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.

It’s Homecoming week, and there are festivities from Monday, October 17 until kickoff on Saturday. From Allen Street Jam to Best of Penn State (BOPS) Homecoming Carnival, you don’t want to miss the fun. Here’s what is in store!

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.

Ellen Braun’s hospitality story started with a detour. “I graduated from Penn State in 1984 with a degree in English and quickly realized that I was so shy and introverted that I wasn’t emotionally prepared for any of the career paths I’d dreamed of,” she said. So, to overcome it, she got what she calls “assertiveness training” — a job at The All American Rathskeller. The job turned out to be a crash course, not only in confidence, but also in her career path.

The Boalsburg Renaissance Faire includes a wide range of arts and crafts vendors and demonstrations; sword-fighting, dueling, archery, and axe-throwing demonstrations; a bounce house and petting zoos, including unicorns; carriage rides; live music and dance performances; crafts, games, and wandering minstrels; and special museum tours of the Boal Mansion Armory and the Columbus Chapel. An array of food trucks and food vendors round out this day-long celebration of the museum’s European heritage.

Mount Nittany Winery is a family farm winery nestled in the side of Mount Nittany. The winery produces exceptional, locally-produced wine from their 65-acre mountainside setting that’s just minutes from State College. With breathtaking views across Penns Valley to the Tussey Mountain Range, you’ll find the perfect setting for gatherings with family and friends. This fall, try one of their wine and food pairings to make your visit even more memorable.

Tickets go on sale to the public starting Sept. 1

UNIVERSITY PARK (Wednesday, Aug. 24) —The Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State will focus on fostering relationships and connections via new and familiar artists in its 2022–23 events.

The Columbus Chapel and Boal Mansion Museum in Boalsburg will soon be opening its second floor museum exhibit and Transportation & Early American Life exhibit, just about doubling the extent of its unique collections available to the public.

The Columbus Chapel and Boal Mansion Museum in Boalsburg is excited to announce A Teddy Bear Picnic for children and their families on the grounds of the museum this weekend only!