If you love local and delicious, you’ll love this opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of local farming and artisanal craftsmanship that makes up Happy Valley Agventures.

Happy Valley Agventures showcases the region’s deep-rooted agricultural traditions and the modern innovations that keep this legacy alive and growing. Happy Valley’s local food movement is thriving and wholly authentic, from Penn State University’s agricultural heritage to the sprawling family-owned farmlands that dot the landscape.

Visit HappyValleyAgventures.com and make a plan to explore a variety of experiences, from visiting local farms to enjoying farm-to-table dining and drinking. Witness first-hand the dedication and passion that local farmers and artisans pour into their work, whether it’s growing fresh produce, crafting unique goods, or creating culinary magic, and enjoy a taste for yourself.

Why should you plan an ‘agventure’ in Happy Valley in 2025? There are countless reasons, but here’s our top 5.

Cheese like you’ve never tasted before

Goot Essa, located in Howard, offers a selection of cave-aged, locally produced, all-natural cheeses, including several types of artisanal cow, goat, and sheep cheeses made with ingredients from family farms using traditional Amish recipes, continually perfected with every generation of farmers and cheesemakers. Schedule a tour of their cheese caves, complete with tastings, and check the Agventures calendar for seasonal Goot Essa events.

Sustainably raised grass-fed meat and dairy and fresh produce all in one place

A farmer-owned co-operative of Amish family farms, Kinfork is made up of over 45 farmer member-owners spread throughout the valleys east of State College with a retail location in Madisonburg, open Monday through Saturday. You can even order ahead and stop by for pick up. Environmental stewardship, responsible animal husbandry, and great-tasting healthy food are the guiding principles of Kinfork.

The freshest cones

It’s no secret that Happy Valley has a lock on ice cream, and this local farm in Howard now serves up cones directly to customers. After years of selling wholesale, Nittany Valley Creamery added a retail dairy barn in 2022 where customers can choose from 20 super-fresh flavors for cones, sundaes, and shakes, and grab some to-go, along with milk and yogurt.

Live music and local food

Pine Grove Hall in Pine Grove Mills invites you to eat, drink, and listen. Since opening in 2020, the live music and dining venue has emerged as agritourism one of Happy Valley’s coolest spots thanks to a full calendar of acts, an expansive bar, and a locally sourced menu in partnership with local farms. Plan two trips—Pine Grove Hall owners recently opened Flour & Stone right next door featuring a menu of unique pizza, pasta, entrées, and dessert.

The fascinating history of agriculture

The Pasto Agricultural Museum features tools and technology related to agricultural and rural life, from a time before electricity and engines, immersing visitors in science and history. Collections include artifacts that tell the incredible stories of rural and agricultural work and life. Check out the tools and technologies, the processes and practices related to beekeeping, animal husbandry, planting and harvesting, and how they have evolved to feed the world. The museum is open from March through December on Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and by appointment.

Happy Valley Agventures also offers a range of events throughout the year, including farmers markets, farm tours, and seasonal festivals. These events provide a perfect opportunity to connect with the community, learn about sustainable farming practices, and enjoy the bounty of the region.