Spring Break Makes for Quiet Downtown

STATE COLLEGE, CENTRE COUNTY - With most Penn State students out of town for Spring Break, folks in downtown State College are enjoying the quiet atmosphere.

If you just listen, sounds can be telling, and Sunday in downtown State College, they're screaming Spring Break.

"Oh, yes. It's so, so empty here when students are not around," State College resident Frances Lemay said. "What a difference."

Traffic is dying down on the streets, and on the sidewalks.

"Good thing for locals because they don't like fighting the traffic," Lemay said.

And it's dying down inside local businesses, too.

"Oh definitely," Penn State sophomore Evan Cleary said. "It's a lot quieter, it's pretty peaceful."

Cleary works at Bill Pickles downtown. He says breaks like this one can be tough on business, and his wallet.

"It's definitely a slower period," he said. "Tip-wise it's not as high as what a normal Friday or Saturday would be with students in town."

He's not alone. Several other businesses downtown are reducing their hours to make up for a slower week while student are out of town.

CataBus and CataRide services will also operate on a reduced service schedule this week during Penn State's Spring Break. There will be no White Loop or Green Link during the week and no Blue Loop or Red Link during the weekend.

So if you're out in downtown State College this week, take a little time to enjoy the quiet.