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.

From the French pique-nique, picnic originally referred to a meal in which everyone contributed something, but evolved to mean dining outdoors or al fresco, especially in scenic surroundings. Picnicking options in Happy Valley come with beautiful views and options for extra fun or a little extra pizzazz. Here are our top picnicking picks in Happy Valley:

Happy Valley is home to several of the most beautiful, challenging and fun mountain biking trails in Pennsylvania. From beginners to advanced cyclists, there is a trail for everyone to bike and more importantly, a reason for out-of-town cyclists to make Happy Valley their destination for their next cycling adventure.

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.

Jason Browne wears a lot of hats. He owns four LLCs, is active in Rotary, performs for Happy Valley Improv, cohosts the Morning Getaway on 94.5 and is on the board of 3 Dots Downtown, which has won “Best Community Space'' every year since it opened in 2019.

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.