Inspiration for Valentine’s Day – #HappyValleyPA Edition

– by Shannon Darcy

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and Downtown State College has over 300 businesses to check out for a perfect day. And with so many options throughout Happy Valley, where does one start? Luckily for you, we have your day planned for every type of couple.

HVAB Valentines day

Are you and your partner Penn State Athletic fans? Check out the Penn State Men’s Basketball play Illinois on Valentine’s Day. Before stopping at the game, get a Penn State classic breakfast at the Waffle Shop. Next, head down College Ave. and grab some PSU basketball gear from a variety of shops, like The Lions Fan Shop, Lion & Cubs, Lions Pride, and McLanahan’s Student Store. After the game at 7 p.m., stop by HiWay Pizza for a heart shaped pizza, and grab some Ye Olde College Diner grilled stickies at McLanahan’s for dessert.

Rather be outside? Happy Valley has a ton of outdoor parks and creeks, but first, stop downtown and grab all the gear you need to explore at Appalachian Outdoors and Rapid Transit, or try Freeze Thaw Cycles and IQ Skate Shop. Don’t forget, you can’t explore on an empty stomach! Stop by Duck Donuts for a quick and romantic bite with their “box of chocolate” donut assortment or a “strawberry love shake with chocolate drizzle.” After a long day of adventures, enjoy dinner at BRGR with one of their many amazing burgers and their spiked milkshakes. And if the parks and creeks in Happy Valley were not enough for one day, you can stop by What-a-Blast Laser Tag for their midnight laser tag.

Check out Philipsburg for adventure. It has an 80-mile Snow Shoe Rails to Trails following abandoned railroad beds and roads that are currently open to ATVs and UTVs, as well as for walkers, bikers, snowmobilers, and equestrian riders. Trails not your style? Try Philipsburg’s Black Moshannon State Park, which offers cross country skiing, and ice sports! After all that fun, try The Kitchen restaurant at Brown Dog with their new winter menu or regular menu items like strawberry, goat cheese fritters and lobster mac & cheese. Enjoy shopping? Check out some of Philipsburg's unique stores, like Shindig Alley, Thieves Market, and Conklin’s Corner.

If a full-packed day of adventure feels like too much, plan a day to refresh. Stop at The Cheese Shoppe for coffees, cheese, and fine chocolates. Next, grab a massage at A Step Beyond Massage Therapy. Or, try downtown’s new Underground Tufting and you and your partner can make rugs. Next, grab some sushi at Tadashi and you must grab Insomnia’s red velvet cookie to wrap up a relaxing Valentine’s Day.

Is exploring Happy Valley’s hidden gems more of your style? Check out Boal Mansion and Columbus Chapel in Boalsburg, where you can see what PBS calls “The closest link to Columbus in the nation.” Just across the street, visit the Pennsylvania Military Museum that honors the military service of the armed forces in the 20th century. For dinner, check out Duffy’s Tavern, with their beautiful indoor porch area that provides scenic views, and their Valentine’s day entree menu and drink specials.

Are you and your partner more of the book type? Start your Valentine’s Day at Webster’s Bookstore & Cafe for some reading and a brown cow latte made with chocolate milk. Next, check out The Squirrel and Acorn bookshop or Nittany Quill for some stationary and book shopping. After hours of shopping and searching for new books, enjoy a nice dinner at Central Reservation and try one of their cocktails. Finally, end your day early at Yogurt Express and head home to start reading!

Rather enjoy a classic and romantic Valentine’s day? Start your day grabbing your partner a bouquet of flowers at Avant Garden or grab their XOXO Box, which includes one dozen red roses, a dozen chocolate covered strawberries, and a Valentine’s day balloon bouquet. Next, stop by Elixr Coffee for some coffee and pastries, and try their strawberry oat milk latte. Then, grab some dressy clothes for dinner at Harper’s Clothing before painting some pottery at 2000 Degrees. For dinner, enjoy the Tavern’s Valentine’s Day menu, offering lobster risotto and a bonbon trio. Finally, end your perfect day with ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery, which includes a free chocolate covered strawberry with every purchase! Or, stop by Reini Goldsmiths & Jewelers for 10% off all of February on engagement rings, wedding bands and anniversary rings.

Are you and your partner more artistic and looking for new entertainment? Start your day at Sower’s Harvest Cafe, and try their chocolate covered coffee bean mocha with some delicious breakfast. For entertainment, there is so much to see! For art, checkout Douglas Albert Gallery or Woskob Family Gallery. For a movie, check out “When Harry Met Sally” showing at The State Theatre at 8 p.m. and for a good laugh, try Blue Brick Theater’s Improv shows every Friday at 7 p.m. Or, if you are looking for more of a hands-on experience, check out Uncle Eli’s for a variety of art supplies to start creating. Finally, end your day with dinner at Federal Taphouse and try their charcuterie board appetizer or their triple chocolate Baileys cake.

If you don’t have a partner on Valentine’s Day, there are so many other options to enjoy a Galentine’s day or just enjoying time with friends. The Corner Room offers brunch Friday through Sunday, including a mimosa tower to share with friends. Do some self-care by shopping at some boutiques like Connections, Lock Boutique, or Metro | Barefoot. For Galentine’s Day, stop by the Makery for their “Galentine’s Day Adult Floral Centerpiece Workshop” on February 12 at 6 p.m. or their “Adult Beginner Painting Session” on February 13 at 7:30 p.m. The Tavern also offers a wine tasting, “Bonbon & Bubbly Tasting”, on February 15. Or enjoy a scenic dinner at Allen Street Grill. Or, enjoy a drag show with friends at Cafe 210 for their “VDay at Cafe,” with State Queens at 8:45 p.m. Finally, February 11 and 14, Ink a memory of this Valentine’s Day at Ikonic Tattoo. The shop is offering a Valentine’s flash sale for tattoos on arms and legs with previously created designs.

Need more Galentine’s day options outside State College? Philipsburg’s own The Dead Canary Brewing Company is hosting a Galentine’s Day Social on Saturday, February 11 from noon to 4 p.m. with live music by Hops and Vines from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Black Moshannon State Park is also having “Fun In The Snow At Black Mo,” which offers ice mini golf and bowling on the lake from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 11. Love wine and chocolate? Check out Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery “Valentine’s Wine & Chocolate Pairing” on Saturday, February 11 and Sunday February 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. along with more dates at the same times the following weekend, February 18 - 19.

Not sure what to do or get for your Valentine? Stop by Downtown State College for a Downtown State College Gift Card, or, check out Downtown Bellefonte’s #LoveBFT gift card in support of local businesses.

The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau publishes up-to-date event information at HappyValley.com/events