Need some inspiration for your fall visit in Happy Valley? Here’s our ultimate fall bucket list:

– by Guest Writers

Autumn in Happy Valley is bursting with vibrant experiences! From exploring colorful state parks and sampling local brews to attending festivals and apple picking, there’s no shortage of fall fun. Cheer on the Nittany Lions, take a scenic drive, or enjoy a cozy hayride—Happy Valley has it all. Grab your sweater and dive into this season’s ultimate bucket list!

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Explore our Pennsylvania state parks and forests. Hike the colorful trails and take in the stunning autumn foliage.

Visit the Arboretum at Penn State. Stroll through the gardens and enjoy the fall-themed displays.

Attend a festival. Enjoy local food, crafts, and entertainment celebrating the season. Try the Another World Music Festival in Woodward or Punkin Chunkin in Howard.

Go Apple Picking at Way Fruit Farm. Pick your own apples and enjoy fresh cider and baked goods.

Tour local wineries and breweries. Sample seasonal wines and craft beers, perfect for fall. Sip on a glass with a view at Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery or try the latest brew at Boal City Brewing.

Experience a Penn State Football game. Cheer on the Nittany Lions and soak in the lively game-day atmosphere. Check out the Penn State All-Sports Museum during your visit.

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Take a scenic drive through the countryside. Enjoy the vibrant fall foliage along the backroads of Happy Valley.

Explore the Boalsburg Heritage Museum or Bellefonte Art Museum. Learn about the history of this quaint village, known as the birthplace of Memorial Day; or experience the latest community exhibit in Bellefonte. Kids will love The Makery space on the second floor of BAM.

Visit Tait Farm Foods. Taste and purchase locally-made preserves, chutneys, and other fall-inspired treats.

Enjoy a hayride or corn maze. Experience traditional fall fun at a local farm or orchard. Check out HappyValleyAgventures.com for ideas.

Visit a local pumpkin patch. Pick the perfect pumpkin and enjoy fall-themed activities with the family.

See a show or movie. Find out what’s on the schedule at The State Theatre or Tempest Studio in State College.

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Hike to the top of Mount Nittany. The ultimate right-of-passage in Happy Valley. Take in breathtaking views of the valley, especially beautiful in the fall.

Shop at a farmer’s market. Browse seasonal produce, baked goods, and handcrafted items from local vendors.

There’s much more to discover in the Dispatch.

Dale Chihuly, Lupine Blue Persian Wall (detail)

Arts & Culture

Palmer Museum of Art will unveil installation by Dale Chihuly in new building

The new building for the Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State, which is currently under construction, will feature a site-specific art installation by internationally acclaimed artist Dale Chihuly. Commissioned in honor of Penn State President Emeritus Eric Barron and his wife Molly Barron, and funded through the generosity of donors, Lupine Blue Persian Wall will anchor the feature staircase in the Museum’s new 71,254-square-foot facility, slated to open to the public in spring 2024. The large-scale installation spans over 13 feet tall and 35 feet wide and comprises 22 glass forms in Penn State’s classic blue and white, accented with golden yellows and vibrant reds. This stunning work will be a notable addition to the Palmer Museum’s growing permanent collection.

Blonde girl holding largish pumpkin

Family Fun

The Arboretum at Penn State

The Arboretum at Penn State, located at Penn State’s University Park campus, is a special Happy Valley treasure. The H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens, open year‑round from dawn until dusk, offer visitors ten acres of specialty gardens.

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

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