2025 Happy Valley Inspiration Guide

16 articles

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KimHikedIt on a Purple Lizard adventure in Happy Valley

In 2023, I set out to hike in all 124 Pennsylvania State Parks. I began with day trips to state parks nearest my home in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Eventually, I expanded to weekend getaways that included multiple state park visits, often with my husband and five children.

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Discover the new Palmer Museum of Art Where creativity, nature, and community inspire every visit

Nestled within the lush and scenic surroundings of The Arboretum at Penn State, the new Palmer Museum of Art offers a one-of-a-kind experience that seamlessly blends art, architecture, and nature. Home to the largest art collection between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this innovative museum is a must-visit destination in Happy Valley. With its state-of-the-art design and engaging exhibitions, the Palmer invites visitors to immerse themselves in creativity and discovery like never before.

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Influencer Pick: Nittany Valley Creamery

If you find yourself exploring the beautiful countryside of Central Pennsylvania, make sure to stop by Nittany Valley Creamery—a hidden gem where fresh, farm-to-cone ice cream is the star of the show. Owned by the Glick family, this charming creamery opened its doors in 2022, bringing their passion for quality, local ingredients straight to your taste buds. The ice cream is crafted right on-site using milk from the family’s own herd of cows that graze on non-GMO feed, ensuring the freshest and most flavorful product.

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Why Happy Valley feels like home: The nostalgia of Pennsylvania’s hidden gem

As travelers increasingly crave destinations that evoke a sense of nostalgia, Happy Valley stands out. According to recent travel insights, 88% of people are seeking nostalgic getaways, a trend reflected in the steady stream of visitors and former residents returning to reconnect with Happy Valley’s small-town charm, scenic landscapes, and iconic landmarks. This region — rooted in tradition yet continually evolving — offers a unique blend of past and present that draws people back year after year.

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Eco-friendly and sustainable tourism in Happy Valley

*Crunch* The sound of a crispy leaf that you step on in the fall. Or maybe it’s your boot on fresh snow in wintertime, a springtime snack in the forest, a rocky summit in the summer heat. Happy Valley offers year-round enjoyment of nature, with miles of hiking and biking trails across six state parks in Centre County—and plenty of eco-friendly ways to explore!

MUST USE credit The PA Wilds

Bellefonte and Philipsburg: Your gateways to the PA Wilds

If you’re planning your trip to Happy Valley, you may not realize that you’ll also be intersecting with one of Pennsylvania’s most remote parts of the state — the Pennsylvania Wilds. Bellefonte and Philipsburg, two beloved Happy Valley communities, offer the perfect base camp for exploring the PA Wilds — an outdoor lover’s dream. These two communities act as the “welcome mat” to some of Pennsylvania’s most breathtaking public lands, connecting visitors to adventures in nature, rich wildlife, and small-town charm.

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Exploring Happy Valley’s dining scene

Happy Valley is more than a destination for sports and scenery; it’s a culinary haven waiting to be discovered. From cozy cafes nestled in historic towns to innovative eateries pushing the boundaries of flavor, the region’s dining scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Visitors will find farm-to-table fare, artisan creations, and local flavors that celebrate the best of Pennsylvania’s bounty.

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