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.

Penn State Homecoming is excited to once again safety celebrate with students, alumni, faculty and staff across the Penn State community.

Come Back to the Penn Stater for Iconic Penn State Eats

Happy Valley’s go-to Sunday brunch is back, and it’s just as good as you remember. With champagne and mimosas included with your meal, you can start out a lazy Happy Valley Sunday in a truly indulgent way. Reviewers on Google and Yelp agree: brunch at The Gardens at The Penn Stater is the iconic, delicious Penn State breakfast experience.

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.

Check out our STEM-themed birthday parties for kids. New themes coming soon! Throwing a big party for kids or adults? We can have hands-on activities for your guests young and old and a space for your caterer too!

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.