From the French pique-nique, picnic originally referred to a meal in which everyone contributed something, but evolved to mean dining outdoors or al fresco, especially in scenic surroundings. Picnicking options in Happy Valley come with beautiful views and options for extra fun or a little extra pizzazz. Here are our top picnicking picks in Happy Valley:

Happy Valley is home to several of the most beautiful, challenging and fun mountain biking trails in Pennsylvania. From beginners to advanced cyclists, there is a trail for everyone to bike and more importantly, a reason for out-of-town cyclists to make Happy Valley their destination for their next cycling adventure.

Woodward Cave also features a beautiful, secluded 13-acre campground that features campsites and rental cabins and you can turn your tour into a secluded weekend getaway!

The Arboretum at Penn State, located at Penn State’s University Park campus, is a special Happy Valley treasure. The H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens, open daily from dawn until dusk, offer visitors ten acres of specialty gardens. Beyond the gardens lie fields and woodlands for hiking, biking, and observing wildlife. Admission is free.

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.

A guide to roads, paths and trails

Happy Valley is well-positioned to offer bicyclists both recreation and transportation with low-traffic roads and an abundance of public lands that allow riders to get out into nature.

Take in the sights and flavors of Happy Valley at these top spots with outdoor dining options.

When the sun is shining, there’s no better place to be than Happy Valley. And if you want to grab a bite or drink and maintain that sunshine status, outdoor dining options abound. From craft cocktails to fine dining, there’s a patio in Happy Valley just waiting for you.