Elevated on a hill overlooking busy College Avenue, the Centre Furnace Mansion has witnessed a lot. Now serving as the Centre County Historical Society’s (CCHS) headquarters, the mansion offers a glimpse of what life was like when Happy Valley was just beginning to develop.

A local favorite since 1827, the Hublersburg Inn serves spirited American cuisine in a unique, historic atmosphere. Sourcing many ingredients locally, the Inn offers seasonal menus, creative cocktails, and local craft beer and was voted Best Sunday Brunch and Best Bloody Mary.

Philipsburg is distinctive in many ways: the town’s forefather, Hardman Philips, was exiled to “the wilderness town” after taking part in a duel in England. Before that, Hardman’s brothers, Henry and James, both of whom died young, “lured” settlers to the unimproved lands by good old-fashioned false advertising.

Las Cafeteras, known for its protest songs and use of traditional instruments to connect cultures and generations, will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a variety of free community events starting Oct. 9.

You may not think you have a sweet tooth—until you see the amazing desserts available in Happy Valley, Pennsylvania. A rotating menu of fresh baked goods can be found throughout Happy Valley, but look away now if you’re definitely not interested in sampling a variety of sweet somethings.

Fall is my favorite season in Centre County, and I make no apologies for it. Football’s back, with all that comes with it: tailgating, grilling, seismic cheering at Beaver Stadium. Apples and pears and a beautiful array of root vegetables flood our farm markets in a final burst of harvest abundance. Sweaters and vests come out of storage as sweaty Summer slides into frosty Fall.

Whether you are a local resident or an alum visiting for a weekend, everyone has their favorite spots to eat and drink in Happy Valley. Who hasn’t had a great time at Zeno’s, the Phyrst, Otto’s, or the dozens of other great places in State College?

Enjoying Happy Valley’s farm-fresh ice cream is a great way to cool off with a sweet treat (or two) when the summer heat kicks in. Check it these delicious options.

Though Happy Valley offers a magnificent variety of quality brick-and-mortar dining experiences, food trucks and farmer’s markets also have a place in providing quality, locally sourced options. In fact, these options have expanded dramatically over the last few years. With a wide variety of local produce and meats, food trucks and farmers markets provide residents and visitors with outdoor alternatives in Centre County.