Welcome to January in Happy Valley, PA. It is too cold for things to grow outdoors, and Centre County’s farm fields are likely covered with snow. However, that is no reason to be stuck indoors with no place to go! The Happy Valley Agventures Fresh from the Field Trail makes it easy and fun to enjoy flavorful local, from-the-field products…even in winter.

Launched in March 2024, the Fresh from the Field digital passport trail features 17 stops – all Happy Valley Agventures destinations. The trail covers everything from pick-your-own blooms and fresh produce (in-season) to field-to-fork dining and gourmet local foods, to cow-to-cone ice cream (ice cream is never out of season!), and more. Some stops have special discounts and offers just for passport holders. Every stop enables you to earn points for exclusive trail merchandise. Most importantly, the trail takes you to the best places to experience Centre County’s rich agricultural heritage and savor what is grown, crafted, and produced in Happy Valley, PA.

In the winter months, be on the lookout for tastings to resume at the charming Tait Farm Harvest Shop starting in mid-January. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Tait Farm will offer samplings of its delicious lineup of dessert sauces and shrubs.

To fulfill those New Year’s resolutions focused on eating well, living sustainably, and supporting local farmers and makers, check in at Centre Markets in the Nittany Mall or shop online.

This winter, Centre Markets is excited to feature a variety of milk products, including pasteurized and licensed raw milk, as well as freezers stocked with local meats, hearty soups, and ready-to-enjoy meals—complete with gluten-free and vegan options to suit every lifestyle.

Market shelves are also brimming with natural skincare products and sustainable home care items.

Between Amish-owned Goot Essa in Howard and Kinfork in Madisonburg, customers can choose from more than 20 local cheese varieties and flavors, along with mustards, jams and other condiments made from traditional family recipes, along with grass-fed beef and more.

If you need a break from all that holiday cooking, Pine Grove Hall and Flour & Stone in Pine Grove Mills, Elk Creek Café + Aleworks in Millheim, and RE Farm Café in State College are popular trail destinations where culinary artistry leads to seasonal goodness in every bite. New in 2025 is a Saturday and Sunday brunch at Flour & Stone – with sparkling mimosas, and espresso coffee options. RE Farm Café is now offering a soup and bread subscription – 8 weeks of homemade comfort food. Or enjoy freshly harvested items from the RE Farm greenhouse. Cooking classes resume Jan. 26!

If ice cream treats are what you favor, you don’t have to wait until the weather warms up. Three of Happy Valley’s four popular farm fresh ice cream stops on the Fresh from the Field Trail are open year-round: Berkey Creamery; Nittany Valley Creamery and Meyer Dairy.

The current trail expires March 31, 2025, meaning there are just a few months left to access and use your passport.

Year two of the Fresh from the Field Trail will launch April 1 with more stops: Nittany Meadow Farm’s soon-to-be operational goat dairy, and the Blooming Petals Flower Farm among them. The new Trail will also feature brand new ways to save when you buy local.

If you need a passport, scan the QR code and start your winter journey on the Fresh from the Field Trail.

Lesley Kistner is the Public Relations Director for The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau.