Fall is my favorite season in Centre County, and I make no apologies for it. Football’s back, with all that comes with it: tailgating, grilling, seismic cheering at Beaver Stadium. Apples and pears and a beautiful array of root vegetables flood our farm markets in a final burst of harvest abundance. Sweaters and vests come out of storage as sweaty Summer slides into frosty Fall.

Whether you are a local resident or an alum visiting for a weekend, everyone has their favorite spots to eat and drink in Happy Valley. Who hasn’t had a great time at Zeno’s, the Phyrst, Otto’s, or the dozens of other great places in State College?

What is your party hungry for? These Happy Valley cuisine-art establishments literally cater to their customers’ taste buds—whether that vision is large-scale hoe-down backyard barbecue, a long work lunch or a private sit-down menu tasting.

Alumni will say there are a few things that every student must do while at Penn State: climb Mount Nittany; take a photo at the Nittany Lion Shrine; enjoy a scoop of or more at the famous Berkey Creamery; spend a sunny day at Whipple Dam; or stroll through the Arboretum. As the official tourism promotion agency for Centre County, The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) has plenty of inspiration for ways to enjoy the beautiful valleys and unique communities that comprise our big Happy Valley. Start by adding fall fun to your list at some of the county’s most popular farms and farm markets.

There is no shortage of great bars and restaurants in Happy Valley – but not all of them are equipped to accommodate large groups, dinner parties, or private events. When you’re looking to have a great night out with a big group of friends and family, make sure to plan ahead!

Welcome to Bellefonte, Pennsylvania – a picturesque town brimming with history, charm, and, most importantly, a vibrant food scene that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight. Nestled amid the breathtaking landscapes of Central Pennsylvania, this quaint town boasts an array of delectable dining options that are sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds from food connoisseurs to casual travelers seeking culinary delights.

Get ready to mark your calendars for an exciting cinematic extravaganza in Happy Valley! The fifth annual Centre Film Festival is set to take place from Monday, October 30th to Sunday, November 5th. This highly anticipated event serves as a platform for student filmmakers, independent creators, and established talents to showcase their captivating stories.

RE Farm Café at Windswept Farm is a unique farm-to-table experience where you can see the farm from your seat at the table. The setting — nestled in a panoramic sweep of farmland — is just the beginning. The café itself is sustainably built, the chefs (called composers) spend time tending the vegetables as they are grown, and every food either comes from the farm itself, or from a tiny network of sustainable growers.

One of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors in Happy Valley is by taking a scenic hike to a mountain vista or by a bubbling creek. These popular hiking trails near Penn State will take your breath away - in more ways than one!