Michael Hermann’s job title is “Mapmaker, Department of Adventure,” which sounds like I’m being introduced to the character in a Tolkien book. While Mike is not a cartographer for magical Middle Earth, it’s pretty close.

This article is part of our ‘Live, Work, Play in Happy Valley’ series. Each month, we will be sitting down with people from around Centre County to talk to them about what they love about Happy Valley and their tips for exploring the area.

A tranquil spot along Route 220 near the village of Julian, PA provides the perfect spot for bird watchers and nature lovers to appreciate the beauty of the Bald Eagle Valley, and observe the abundant varieties of birds that pass through or call the wetland home throughout the year.

On November 6, Penn State alumnus and actor Patrick Fabian will be appearing at the Centre Film Festival at the Rowland Theatre. And when Filmmaker and Festival Director Pearl Gluck reached out to Fabian to invite him to the festival, she already knew about both his extensive acting career and his connection to Happy Valley … or so she thought. As it turns out, the stories — and film magic — were so much better than she could have imagined.

State College was just voted the number one college football town in the nation by ESPN, thanks in large part to our vibrant downtown filled with your favorite bars, restaurants, art and shops. This fall, shop those downtown shops for perfect gifts for your Penn State fans and you’ll be supporting your favorite downtown shops. Here’s how.

Nestled within the secluded pine trees of Central Pennsylvania, Toftrees Golf Resort offers guests a unique experience with resort-like amenities in a peaceful, natural setting just minutes from downtown State College. With 102 guest rooms and suites, our State College, PA resort offers full-service amenities; a 4.5-star, 18-hole golf course; and a warm, welcoming staff. Our State College hotel looks forward to being your personal retreat in State College.

Tickets: Free

Free Screening of Happy Halloween, Scooby-Doo as Part of Downtown Improvement District’s Pumpkin Pursuit

Opened in June 2020, Pine Grove Hall is an“upscale casual” restaurant and live music venue with a mission to nurture body, mind and spirit through memorable food, drink and music for its guests, staff and the community.

The Pennsylvania Military Museum cares for over 10,000 artifacts with the mission of preserving and teaching the military history, innovation, and sacrifice of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Located in Centre County, PA, the Museum is easily visited from major routes of travel and is accessible by public transportation.