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.

Since 1967, the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts has been a highlight of the summer in StateCollege. With nine days of music, theatre, dance, puppet shows, educational television shows, and even a ribbon-cutting by then Governor Raymond Shafer, that first event was unlike anything CentralPennsylvania had ever seen. The community responded enthusiastically and voila, Happy Valley’s annual miracle was born

In the fall of 1975, a few Centre County farmers were in a casual conversation while attending an antique engine show. They began meeting on a regular basis at various locations. In January of 1975, the Nittany Antique Machinery Association was born. With their dedication and determination, the first Fall Show was held in September of the same year. Theirs was only a dream with the hopes that this would become an annual tradition.

The 165-room Hyatt Place at the corner of Fraser and Beaver streets promises guests a stay in the heart of State College — perfect for those looking for access to culture and sports.

Hyatt Place is part of The Scholar Hotel Group family of hotels, which has promised to maintain rigorous cleanliness and hygiene standards.

Good Intent Cider, located just a short walk from downtown Bellefonte, gives visitors a cozy space to try and taste a plethora of ciders made with Pennsylvania apples. Offerings range from Happy Valley Gold, a rich and complex cider made using more than 30 varieties of Happy Valley-grown apples, to the award-winning Wickson, with its candy-esque tart appeal.

Established in 1999, Happy Valley Vineyard & Winery has welcomed wine aficionados from around the country to taste its award-winning wines in its beautiful State College-located tasting room since 2013. However, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the vineyard’s owners have focused on serving the brand’s multitude of fans in other ways, going above and beyond to protect their loyal supporters in a time when restrictions can seem confusing and muddled — resulting in lax policies in other tasting rooms.

When it comes to ensuring the safety of guests at The Penn Stater — one of two hotel properties on the Penn State University campus — education of staff was at the top of the priority list.

Expanding Arts, Gardens and Exhibits for 2021


This time last year, Boal Mansion and Columbus Chapel was a flurry of holiday activities. There were candlelight tours, Gregorian chants, a Christkindl market and a British tea. But things are very different this year. “The short answer is that we’re closed,” says Bob Cameron, director of the museum. But, he says, they’ve made lemonade from this year’s lemons. “In many ways, it’s been a highly successful year.”