Happy Valley is a place where there’s always something new to explore. From dining and shopping to arts and outdoor activities, here’s what you can look forward to this year:

New dining options

The beloved We Are Inn dining destination in Philipsburg is bringing its homestyle cooking and welcoming atmosphere to State College. Known for hearty comfort food, this new location will surely be a hit with locals and visitors alike.

As one of the area’s newer restaurants, Flour & Stone has already earned a reputation for its creative dishes and cozy vibe. Whether you’re stopping by for a wood-fired pizza or a decadent dessert, it’s worth the visit.

Local favorites and Happy Valley Agventures destinations like RE Farm Cafe, Hublersburg Inn, and Flour & Stone are keeping things fresh with dishes that celebrate the best of each season. Farm-to-table ingredients and inventive recipes make these spots a foodie’s dream.

A new live entertainment venue

Downtown State College is welcoming a fresh entertainment venue to ring in the New Year. Manny’s Live Performance Space, situated at 101 Hiester Street, promises to bring a lively mix of music, creativity, and high energy to the heart of the borough. Spearheaded by Corey Elbin of Gorinto Productions—known for Rhoneymeade Fest and monthly dance parties at 3 Dots—this new venue is set to heighten the downtown scene’s excitement and attract even more visitors seeking vibrant nightlife experiences.

Centre County’s first goat dairy

Nittany Meadow Farm is introducing the area’s first goat dairy. If you’re a fan of fresh goat cheese and milk, this is something to get excited about. The farm in Boalsburg offers a variety of activities and products, such as goat yoga classes, farm stays in cozy cottages, and pasture-raised beef, pork, and lamb. Additionally, they provide services like Goats2Go, bringing goats to your location for events, and selling handmade goat milk soap and other merchandise.

A new tasting room from Barrel 21

Barrel 21 is expanding with a new tasting room in Spring Mills, giving you another spot to enjoy their craft spirits. Established in 2015 in State College, Barrel 21 is a distillery and chef-inspired restaurant specializing in crafting exceptional and award-winning spirits, including bourbon, whiskeys, gins, rums, and vodkas, all distilled on-site using Pennsylvania grains and barrels.

A fresh shopping experience

A Basket Full is redesigning its boutique in Boalsburg. Its reopening is set for Monday, Jan. 13, and you won’t want to miss it. The shop features a curated selection of products, including purses, clothing, kitchenware, accessories, items for children, spa essentials, gift baskets, and jewelry.

New reasons to visit your favorite spots

Even Happy Valley’s long-standing favorites have something new to offer. Keep an eye out for new menu items, special events, and performances at local restaurants, agritourism destinations, and theaters.

Art and culture updates

• New exhibits are coming to the Palmer Art Museum and the Bellefonte Art Museum.

• Mural Alley in Bellefonte continues to grow, adding fresh art to explore. (aka Perry Lane)

Outdoor adventures

• New trails in Rothrock State Forest offer even more ways to hike and bike.

• E-bike rentals at Tussey Mountain make exploring a breeze.

• The Happy Valley Gravel Guide (working title) will be your go-to resource for the region’s best gravel cycling routes on our State Forest and unpaved / mixed surface backroads.

Big Spring Spirits expands downtown

Big Spring Spirits has opened a new location on Beaver Avenue in State College. Same amazing craft beverages that you’ve loved in Bellefonte, now in the heart of Downtown State College.

Happy Valley never stops evolving. Whether you’re a local or planning your next visit, there’s always something fresh and exciting waiting for you.