Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and Downtown State College has over 300 businesses to check out for a perfect day. And with so many options throughout Happy Valley, where does one start? Luckily for you, we have your day planned for every type of couple.

Resting at the base of Mount Nittany, the beautiful Apple Pony Inn offers guests breathtaking views, farmhouse details and equine-inspired style in a beautiful country
setting.

There are a small handful of places where I’ve traveled that have the ability to both energize and subdue the mind, heart and soul. Bellefonte, Pennsylvania is at the top of my list. I’ve spent a fair amount of time here, fishing different spots along Spring Creek from Benner to Milesburg, and a few eateries, and some cool bars in between. It’s the kind of place that has appeal for just about anyone. When you come here and see the Victorian architecture, small bars, unique eateries and eclectic shops, it actually makes the heart beat slower. I swear it does.

Many of us dream of wandering in the kind of charming, provincial communities we see on holiday cards at this time of year, but one needn’t travel overseas to London, Brussels, or Paris to make that vision a reality. While the “wilds” aspect of the PA Wilds gets much of the focus in our modern tourism industries, the storied towns that comprise the PA Wilds are just as worthy of a visit, offering guests the chance to unplug, reset and experience the holidays in places that welcome strangers and foster a genuine sense of community during the time of year that we crave it most.

Lyndsey Greenland, General Manager of Rolling Rails Lodge, is the recipient of the 2022 Happy Valley Hospitality Excellence in Lodging Leadership award.

Don't let the pride in Penn State sports fool you--Happy Valley also boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, thanks to university-based resources and a local culture that promotes creativity and appreciates and fosters talent in arts. The area is a regular stopping point for major acts, including musicians, comedians and production tours thanks to local venues on campus and in the community.

My wife (Karen) and I are reaching our late-60s, but we’re thankful that our abilities and health still allow us to hike all but the longest and most treacherous trails. We recently visited Centre County, which has some of the best hiking trails for every skill set. Some pathways lead through flat marshes and fields, where visitors may view a wide variety of flora and fauna. Others lead up and down steep mountains, covered with lush forestation.

As the home of Nittany Lion football, Happy Valley has your tailgate party foods, drinks and snacks covered. Whether you’re a grill master or a host who prefers ready-made fare so you’re free to mingle, you’ll find plenty of local options to fill up your tailgate menu.

Seasoned hospitality veteran Becky Burger is the General Manager at the Allen Street Grill in downtown State College. With 40 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality business (19 of them with the Allen Street Grill), Burger feels she can truly make a difference by treating staff and customers with compassion and care. Years ago, she was nicknamed “Momma Bear” by her team, and she feels it has been a fitting title... her door is always open to council, to mentor, to encourage.