If there’s one thing that Happy Valley residents can likely all agree on, it’s that the region is filled with delicious spots to dine and drink, no matter what you’re in the mood for. From fine dining to casual pub fare, farm-to-table eats to food trucks, the culinary landscape in State College and beyond is robust. Long-standing favorites have continuously welcomed newcomers to the pack, too, meaning there’s always something fresh to try in Happy Valley, no matter when the last time you paid us a visit.

Hotels in downtown State College and the Happy Valley area have always had a timeless charm about them, but sometimes even the best of traditions can use a little freshening up. Now, with a number of new and upgraded hotels right in the heart of the downtown business district, it has never been more convenient or comfortable to travel to Happy Valley for a long weekend.

Happy Valley’s growing craft beverage scene has the advantage of incredible scenery and unique locations as guests enjoy local ciders, beers, wines and spirits. From views over the farmlands along Route 45 to a repurposed industrial center neighboring the railroad tracks, visitors have plenty of choices when it comes to craft beverages.

UNIVERSITY PARK (Thursday, Feb. 10) — The Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State is thrilled to announce “Waitress” will play Eisenhower Auditorium for a limited, one-night engagement! The diner opens up starting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 3.

True Likeness presents an exhibition of contemporary portraits from diverse makers in a variety of media including video, photography, painting collage, installation, sculpture, printmaking, and drawing. Artists, some familiar, others more on the fringe of the art world, hail from all over the United States.

Current Exhibitions

An American Place: Selections from the James and Barbara Palmer CollectionThrough April 24, 2022

The story of the coming of age of American art is filled with alliances and ruptures, expatriates and immigrants, transatlantic dialogues and the search for an authentic aesthetic rooted in America.

Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park offers a lot of unique experiences, not just for local visitors, but for people from all over the country who can take part in several, one-of-a-kind exhibits at the park – a place that also offers a healthy dose of history.

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!

Exciting things are happening at Ten Thousand Villages, located at 1341 South Atherton in State College. Their store, filled with fairly traded gifts, clothing, handbags, home décor, jewelry, accessories, art, organic coffee and chocolate, and much more, has expanded!