It’s cozy season in Happy Valley: Where to warm up with fall favorite food and drinks

– by Jodie Dello Stritto

If you love that fall feeling, Happy Valley is calling. From football tailgates against a vibrant autumn landscape to weekend-long retreats perfect for strolling, shopping and snuggling by the fire, it’s the coziest place to be. When you want to warm up with a beverage or a hearty meal, you’ll find a range of spots that promise both comfort and flavor.

Allen street grill

Pack your favorite Penn State sweatshirt and add these spots to your itinerary:

The Naked Egg Café, 320 Pine Grove Road, Pine Grove Mills

This quaint cafe is renowned for its hearty and delicious breakfast and lunch options, made with locally sourced ingredients. Inside, the Naked Egg is homey and inviting, the perfect way to start your day or fuel up to tackle the hiking trails nearby in Musser Gap.

Top picks:

  • Eggs benedict: Choose from a variety of options, including the classic benedict or the more indulgent crab benedict.

  • Banana bread French toast: A fall favorite, it’s a generous slice of homemade banana bread coated in French toast batter and perfectly grilled.

  • Mexicali Sally: Locally grown hydroponic organic mixed greens with a choice of chicken or beef with salsa, guac, and cheddar, topped with fried tortilla strips, it’s a lunch that’s both fresh and filling.

The Naked Egg Café is off the beaten path in the adorable village of Pine Grove Mills, just minutes from Downtown State College and Penn State. It’s a little rustic and perfectly leisurely whether you’re getting ready to take in Central Pennsylvania’s fall foliage or heading to campus or Beaver Stadium.

Naked egg 1

Bonfatto's Italian Market & Café, 401 West High Street, Bellefonte

Happy Valley’s charming Victorian town boasts one of the top stops for the best coffee, breakfast, tailgate favorites and authentic Italian cuisine… all in a warm, comfortable atmosphere. This family-owned gem has been serving Happy Valley for more than 100 years with a menu of Italian classics and its signature sub.

Top picks:

  • Italian coffees and pastries: Start your day with an authentic espresso, cappuccino or a café freddo, paired with a pastry or breakfast sandwich on a fresh bagel or croissant.

  • Homemade pasta: Indulge in a variety of pasta dishes, each hand-crafted with family tradition. The Penne Vodka and Rigatoni Bolognese are especially popular, plus each weekend offers a special dish.

  • Bonfatto’s Bonanza sub: Invented in 1958 and still going strong, the Bonanza is a tailgate tradition and perfect for a fall picnic across the street in Bellefonte’s Talleyrand Park.

Bonfatto's rustic interior, reminiscent of a traditional Italian trattoria, and its friendly staff who treat you like family make it an appealing Happy Valley stop this fall.

Naked egg 2

Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery, 300 Houser Road, Centre Hall, PA

In the pastoral countryside of Happy Valley, Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery offers a picturesque setting to enjoy a glass of locally produced wine. This family-owned winery is known for its award-winning wines and breathtaking views and is an ideal spot to warm up on a cool afternoon.

Highlights:

  • Wine tastings: Sample a variety of wines, from robust reds like their Nittany Mountain Red to crisp whites such as their Chardonnay Reserve. Don’t forget to pick up a bottle for your tailgate and a few to take home.

  • Charcuterie boards: Grab a snack and pair your wine with a selection of cheeses, cured meats, and local artisan breads.

  • Seasonal events: The winery hosts events such as harvest festivals and vineyard tours throughout the year, providing a deeper insight into the winemaking process.

The winery offers wine tasting in a variety of seating options, including outdoor pondside seating, covered decking seating, indoor seating with picture-perfect views in the Vintner’s Loft Tasting Room, and a private outdoor pavilion space with an adjacent fire pit. How cozy is that?

"Whatever brings you to Happy Valley, you’ll find a welcoming and comfortable spot for a warm and cozy meal or beverage."

Allen Street Grill, 100 West College Avenue, State College, PA

In the heart of downtown State College, on the corner of Allen Street and College Ave., the Allen Street Grill offers a blend of historic charm and modern comfort. Overlooking the iconic Old Main gates and lawn, the restaurant is a long-time beloved spot for locals, alumni, Penn State fans and visitors.

Top picks:

  • Seasonal entrees: The changing menu features dishes that make the most of Happy Valley’s seasonal bounty, and you’ll find a unique selection that features beef, chicken, fish, pasta and vegetarian options.

  • Signature cocktails: Warm up with a crafted seasonal cocktail or with a glass of wine or beer from their curated wine and draught lists.

  • Desserts: Don’t miss out on a seasonal favorite that perfectly complements the atmosphere.

The historic ambiance of Allen Street Grill, combined with its elegant decor and intimate setting, makes it an ideal place to enjoy lunch or dinner perched above the hustle and bustle of college town life.

Cozy up in Happy Valley this season

Whatever brings you to Happy Valley, you’ll find a welcoming and comfortable spot for a warm and cozy meal or beverage. Make sure to add these top picks to your list this fall.

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