The picturesque mountains that line the Happy Valley horizon provide limitless opportunities for families to make lifelong memories. Whether hiking, biking, fishing or hunting, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the great outdoors of Central Pennsylvania.

The Arboretum at Penn State, located at Penn State’s University Park campus, is a special Happy Valley treasure. The H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens, open year‑round from dawn until dusk, offer visitors ten acres of specialty gardens.

Strong Community Support Helped Local Businesses Survive Pandemic, Now They’re Ready for Visitors

The best traveling experiences are often made in spots locals love the most. Local love means a lot to these businesses who started up not long before the pandemic. Their dedication and creativity through that tough time made them fast favorites in Happy Valley. Make sure to add them to your list.

There’s something about the experience at Pine Grove Hall.

It could be the ambiance of the space, in a tastefully restored building that’s a nod to the heritage of the community it calls home, Pine Grove Mills. Inside, the decor is perfectly curated to transport visitors back to another era.

A local favorite since 1827, the Hublersburg Inn serves spirited American cuisine in a unique, historic atmosphere. Since purchasing the Inn in 2007, Andi Heidt and her staff have transformed this local “watering hole” into one of the best destination restaurants in the Centre Region.

If you ask a resident of Happy Valley where to find a “fine dining” experience in the region, you’re likely to get a wide range of responses. As one local said in a social media poll, it all depends on your definition of fine dining.

Check out our STEM-themed birthday parties for kids. New themes coming soon! Throwing a big party for kids or adults? We can have hands-on activities for your guests young and old and a space for your caterer too!

Every tailgate in Happy Valley has their specialties and go-to dishes, but if you are looking to change it up this year there are dozens of options for takeout and catering across State College. Not only is the food great — but by picking up delicious dishes locally or having your tailgate catered, you’re already winning by giving yourself more free time to enjoy the tailgate party.

Since 1967, the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts has been a highlight of the summer in StateCollege. With nine days of music, theatre, dance, puppet shows, educational television shows, and even a ribbon-cutting by then Governor Raymond Shafer, that first event was unlike anything CentralPennsylvania had ever seen. The community responded enthusiastically and voila, Happy Valley’s annual miracle was born