My wife (Karen) and I are reaching our late-60s, but we’re thankful that our abilities and health still allow us to hike all but the longest and most treacherous trails. We recently visited Centre County, which has some of the best hiking trails for every skill set. Some pathways lead through flat marshes and fields, where visitors may view a wide variety of flora and fauna. Others lead up and down steep mountains, covered with lush forestation.

In August, international food blogger Raymond Cua visited State College, and enjoyed the best restaurants, places to eat and drink in Happy Valley. His culinary adventures resulted in a video along with an article that features 17 must-try places. Here are some of his top picks. For the full list, read his article here!

As the home of Nittany Lion football, Happy Valley has your tailgate party foods, drinks and snacks covered. Whether you’re a grill master or a host who prefers ready-made fare so you’re free to mingle, you’ll find plenty of local options to fill up your tailgate menu.

Happy Valley is best known for collegiate athletics–and no one in the country does that betterthan Penn State University. But the world-class athletic facilities also play host to tens ofthousands of sports families who descend upon the region for different tournaments.

Since the tournaments are regularly scheduled on weekends when the Nittany Lions are out oftown, it leaves many families looking for places to go and things to do around town. Whetheryou only have a few hours to kill on an afternoon,you’re in town with younger kids, or if youare just looking for the best takeout options for your hotel–we’ve got you covered.

Seasoned hospitality veteran Becky Burger is the General Manager at the Allen Street Grill in downtown State College. With 40 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality business (19 of them with the Allen Street Grill), Burger feels she can truly make a difference by treating staff and customers with compassion and care. Years ago, she was nicknamed “Momma Bear” by her team, and she feels it has been a fitting title... her door is always open to council, to mentor, to encourage.

Penn State third-year student Kristina Goldhorn has been living the iconic Penn State experience since she transferred from the Brandywine campus to University Park in 2021. While she studies Supply Chain Management, she serves as a tour guide with Lion Ambassadors on campus, and is the director of Brotherhood for the professional development fraternity Omega Chi Sigma, and works at The Corner Room. “The Corner Room is the place where I made my first friends in State College, the place where I immediately felt comfortable, and the place where I can positively affect my customer’s day with just a smile,” she said.

For Brian Adair, his career in hospitality started two days after graduation. “I started working as a doorman at Zeno’s Pub on the Monday after commencement,” he said. That was five years ago. From that first job, he moved to serving, and then bartending. “Zeno’s Pub has been the place where I have celebrated my undergraduate and graduate graduations, family reunions, and was my usual hangout spot during my college career. I made countless friends and witnessed awesome musical performances. It has a special place in my heart and I am happy to contribute to the sense of community I have found there,” he said.

The changing colors of the leaves, the crisp fall air and Penn State football are just a few of the many reasons that there is nothing like fall in Happy Valley, PA. Across the region, many local establishments make the most of local agriculture to create harvest-time menus, featuring one-of-a-kind entrees and seasonal craft cocktails.

We left Underwood Road in the Moshannon State Forest, walked up through the forest and then down a very rocky area – following a well maintained, but sometimes rugged trail. Lindera’s Siberian husky Timber led the way. We started to gain altitude again, and at about 25 minutes into our hike, we came upon a break in the trees overlooking a beautiful view to the valley below. It was aptly named Ralph’s Majestic Vista.