“There's nothing finer than quenching your thirst after a bike ride in Centre County, Pennsylvania,” Nathan Reigner said. He should know. Before Reigner took the reins as Pennsylvania’s first-ever director of outdoor recreation for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, he was an assistant research professor in the College of Human Development at Penn State. And he really, really likes being outside in Happy Valley.

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.

If you visit Philipsburg and make your way to the new Moshannon Valley Heritage Center (we highly recommend that you do!), you’ll inevitably run into Tom Laird. He is, after all, a lifelong Philipsburg resident, original member of The Cold Stream Beach Bums, and can regale you with stories of old dams, forgotten ruins, hollows and hills of the area. “It sings to me,” he says.

Lifelong Surfer Matt Grube lived in Hawaii before moving to Happy Valley and yes, he’s well aware that there are no waves. Matt has embraced the outdoor recreation that Central Pennsylvania has to offer.