Greg Guise puts a new meaning on the term ‘active retirement.’ After graduating from Penn State and working as a videographer in Detroit and then in Washington, D.C. for 40 years, he’s back in Happy Valley. And when I call him, he’s climbing Rattlesnake Mountain to install communications gear for the amateur radio community. It’s “just a way of giving back,” he says just before he drives out of cell phone range. When he calls back, he tells me just why community is so, so important. Read on.

Get involved with Happy Valley entrepreneur networks, Bellefonte’s burgeoning downtown, social media in this area … or really anything involving growth and community in Happy Valley … and it’s just a matter of time before you run into Ellen Matis. She’s the founder of Hello Social Co., a bespoke social media service, serves as Board President for Downtown Bellefonte Inc., and is a member of the marketing committee for the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. Hear why Ellen chose Bellefonte and what every visitor should do when they are in town. Read on!

Do you have questions about Happy Valley’s history, the nuggets of information that aren’t readily uncovered with a quick Google search? He came here in 1965, “accidentally never left,” and has been telling Happy Valley’s stories ever since.

The next time you are there vacationing, traveling on business, or visiting as part of an event, you’ll likely meet two of the people who make The Nature Inn such an unparalleled destination: sisters Kashia Quay and Lexie Hosterman. Find out what they say makes Centre County so special, why the Nature Inn is a can’t-miss destination in Happy Valley, and what to do on your next visit.

Michael Hermann’s job title is “Mapmaker, Department of Adventure,” which sounds like I’m being introduced to the character in a Tolkien book. While Mike is not a cartographer for magical Middle Earth, it’s pretty close.

This article is part of our ‘Live, Work, Play in Happy Valley’ series. Each month, we will be sitting down with people from around Centre County to talk to them about what they love about Happy Valley and their tips for exploring the area.

Looking for off-campus student lodging in State College? The Retreat at State College offers something unique: a home away from home.

Coming back to Happy Valley? The Penn Stater Hotel & Conference Center, Penn State’s premier hotel and conference center located in Innovation Park, is ready for you! You’ll enjoy a cozy, affordable stay right on the Penn State campus with a room that offers luxury, comfort and the technology you need to stay connected and productive. The hotel just seconds from the Innovation Park Exit on Route 322, and parking is free.

Every good vintner knows the value of time: the age of a vine that produces the best vintage, the perfect time to pick the grapes, the optimum aging of a bottle. Mount Nittany Winery has not only mastered these things, but took what they learned and redeemed their time during COVID.