By day, James Tierney is an educational consultant, math tutor, and communication coach. By night, he’s a member of the Happy Valley comedy and experiential event scenes. It’s safe to say that he spends most of his waking hours practicing improvisational techniques.

Maker spaces and make-and-take venues throughout Happy Valley offer a great opportunity for travelers to express their creative side while visiting the region. The Rivet, a 5,000-square-foot community workshop just outside of downtown State College lets visitors explore a wide variety of mediums and “Make Anything.”

Stop by The Happy Valley Store to enjoy a stunning display of photos by Bellefonte photographer Jason Smoyer. Jason studied at Penn State University and The Art Institute of Atlanta, where he honed his craft and passion for photography.

With such a rich agricultural history, it’s no wonder that there are some fantastic Farm-to-Table restaurants in Happy Valley. Make sure to add a few of these to your list for your next visit!

‘MADE in PA’ exhibition, new acquisitions and community events anchor the June 1 opening of the new 73,000-square-foot museum building

Discover a new, vibrant world of conference planning in Happy Valley, Pennsylvania. Break free from the ordinary and explore a new realm of possibilities for your next meeting or event. Immerse yourself in the energy of our small-town environment, where you'll find diverse options in facility types, locations, off-site activities, team building, and retreat opportunities.

Experience a transformative journey at Wildfire Ranch Spiritual Retreat in Spring Mills, PA! Nestled in the heart of Happy Valley, Pennsylvania, this serene haven offers more than just a getaway—it's a spiritual sanctuary.

The Pennsylvania State University, one of the largest universities in the country and a member of the Big Ten Conference, was founded in 1855. The University Park Campus today covers more than 5,000 acres and provides more than 40,000 students with about 160 baccalaureate and 150 graduate programs.

Much of downtown State College’s charm is owing to its historic buildings and community institutions, such as Harpers, The Corner Room, The Tavern, and the Shandygaff. While these standbys have sustained local retail, food, and drink needs for decades, the downtown region is alive, growing, and thriving — constantly attracting new shops and restaurants and inspiring events that make revisiting the business district a regular, must-do activity.