When Ezra Nanes and his wife Mieke moved from New York City to State College so he could pursue his MBA at the Smeal College of Business at Penn State, he never imagined what would come next. Thirteen years later, Mieke has a thriving physical therapy practice, they’ve added another child to their family, and they’ve fallen in love with Happy Valley, Pennsylvania.

“We never intended to stay here,” Troy Weston and Melissa Hombosky said about their move to Happy Valley in 2002. “We just forgot to leave.” There seems to be a little more to the story than forgetting to leave.

Heading out for brunch while you are in Happy Valley? Be sure to check out Webster’s Bookstore Cafe, which recently ranked as one of the top places to eat brunch in Pennsylvania on PAEats.org (as if we needed another reason to love Webster’s!)

Throughout the year, Happy Valley is full of great things to do, whether you are looking for live music, sporting events, outdoor recreation, festivals, or just a night out with friends. Save the date for these iconic outdoor festivals that we are looking forward to in 2023.

Ask a local about outdoor fun in Happy Valley, and it won’t take very long before they tell you to head out to Tussey Mountain Ski and Recreation. There’s a good reason. There’s something to do all year round.

Wasson Farm, located on Shingletown Road just outside of Boalsburg, is the down-home farm ice cream experience you didn’t know you were missing. But if you haven’t been there yet, let me be the first to tell you: you are missing out, and you might want to remedy ASAP.

After Sarah Anne Wharton graduated from Juniata College, she launched to Maine, New Mexico and Brooklyn, New York, never expecting to land back in Central Pennsylvania. Today, she proudly calls herself a Happy Valley local. She’s a champion for the area’s unique mix of outdoor adventure, vibrant research and — as communications specialist for the Palmer Museum of Art — art for everyone.

Looking for an adventure this summer? Explore the Central PA Tasting Trail and discover your new favorite ales, wine, cider, and beer!

Once you make plans to visit Happy Valley, the next step is finding out where you'll stay. If you're more comfortable with a traditional hotel, motel or inn our comprehensive list of lodging should satisfy your needs.