Forty years ago, Greg Woodman spent his tuition money to print Penn State T-shirts to sell at tailgates. It was a move that wasn’t very popular with his parents, but it paid off, big time.

Penn State professor Bing Pan is on a mission to expand people’s horizons through the power of travel, and he’s doing it right here in the heart of Pennsylvania. Ask why and he’ll give you both left brained and right brained reasons for living, working and playing in Happy Valley. Short answer: it’s one of the smartest places in the US, and it’s full of energy, creativity and fun.

‘We Are…Penn State’ are four little words that have been ingrained in my life since I was a baby. The common theme of bleeding blue and white as a Penn Stater is something that I have experienced practically since the day I entered this world. Growing up as a Penn State fan prepared me to be an enthusiastic, PSU-loving student and soon to be proud alumni. Check out my Penn State story below if you’re craving all things blue and white.

Originally published by Suburban Life Magazine in Philadelphia, PA

From Penn State football to outdoor excursions, and from farm-to-table dining to first-rate shopping, Happy Valley offers the perfect backdrop for a memorable getaway.

Various local legends and theories pertain to the origin of the phrase Happy Valley, though nobody can say for sure how it came to be associated with Penn State University and the surrounding communities. Ed Stoddard believes there is a fairly simple reason why the name has stuck, and it begins with the residents who call the region home.

No matter what season it is, there is always something to keep you active and outdoors in Happy Valley. And from the Spring through the Fall–and even sometimes in the Winter–golfers flock to Happy Valley for some of the best golf in all of Pennsylvania.

Visiting Penn State for the first time (or the fifth) can be one of the most exciting experiences for an aspiring PSU student and their family, long-time football fans, or just lovers of a little adventure. You could spend well over a week exploring all that Happy Valley has to offer.

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:

Eat, stay, and play at one-of-a-kind The We Are Inn in Philipsburg.

Looking for off‑campus student lodging in State College? The Retreat at State College offers something unique: a home away from home.