It’s no secret that the last few years have been difficult for the performing arts industry, as theaters grappled with quarantine, audience size limitations and adapting live event-reliant art mediums for virtual spaces. However, as the pandemic worries subsided and live events and festivals filled calendars once again, things have started to look — at least a little bit — like normal.

As the organizer of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association annual conference, I was stuck indoors while the rest of the attendees got to enjoy the outdoor adventures that Happy Valley has to offer. As the conference concluded, I breathed a sigh of relief of a job well done. The major duties of organizing the event were in the rearview mirror, and the weight of responsibility was lifted by the members, who continually remarked about how much they enjoyed the event that took place in Happy Valley.

With just a few weeks left before Happy Valley Restaurant Week kicks off, June 16–25, both local gourmands and restaurants alike are looking forward to 10 packed days of culinary fun throughout the region, and for good reason. With new restaurants participating in the event for the very first time (like the newly opened, French-inspired diner in downtown State College, Oeuf Boeuf et Bacon), an extended event timeline (up from seven days in past years to 10 days for 2023), and near-endless ways chefs can show off their chops via limited-time, event-only menu offerings of their choice — well, let’s just say there’s a whole lot to look forward to.

The pandemic was the spark that New York City content creator Corey Beasley needed to start his own video production business — in Happy Valley, Pennsylvania.

The unofficial rule of thumb is that each region gets to boast one resident puppet master, and you’ve probably seen the name: Adam Swartz Puppets.

The wedding bells are ringing here in Happy Valley, Pennsylvania! As wedding season blooms alongside the tulips, crocuses and daffodils, brides and grooms are getting ready to tie the knot at some of Happy Valley’s most unique venues. Whether you long to be surrounded by grandeur or you have ambitions of a simple, intimate affair, there is no shortage of options here in Happy Valley. Provided you’ve left time to plan, of course! Venues for those special dates book fast, but be sure to check out some of these unique venues in your search for the perfect place to say, “I do!”

2023 will be the first full year for the new mountain bike
skills park at Harvest Fields, providing an outdoor recreation resource unique to the region and fit for riders of all ages.

The annual McFarland Gathering in Coburn, PA is a sacred ritual — a place where fly rod enthusiasts have met to cast, fish and enjoy each other’s company dating back to 2007. Members of the gathering range from 14 years old to over 80, and come from diverse backgrounds in consulting, teaching, IT, healthcare, and marketing. We all have one thing in common: the belief that the little hamlet of Coburn is proof of God’s benevolence in our busy lives.

Harrisburg, PA – A new report by the Pennsylvania Tourism Office shows the tourism industry in the Commonwealth generated $66.3 billion in economic impact, supported 452,885 jobs, contributed $4.2 billion in state and local taxes, and welcomed 180 million visitors in 2021.