Just five minutes from Downtown State College, Boalsburg’s storybook village is steeped in history and brimming with small-town charm. Recognized as the Birthplace of Memorial Day in Pennsylvania, the welcoming little community offers visitors a blend of shopping and dining experiences against a backdrop of rich history in a picture-perfect setting.

Here’s why you should make this historic community part of your next Happy Valley adventure.

Stroll through history

Walk through Boalsburg's historic district, where Georgian and Victorian architecture line the streets. Explore the Columbus Chapel and Boal Mansion Museum, home to artifacts from nine generations of the Boal family, including artifacts linked to Christopher Columbus. Nearby, the Pennsylvania Military Museum honors the state's military history with fact-filled exhibits and memorials. With thirty monuments, five static displays, two historic landscape features, and a ½-mile paved path, there is a lot to explore. The museum is closed currently while a capital project is completed, expected for completion in early 2026, but you can still visit the grounds outdoors. The Boalsburg Heritage Museum, which offers insights into 19th-century village life, is open Sunday afternoons and schedules walking tours of the village and visits to a blacksmith, both by appointment.

Shop local treasures

Boalsburg's Main Street is dotted with unique boutiques and specialty shops. A Basket Full offers an array of boutique clothing, accessories, and gourmet foods, perfect for a keepsake to remember your trip and gifts for family and friends. Just a short drive from town, Tait Farm Harvest Shop & Greenhouse is open 7 days a week, year-round, offering seasonal local foods, gifts, and more. In addition to its branded products, Tait Farm Specialty Foods, the shop has other locally-made food products, artwork, fabric handwork, pottery, and jewelry from over 50 regional artisans. You’ll also find seasonally inspired home and garden accessories, with items changing seasonally throughout the year, making it a must-stop on every visit.

Dine in delightful settings

Dining options in Boalsburg range from casual to cozy, with a perfect option for every meal of the day. Breakfast on Boal features locally made bread in its signature breakfast dishes, like avocado toast and the BOB Sandwich, plus build-your-own omelets and hash platters piled high. The location also offers lunch and sweet treats, including Happy Valley's favorite grilled stickies from Ye Olde College Diner. Craft microbrewery Boal City Brewing serves up its own beer against scenic views of Rothrock State Forest with plenty of outdoor seating, plus seating in the taproom. Rotating local food trucks are on hand for grub.

Explore a storied past, browse unique shops, and savor local cuisine on your next Happy Valley adventure. Boalsburg invites you to experience the warmth and hospitality of a village that proudly preserves its heritage while embracing new shopping and dining options for travelers.