As Centre County’s destination marketing organization, The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau’s (HVAB) mission is to promote all that is special about the communities and valleys that comprise our one big Happy Valley, PA. For HVAB leadership and staff, championing the county as a fantastic place to visit, live, conduct business and work is something proudly done in and outside of the office. In a month that celebrates love, some HVAB team members share what they personally adore about Happy Valley.

For HVAB President and CEO Fritz Smith, driving the back roads of Centre County in the fall when the leaves are changing is an “awe-inspiring” experience.

“We have the best scenic driving experience on the East Coast at that time of year, in my opinion,” he said. “No need to go to New England!”

As a history buff, Smith also recommends an in-depth tour of the Columbus Chapel & Boal Mansion Museum in Boalsburg.

“The connections to America’s history in that building are truly fascinating, and we need to do a better job of telling the world about it,” he said.

HVAB Front Desk Associate Tom Range does his best to tell the world, using The Dispatch and Happyvalley.com, and shares helpful advice to visitors from all over the state and Mid-Atlantic region and beyond who stop into The Happy Valley Store for recommendations on things to see and do.

“What I always find incredible about Happy Valley is the amount of things someone can do on any given day,” he said.

Penn State University’s top-notch student performances and top-tier talent, as well as first-class sporting events rank high on Range’s list, as does downtown State College’s eating establishments, including many fantastic ethnic choices.

Neighboring towns offer one-of-a-kind attractions. State Parks beckon with ample fishing, boating, hiking and biking opportunities.

“If a visitor ever states, ‘there is nothing to do,’ they are not even trying to look for something to do!” Range exclaimed.

For HVAB Vice President of Sales & Marketing Dave Gerdes, Happy Valley’s appeal is its relaxed vibe.

“Having worked in too many major cities to admit, and traveling to many places both far and wide, what I love about Happy Valley is that no one is in a hurry,” Gerdes said. “How refreshing that is! No traffic jams, no long commute times, no lines everywhere you go, no impatient and rude people thinking they’re more important than you, no horns honking or people yelling. It’s the ‘Big Easy’ to me.”

HVAB Creative Services Manager Nichole Yatta defines the “big easy” as the perfect balance of convenience and adventure.

“Local towns are only a short drive from each other, connected by scenic drives that make even the simplest trips feel like you are in a music video,” she said. “I love the hiking trails here too. They are easy to navigate and the endless paths lead to the most stunning overlooks that transform with each season.”

HVAB Film Production Manager Pablo Lopez appreciates that Happy Valley is a place where creativity thrives and community runs deep.

“It’s a unique blend of scenic beauty, welcoming people, and endless opportunities to make your mark,” he offered. “There’s truly no place like it!"

As a new Centre County resident, HVAB Senior Correspondent Rebecca Petner appreciates all there is to do year-round in Happy Valley.

“From exploring local shops to crushing the best burger I’ve ever had in my life at The Field to springtime hikes at Shingletown Gap, I continue to find more spots I love in Centre County,” Petner said.”

This past fall, Petner introduced her New Jersey-based parents to Happy Valley with a drive to Bald Eagle State Park, and a stop for Amish-made ice cream at Nittany Valley Creamery.

“It was the perfect day filled with fall foliage and pumpkin ice cream!”

For more fall fun, Petner recommends The Arboretum at Penn State, which hosts a spectacular pumpkin festival and winter celebration too.

Being surrounded by more than 750,000 acres of public land, it is not surprising that outdoor recreation is as popular with the HVAB team as it is to those who visit.

“I am continually inspired by the vibrant connection our community shares with the great outdoors,” said Eric Engelbarts, Executive Director of the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance. Engelbarts and his family relocated to Centre County from Grand Rapids, MI in 2023.

“Happy Valley is rich with stunning landscapes and endless opportunities for recreation,” he said. “It is a privilege to lead an organization in a region where the beauty of our surroundings and the camaraderie of our people come together to create a truly remarkable community.”

HVAB Communications Director Ed Stoddard chose to live and work in Happy Valley because of the sheer scale of nature here.

“It continually fills me with awe and inspiration,” he said. “Within minutes of leaving my downtown State College office after work, I can be on a quiet trail, hearing nothing but the wind and the rustle of leaves. Hiking, fishing, biking, and camping in Happy Valley, Pennsylvania create limitless opportunities for adventure, recreation, and peaceful escapes.

“This is my place,” he reflected. “It is where my passion for the outdoors and my professional goals find perfect harmony.”

Pets love Happy Valley too! Fortunately, Happy Valley returns the feeling as a friendly destination for visitor’s four-legged friends.

HVAB Board Chair Jennifer Brooks-Stahl, General Manager of the Wyndham Garden State College, is an avid dog lover and rescuer. She pointed out that many local hotels are welcoming to dogs. They offer great amenities too, including treats, dog waste stations and areas to walk your dog without having to leave the hotel.

For me, Happy Valley’s appeal is all the hidden gems throughout the county – from quaint shops to scenic, understated areas to enjoy, paint and photograph nature. There is also so much to appreciate about the county’s rich agricultural heritage. We have beautiful agriculture corridors and ample ways to enjoy what is grown, raised, crafted, and produced here.

What do you love about Happy Valley? We’d like to know. Email LesleyK@happyvalley.com.