Handmade crafts and vintage treasures, Penn State gear and the best souvenirs. Not to mention local flavors to take home and enjoy. Whether you’re in town for a game weekend, a college visit or one of the area’s top events, make time to shop in one of all of the small towns around Happy Valley, including Downtown State College, Bellefonte, Philipsburg, and more.

Be inspired to get up and dance as you are transported to Spain, Romania, and beyond! The Pennsylvania Chamber Orchestra opens the season in Spain with Manuel de Falla’s comedic Three Cornered Hat Suite, followed by American composer Aaron Copland’s Old American Songs featuring baritone soloist Michael Hanley. Hungarian composer Béla Bartók’s Romanian Folk Dances will immerse you in the folk music of Transylvania, and this concert ends with Schubert’s energizing Symphony No. 3. Get ready to tap your feet and cheer with this season opener.

Titan Hollow in Bellefonte is a must-visit destination during spooky season, offering a unique blend of craft cider, delicious food, and eerie ambiance. This craft cidery, restaurant, and event venue transforms into a hauntingly beautiful experience. As you step into Titan Hollow, you'll be greeted by the warm glow of industrial décor and the rich aroma of fresh flavors.

It’s hard to top fall in Happy Valley, Pennsylvania. As the leaves turn color on Mount Nittany, the students return to the campus (welcome back!), and we gear up for those magical football Saturdays, there is a sense of energy and adventure that is pure, unadulterated fun.

Autumn in Happy Valley is bursting with vibrant experiences! From exploring colorful state parks and sampling local brews to attending festivals and apple picking, there’s no shortage of fall fun. Cheer on the Nittany Lions, take a scenic drive, or enjoy a cozy hayride—Happy Valley has it all. Grab your sweater and dive into this season’s ultimate bucket list!

The Nittany Lion Inn, a joint partnership with Rockbridge and Scholar Hotels, celebrated its official reopening on Sept. 3 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Penn State University president Neeli Bendapudi, The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau president Fritz Smith and Gary Brandeis, CEO of Scholar Hotels.

If you love that fall feeling, Happy Valley is calling. From football tailgates against a vibrant autumn landscape to weekend-long retreats perfect for strolling, shopping and snuggling by the fire, it’s the coziest place to be. When you want to warm up with a beverage or a hearty meal, you’ll find a range of spots that promise both comfort and flavor.

Happy Valley is packed with so many things to do and see, it can be overwhelming to know where to go and what to do next. Once you’ve made your way through the list of the most popular outdoor adventures, like hiking up Mount Nittany, biking on a gravel road in Rothrock State Forest, and exploring Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park, searching out less well-known adventures is a great next step. Let us help guide you to some new and exciting experiences in underrated spots and unique places for every interest.

“Exciting news! Happy Valley Women's Cycling (HVWC) is transforming into a community club in 2025, focusing on inclusivity for female cyclists. This is a fantastic opportunity for more women to join and be part of a supportive cycling community.” -Tanya Campbell.