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 year‑round from dawn until dusk, offer visitors ten acres of specialty gardens.

Strong Community Support Helped Local Businesses Survive Pandemic, Now They’re Ready for Visitors

The best traveling experiences are often made in spots locals love the most. Local love means a lot to these businesses who started up not long before the pandemic. Their dedication and creativity through that tough time made them fast favorites in Happy Valley. Make sure to add them to your list.

A local favorite since 1827, the Hublersburg Inn serves spirited American cuisine in a unique, historic atmosphere. Since purchasing the Inn in 2007, Andi Heidt and her staff have transformed this local “watering hole” into one of the best destination restaurants in the Centre Region.

“We like to think we have something for everybody,” says Curtis Shulman, Director of Operations at Hotel State College & Co., a Penn State alumni-run company that owns the Allen Street Grill, the Corner Room, Bill Pickle’s Tap Room, Chumley’s Cocktail Bar, the Basement Nightspot and Zeno’s Pub — all on one block a mere stone’s throw from Penn State’s Old Main.

If you ask a resident of Happy Valley where to find a “fine dining” experience in the region, you’re likely to get a wide range of responses. As one local said in a social media poll, it all depends on your definition of fine dining.

Every tailgate in Happy Valley has their specialties and go-to dishes, but if you are looking to change it up this year there are dozens of options for takeout and catering across State College. Not only is the food great — but by picking up delicious dishes locally or having your tailgate catered, you’re already winning by giving yourself more free time to enjoy the tailgate party.

Scholar Hotel State College is now open downtown. And even though it’s State College’s newest hotel, what makes Scholar Hotel State College distinctive is that the building is not new at all — it’s been a part of downtown State College for nearly a century.

Happy Valley’s quaint, historic communities are pulling out all the stops to make the July 9-11 weekend one to remember. From festivals to fireworks, to new ways to experience art, music and more, gather your family or friends and head to your new happy place for a full slate of first-time events and weekend fun.

Happy Valley, PA’s hospitality industry is looking for passionate, creative and hard-working individuals to capitalize on a rebound in travel.