfast and lunch) is at "The Diamond" which is at the center square of Hollidaysburg; Shan Nicole’s Irish Pub (wings, burgers and beer) is on the corner of Allegheny and Front streets and on Front Street is appropriately named Front Street Pizza and Deli has the best NY-style PA in the borough.
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ALEXANDRIA AND SPRUCE CREEK
Alexandria and Spruce Creek is not too far from Aid Station 4 Alfarata and might be a good option for crews seeking food for dinner.
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Diner 22 - Whether you want a home-style breakfast, lunch or dinner Diner 22 in Alexandria, PA is the place to be! But they aren’t just any old diner; the establishment is in a railroad mail car built in 1919. Greasy spoon? Nope! Diner 22 has been named "Best Restaurant" by the readers of the Huntingdon Daily News for five-years in a row.
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Bluegills Bar and Grill is a small town restaurant with big flavor featuring seafood dishes and daily specials. It is located in the center of Alexandria and is alongside the Juniata River.
Paesano's Italian Family Restaurant is along Route 22 which bypasses the village of Alexandria. Good Italian dishes and pizza. There is also an adjacent soft-serve ice cream establishment.
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Spruce Creek Tavern is an iconic venue in central Pennsylvania for down home comfort food including its famous French Fries. Spruce Creek Tavern is an iconic venue in central Pennsylvania for good eats and drinks in a cozy atmosphere. You'll find something here that fits your appetite and palate. They are famous for their wings and fries but have a big menu with plenty of great comfort food on it, as well as specials all week long.
HUNTINGDON
Take a drive south on PA-26 to the community of Huntingdon. Huntingdon is a true “trail-town” with small cool shops and establishments with personality and hospitality. Don’t believe me? Well, Huntingdon was named by Budget Travel magazine’s readers as the 5th Coolest Small Town in the United States. Here is a top 5 list of places to go:
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Juniata Brewing Co. is a new microbrew. Despite being new, they know a thing or two about brewing with great hazy IPA’s, saisons, tripels and stouts, Six to eight beers on tap with a small, cozy tasting room and a roomy indoor-outdoor beer garden.
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Muddy Run Tavern's new location on Washington Ave. is a great example of the revitalization happening downtown. A former department store, Muddy Run is a small town tavern with a big taste with a varying menu that can now be enjoyed with a beverage. Owner, Chad Heichel, has created a “third-space” that is a favorite for many from all over.
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Boxer’s is tight in space but open in attitude. They have the best bottled beer selection in town and some great food – my favorite being the Vegetarian Boxer Burrito. While there, don’t ask for the Wi-Fi password… the bartender will tell you why not make connections with others around the bar.
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Ferguson’s is a true neighbor “Irish-bar” with a welcoming staff and some of the best wings in the county.
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Finally, and not least, head over to Standing Stone Coffee Company for a brew and light-fare. Standing Stone Coffee provided beverages to many of Allegheny Trailrunners events.
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OTHER PLACES CLOSE BY
Couch’s Subs and Groceries is the closest place to eat from Greenwood Furnace (5 minutes). It is a quintessential country store just outside the hamlet of McAlevy's Fort. This would have an unremarkable spot except for the fact that they have taken a traditional Reuben or Rachel sandwich and turned it on its head. It is AMAZEBALLS! It is the give Reuben (or Rachel) Stromboli. It’s a heaping of shaved locally-sourced corn beef or turkey, sauerkraut, mozzarella - all inside a soft and flavorful homemade rye dough with a side of Thousand Island dressing. It is one of the few things that I drive 90-minutes to sink my teeth into! It is that wonderful!
No beer or alcohol since it is a “dry’ community.
Doan's Bones Barbeque is a family-owned, operated and argued over barbecue restaurant known for top quality and great service. Doan's Bone competes in Kansas City Barbecue Society sanctioned events all over the region. Doan's is 11 minutes or 8.7 miles from the finish line at Greenwood Furnce State Park.
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Brookmere Winery and Vineyard Inn, located near beautiful Belleville (13 minutes from finish), serves award-winning wines, has a restored 1866 B&B, and is a premier wedding venue. Brookmere Winery had its beginnings in 1981 with 3 acres of grape varieties including Vidal, Seyval, Chelois, DeChaunac, Chambourcin, Carmine, Chardonel, and Bianco. The vineyard and winery have expanded to 10 acres with an array of white, red, and fruit wines.
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