After an absence of a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, First Night State College will once again provide central Pennsylvania with a great way to mark the passing of the old year and the ringing in of the New Year. This alcohol-free community celebration of the visual and performing arts will take place in downtown State College and on the University Park Campus of Penn State on December 31, 2021.

At first glance the inaugural Rothrock GRIT Gravel Grinder looked and felt like your typical gravel event. It had all the usual trappings: the giant bright red inflatable start/finish arch; riders whizzing by, buzzing with nervous energy, and strains of hype music floating through the air.

It is time to break away for a while, we have been saying “let’s go there soon”. Well that time is NOW! The “Fall in the Valley” package includes coupons, maps and itinerary information PLUS special rates at either Sleep Inn or Comfort Suites.

Do you have questions about Happy Valley’s history, the nuggets of information that aren’t readily uncovered with a quick Google search? He came here in 1965, “accidentally never left,” and has been telling Happy Valley’s stories ever since.

Michael Hermann’s job title is “Mapmaker, Department of Adventure,” which sounds like I’m being introduced to the character in a Tolkien book. While Mike is not a cartographer for magical Middle Earth, it’s pretty close.

This article is part of our ‘Live, Work, Play in Happy Valley’ series. Each month, we will be sitting down with people from around Centre County to talk to them about what they love about Happy Valley and their tips for exploring the area.

A tranquil spot along Route 220 near the village of Julian, PA provides the perfect spot for bird watchers and nature lovers to appreciate the beauty of the Bald Eagle Valley, and observe the abundant varieties of birds that pass through or call the wetland home throughout the year.

If you have not seen the views from the top of Mount Nittany, have you really seen all of Happy Valley? It is a legit question, because the breathtaking mountain top views stretch across State College, PennState and beyond.

When you visit Bellefonte, you’ll find yourself inspired by historic architecture, the natural beauty of Talleyrand Park, friendly business owners and welcoming residents.