Dreaming of packing up that laptop and working from somewhere other than your kitchen table? You’re not alone. Many workers that have switched gears in 2020 and are now fully remote, whether by mandate or choice, are looking to find inspiration and a change of scenery. Bellefonte, a community tucked between the Appalachian Mountains and the rolling farmland of Central Pennsylvania, makes an ideal destination for those living the laptop life.

For Federal Taphouse, the downtown State College restaurant known for its 100 beers on tap, the COVID-19 pandemic has been nothing but a series of challenges — but all are obstacles that general manager Jessica Wargo and her team have been adept at overcoming, all to the benefit of the community that they love to serve.

Good Intent Cider, located just a short walk from downtown Bellefonte, gives visitors a cozy space to try and taste a plethora of ciders made with Pennsylvania apples. Offerings range from Happy Valley Gold, a rich and complex cider made using more than 30 varieties of Happy Valley-grown apples, to the award-winning Wickson, with its candy-esque tart appeal.

Established in 1999, Happy Valley Vineyard & Winery has welcomed wine aficionados from around the country to taste its award-winning wines in its beautiful State College-located tasting room since 2013. However, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the vineyard’s owners have focused on serving the brand’s multitude of fans in other ways, going above and beyond to protect their loyal supporters in a time when restrictions can seem confusing and muddled — resulting in lax policies in other tasting rooms.

Expanding Arts, Gardens and Exhibits for 2021


This time last year, Boal Mansion and Columbus Chapel was a flurry of holiday activities. There were candlelight tours, Gregorian chants, a Christkindl market and a British tea. But things are very different this year. “The short answer is that we’re closed,” says Bob Cameron, director of the museum. But, he says, they’ve made lemonade from this year’s lemons. “In many ways, it’s been a highly successful year.”

VIP Trips and Safe, Smart Bus Lines Keep Happy Valley Moving



For Fullington Trailways—a company dedicated to get us from here to there—COVID travel restrictions meant an immediate change to status quo. “The last several months have been incredibly challenging,” says Jennifer Corman, director of business development at Fullington Trailways. “During April and May of 2020, not one charter bus rolled out of our lots.” But thanks to proactive cleaning protocols (in place even before CDC guidelines were rolled out) as well as a pivot toward offering more VIP luxury travel, Fullington continues to help us enjoy the journey, no matter how far the destination.

If you’re looking for the classic Happy Valley vibe that you remember from your college or otherwise younger days, you can still find it at one of the area’s many local bed and breakfasts, inns and other locally-owned and run accommodations options.

There are so many opportunities for places to visit, sights to see, food to eat, and teams to cheer-on in Happy Valley. As a visitor, exploring the many opportunities the valley has to offer means having to come for more than just one trip. To help plan your next trip to Happy Valley, we wrote the “must do’s” for each season.

Visitors have a strong to desire to feel like a local and go home with a story or two. Sometimes a chain hotel experience isn’t exactly what they’re looking for when they are planning out where to stay and what to do. It is the people we meet and the unique experiences that make the trip great.