For nearly a century, the Nittany Lion Inn has been a cherished gathering place at Penn State University, welcoming alumni, students, and visitors alike. Whether for milestone celebrations, game day traditions, or a quiet retreat in the heart of campus, the inn has long been an integral part of the Happy Valley experience. Now, after a thoughtful transformation, the Nittany Lion Inn reopens its doors, blending historic charm with a fresh, modern approach.

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.

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.

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.

Top spots for retreats, workshops, and corporate events, perfect for companies looking to bring together remote talent or connect with customers.

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.

If you love local and delicious, you’ll love this opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of local farming and artisanal craftsmanship that makes up Happy Valley Agventures.

*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!

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.