R. Thomas Berner is co-author of “We Had Ink in Our Blood,” a retrospective on newspapers in Central Pennsylvania, but to be fair, he carries a good bit of Pennsylvania dirt in those veins too. He can trace his Pennsylvania roots back to 1733, and his Happy Valley ties to college days in 1968. After a stint in New Mexico, he says he and his wife moved back, gladly. Here’s why.

It’s no surprise State College was named one of the 2022 Top 100 Best Places to Live by

Livability.com, and in top communities on Niche. Here are just a few of the positive attributes that local residents love about their hometown.

Don't let the pride in Penn State sports fool you--Happy Valley also boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, thanks to university-based resources and a local culture that promotes creativity and appreciates and fosters talent in arts. The area is a regular stopping point for major acts, including musicians, comedians and production tours thanks to local venues on campus and in the community.

My wife (Karen) and I are reaching our late-60s, but we’re thankful that our abilities and health still allow us to hike all but the longest and most treacherous trails. We recently visited Centre County, which has some of the best hiking trails for every skill set. Some pathways lead through flat marshes and fields, where visitors may view a wide variety of flora and fauna. Others lead up and down steep mountains, covered with lush forestation.

In August, international food blogger Raymond Cua visited State College, and enjoyed the best restaurants, places to eat and drink in Happy Valley. His culinary adventures resulted in a video along with an article that features 17 must-try places. Here are some of his top picks. For the full list, read his article here!

As the home of Nittany Lion football, Happy Valley has your tailgate party foods, drinks and snacks covered. Whether you’re a grill master or a host who prefers ready-made fare so you’re free to mingle, you’ll find plenty of local options to fill up your tailgate menu.

Happy Valley is best known for collegiate athletics–and no one in the country does that betterthan Penn State University. But the world-class athletic facilities also play host to tens ofthousands of sports families who descend upon the region for different tournaments.

Since the tournaments are regularly scheduled on weekends when the Nittany Lions are out oftown, it leaves many families looking for places to go and things to do around town. Whetheryou only have a few hours to kill on an afternoon,you’re in town with younger kids, or if youare just looking for the best takeout options for your hotel–we’ve got you covered.

The changing colors of the leaves, the crisp fall air and Penn State football are just a few of the many reasons that there is nothing like fall in Happy Valley, PA. Across the region, many local establishments make the most of local agriculture to create harvest-time menus, featuring one-of-a-kind entrees and seasonal craft cocktails.

We left Underwood Road in the Moshannon State Forest, walked up through the forest and then down a very rocky area – following a well maintained, but sometimes rugged trail. Lindera’s Siberian husky Timber led the way. We started to gain altitude again, and at about 25 minutes into our hike, we came upon a break in the trees overlooking a beautiful view to the valley below. It was aptly named Ralph’s Majestic Vista.