Many people consider Happy Valley, Pennsylvania, their home, from Penn State students to the locals in the surrounding towns to campus. The areas surrounding State College, PA, have such a rich history that many people underestimate. The things to do in Centre County to pass time and learn are great. Here's 7 things everyone should do during their stay in Centre County.
1. Go to the state forests.
Centre County has so many hiking spots and three big state forests surrounding it, including Bald Eagle, Black Moshannon, and Rothrock State Forests. You can do the iconic hike of Mount Nittany and get an amazing view of Penn State's campus or Moss Hanne Trail or Bear Meadows to just see some amazing views of nature. Black Moshannon and Bald Eagle State Forests also have places for different types of water fun where you can swim or boat or even go on a kayaking journey.
2. Visit all the different breweries, cideries, wineries, and distilleries.
For everyone 21 and older, there are so many places to go support local business and go have a drink. In State College, the iconic brewery is Otto's and where you can go grab a bite to eat and try some craft beers. For cideries, there are 814 Cider Works in State College and Good Intent Cider in Bellefonte to go try some different ciders. The list of local wineries are endless, from Mount Nittany Vineyard and Winery, Seven Mountains Wine Cellar Wine Bar, Happy Valley Vineyard and Winery, and University Wine Company. So many options, then for distilleries you have a big one in Bellefonte called Big Spring Spirits where you can go try different types of hard liquors and some nights they have kitchen takeovers where local food vendors come and serve food that night.
3. Join in the holiday cheer.
The winter holidays are something that is loved in Centre County and there are so many things to do. You have Bellefonte's Victorian Christmas, where they have so much going on from craft shows to concerts to horse-drawn carriage rides through town. You have the Santa Express train rides held by the Bellefonte History Train Society. Then to celebrate New Year, downtown State College has ice sculptors and some food vendors set up along with different activities to do like go ice skating or go to small concerts or shows.
4. Experience Arts Fest and Fourth Fest.
Arts fest is special, there is one held in Bellefonte and State College each summer where different artists can come and show off and sell their work. Not only that, but there is also always plenty of food vendors and activities for everyone in the family. For Fourth Fest, you have the opportunity to tailgate like you would for a football game but really just prepare for one of the best fireworks displays you can see in Pennsylvania. They also have so many different food vendors and activities going on to keep people busy all day.
5. Go to a Penn State sporting event.
Most people love sports and Penn State has so many to offer. From football to soccer to wrestling to lacrosse. There are so many options and most of the teams at Penn State you can go to their games for free or a low cost. And even if you aren't a Penn State fan there is a chance they might play one of your favorite teams.
6. Eat at every restaurant you can.
The number of AMAZING restaurants in Happy Valley is crazy. From the State College icons, like the Corner Room and the Waffle Shop, to other State College favorites like BRGR and HiWay Pizza, to smaller restaurants in the towns around us like Bonfatto's, Home Delivery, and Sunset West, there's something for everyone.
7. Enjoy ice cream.
Ice cream is a Penn State image because of the iconic Berkey Creamery, but there are other places around Happy Valley to go like Meyers Dairy in State College or Big D's Cones and Shakes in Milesburg. All of them offer amazing hand-dipped ice creams and much more. There is always a good place to go if you need some sweet ice cream in your day.
