Happy Valley, Pennsylvania living up to its joyful name, there truly is something for everyone in Happy Valley. A family of four recently enjoyed a summer weekend scratching the surface of this Centre County gem.

Noah Nych, going into the 4th grade, loves nothing more than sports and ice cream. The inspiring tour of the Penn State All Sports Museum followed by an unforgettable campus walk was topped off with Berkey Creamery for dessert. He went with chocolate chip cookie dough. “It was one of the highlights of my summer. All of the ice cream is the best! I hope my friend and I go to Penn State!” Noah delighted. Funny, not once the entire day had a screen distracted him.

“The variety of the restaurants and stores really is impressive. You can try just about any type of food and find everything shopping!” smiled Leah Nych. The mission of this twelve-year-old, as she accumulated more and more bags while checking out every shop in downtown State College, was clear. Leah’s big find was her favorite classic Penn State sweatshirt.

Time well spent with loved ones is what matters most to Laura Nych, a dedicated mother of two. Laura shares, “We are…family! Penn State offers good clean family fun. I especially enjoyed visiting the campus Hub. Our son planned his future college experience with his best friend. We’ll be back with a freshman in nine years!”

For the outdoorsman, say the father who sneaks in a hike before kids wake or casts a fly line in the evening once the family settles, the area has many opportunities. Marshall Nych adds, “Some of the state’s best fly fishing and world-class limestone streams flow through the heart of Happy Valley. The colorful trout, clear streams, and scenic trails call me back every year!”

Interested in learning more about their adventure? Read Three scoops by Marshall Nych.