Toftrees Golf Resort

Toftrees Golf Resort brings a resort feel to the State College area, and it is the most leisure-oriented option among the larger hotels near Huntingdon County. As the name says, golf is part of the identity, and a resort of this kind usually appeals to couples, golfers, small groups and anyone who wants a quieter, more landscaped setting than a roadside chain provides. After a few days of lake trails and railroad history, an upscale night or two here can make a pleasant change of pace, particularly for anniversaries or a longer weekend. The setting is the main attraction. Resorts usually offer more open space, on-site dining and a more relaxed atmosphere, with the town of State College and the Penn State campus close by for restaurants, shops and sightseeing. The drive south to Huntingdon and Raystown Lake is roughly an hour, depending on traffic, which makes day trips possible but means you should plan a full day out rather than a quick hop. Many visitors treat the resort as the finale of a trip, saving the better meals and the longer stay for the end.

Because services at resorts change, confirm what is available when you book. Travelers commonly look for on-site dining, a lounge, a fitness area, a pool or spa services, and golf access or packages, but not every feature is always open or included, and some may carry extra fees or seasonal schedules. If golf is the point of the trip, ask about tee times, packages and seasonal course conditions well in advance, since popular times fill quickly.

Compared with the basic hotels in the county, this is a higher-priced choice, and the value depends on how you plan to use it. If you will be out from morning until night at the lake and the railroad, you may not get full use of the grounds, and a simpler hotel would save money. If you want to linger, enjoy a long dinner and have time to relax, the resort setting is easier to justify. Midweek and off-season rates are often more attractive than peak weekends.

Demand in the area rises sharply around football weekends, graduations and other university events, when rooms across State College sell out and prices climb. Reserve as early as you can for those dates. Winter weather can slow the roads between State College and Huntingdon, so check forecasts and allow extra driving time in the colder months.

A balanced itinerary might spend two nights in Huntingdon for the lake, the East Broad Top and the museums, then move north for a final night at the resort with a dinner out and a morning of golf, a walk or a visit to the campus. For couples and golfers who want a polished finish to a rural trip, Toftrees Golf Resort offers an upscale option within reach of the county.