If you have visited the State College area, odds are you have heard of, or even attended, the Centre County Grange Encampment and Fair. With an impressive assortment of activities, rides, and classic fair food, the Grange Fair is an undeniable destination every August. However, when walking around the fair, enjoying a funnel cake or watching a sheep show, you might wonder what happens when the vendors pack up and the animals return to their pens.
Hiking in a forest alone never crossed my mind as something I would be doing before 2023. I had barely set foot in a forest. As a former long-distance runner, I thrived on the adrenaline of a long run. Never would I see myself hiking slowly through a forest, having to be aware of such things as snakes and bears. After the passing of my mother in late 2020, I thought I would use running to heal, but I found that I could no longer find the motivation to do so. After many failed attempts to return to running, I began walking instead.
There’s plenty to see and do in and around Happy Valley, and whether you’re a local looking for somewhere special to spend your staycation, or a visitor seeking to make your getaway memorable at every moment (even while sleeping!), exploring the region’s unique lodging opportunities is a must. From peaceful, bucolic settings that set the soul free, to beguiling Victorian bed and breakfasts and chic modern digs, Happy Valley has it all!