Autumn in Happy Valley is bursting with vibrant experiences! From exploring colorful state parks and sampling local brews to attending festivals and apple picking, there’s no shortage of fall fun. Cheer on the Nittany Lions, take a scenic drive, or enjoy a cozy hayride—Happy Valley has it all. Grab your sweater and dive into this season’s ultimate bucket list!

Happy Valley Women's Cycling proudly declares its commitment to advancing community cycling and bolstering the local economy through transformative cycling initiatives.

The Nittany Lion Inn, a joint partnership with Rockbridge and Scholar Hotels, celebrated its official reopening on Sept. 3 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Penn State University president Neeli Bendapudi, The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau president Fritz Smith and Gary Brandeis, CEO of Scholar Hotels.

Cooper Wingert, historian and author of 10 books about the Civil War and the Underground Railroad, will present Slavery and the Underground Railroad in South Central Pennsylvania, Sunday, September 22, 2:00 p.m., at the American Philatelic Society, Bellefonte. Based on new archival research, this talk will illuminate how the Underground Railroad consisted of white and Black people whose actions were more open than many think.

If you love that fall feeling, Happy Valley is calling. From football tailgates against a vibrant autumn landscape to weekend-long retreats perfect for strolling, shopping and snuggling by the fire, it’s the coziest place to be. When you want to warm up with a beverage or a hearty meal, you’ll find a range of spots that promise both comfort and flavor.

If you want to see some Fall foliage this year without driving, the Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society will be providing relaxing and fun rides throughout Centre County during the month of October.

Happy Valley is packed with so many things to do and see, it can be overwhelming to know where to go and what to do next. Once you’ve made your way through the list of the most popular outdoor adventures, like hiking up Mount Nittany, biking on a gravel road in Rothrock State Forest, and exploring Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park, searching out less well-known adventures is a great next step. Let us help guide you to some new and exciting experiences in underrated spots and unique places for every interest.

The 12-voice strong ensemble Chanticleer will project a collective vocal smile with a performance of “Sing Joyfully” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, in Eisenhower Auditorium.

There is nothing like experiencing gameday in Happy Valley – the tailgating is second to none and Beaver Stadium is the most electric atmosphere in all of college football. Not to mention the Penn State Nittany Lions have playoff aspirations this year and are ranked inside the Top 10 in preseason polls for only the 12th time since 1990. The football game may get you to travel to State College, but there is much more to do in and around Happy Valley this fall.

Here’s a look at some of the best reasons to extend your stay in Happy Valley this football season: