As the organizer of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association annual conference, I was stuck indoors while the rest of the attendees got to enjoy the outdoor adventures that Happy Valley has to offer. As the conference concluded, I breathed a sigh of relief of a job well done. The major duties of organizing the event were in the rearview mirror, and the weight of responsibility was lifted by the members, who continually remarked about how much they enjoyed the event that took place in Happy Valley.

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My conference duties precluded my participation in the fishing events our committee scheduled for the members, but my fly rod and waders were in the truck, calling to me like a ghost in a haunted castle. “Jerry, you are near some of the best trout waters in the eastern United States,” they whispered. “You must fish, Jerry, you must!” murmured the voices Unusually warm temps produced by the sun’s rays, which highlighted the fresh, green foliage offered by Centre County additionally fueled my passion.

Karen, my wife of 40 years, and I prepared to head home, but I suggested that we stop at Spring Creek before we left. A friend overheard us and reminded me that a large Outdoor Adventure Expo was taking place in the nearby town of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. My mind screamed, “No,” but it was too late! Karen grinned and walked to the hotel’s ATM. My phantom fishing buddies waved goodbye and whispered: “Another time, old buddy.”

If I’ve learned things from 40 years of marriage, it’s the fact that marriage means compromise. I accepted things for what they are and consoled myself with the knowledge that we enjoy exploring new places, and Bellefonte was a town we had not previously visited. Small towns are our favorites, and with a population of about 6,500, Bellefonte fits that bill. We may have been lured by the Outdoor Adventure Expo, which promised more than 80 vendors would display their wares and talk about their expertise in Talleyrand Park, but we found more; much more.

A couple of quaint, corner cafes immediately caught our attention, each with outdoor seating. After noticing an open table on the walkway outside Bonfatto’s Corner Café, my wife and I decided to sit and observe the event taking place in the park across the street while enjoying Italian pastries, complimented by a cappuccino, and coffee. My blood pressure probably dropped five points due to the calming ambiance and refreshments.

We spotted Bellefonte’s Historical Railway from our vantage spot at the café and decided to check it out. We learned that The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau and Bellefonte Intervalley Area Chamber of Commerce wisely uses the historical building to inform visitors about Centre County’s offerings. As we mentioned the charm of the old building to some residents, we were informed that special train rides occur during Christmas and several other occasions. Duly noted! A return trip with grandchildren, who are mesmerized by the Christmas movie “Polar Express,” is in our future.

The craft vendors did not disappoint. The Outdoor Expo was just a few steps away in Talleyrand Park. As we wandered around the park, we found many items of interest, which were provided by obviously talented people. Nicole and Hanna, representing Marsh Creek Candles, provided information about Bellefonte and the craft show. Karen picked up some scented candles from the makers before we visited other crafters for more items.

Leather wares and handcrafted knives caught my own eye. A rod, reel, and fishing net hanging above one of the park’s centerpiece displays warmed my angling spirit.

Then I saw it: The “Bellefonte Waterfront Bridge and Walk” crosses Spring Creek. I knew the renowned trout stream was nearby, but I was unaware it flowed directly through midtown. We stood on the bridge and observed colorful mallards swimming in the clear water below, as I imagined a fat trout staring upward and teasing me.

I had no idea that Bellefonte would hook me so swiftly, but it did. As we left town my wife pointed toward a couple of fly-fishers who were casting in the stream. The fishing phantoms tapped me on the shoulder and again whispered, “There are trout in this water.” You can bet a return visit to Bellefonte will occur in the not-too-distant future.