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State College, PA: Where to Go in Happy Valley
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items Happy Valley is known as the home of Penn State University, but there is so much more than that! We love visiting and end up there quite a few times every year. These are all the places we've personally stayed, visited, and recommend nearby.
Sections
5
Where to Stay
Where to Eat
Where to Drink
Parks & Outdoors
More Things to Do
Where to Stay
There are some really great local options! There are quite a few chain hotels, but we've stayed in a couple of really great B&Bs and also camp nearby often.
This place has great rooms and everything you need to stay on site.
Carnegie House
We stay here a few times per year, and have used both the tent sites and the camper cabins. The bathhouse has individual shower rooms, which are super private, but can get really busy if there is a big event happening and the campground is full.
Bellefonte / State College KOA Holiday
This is about 20 minutes from town, but 10 minutes from Black Moshannon. Split the difference!
Modern + Private Cabin on 4 Acres
Where to Eat
For a college town in the middle of nowhere, there are some great spots to eat. These are our favorites!
Hands down where you need to go if you want a burger.
The Field Burger & Tap
This is a great coffee and brunch spot right off of College Ave.
Sowers Harvest Cafe
This place gets nuts on game weekends, but this is where you want to go if you want an game to be on. They have so many TVs.
Champs Sports Grill on North Atherton
This place has a little bit of a southern flair. I had a filet, and it was tasty!
American Ale House
Where to Drink
These are the best places to grab a beer, glass of wine, or a cocktail around town and nearby.
A small space right in town, definitely try the Fluffy Little Puppy and Stories We Can Tell.
Antifragile Brewing Co.
We go here all the time after football games. The space is huge and they have TVs usually playing other games that day. If you didn't eat enough food at your tailgate, they also have a kitchen.
Axemann Brewery
We head here when we're hungry and thirsty. Also, on my quest for the best orange creamsicle beer, they've had the best one so far!
Robinhood Brewing
They make the best cocktails around! The space indoors isn't very big. It has been super busy when we've visited and sometimes difficult to find a seat.
Big Spring Spirits
This place has delicious cocktails and great vibes!
The Republic Cocktail Bar at the Gamble Mill
Parks & Outdoors
There are some really great places to hike and explore within a short drive.
This is a great hike near town, and you'll get some great views. You'll also get a bird's eye view of Beaver Stadium!
Hike Mount Nittany
There are lots of great hikes in this park, and you can also kayak and enjoy the beach at the lake.
Black Moshannon State Park
There is a lot of room to roam, camping, hiking, and boating at this park. We've visited quite a few times!
Bald Eagle State Park
This is a beautiful spot, especially in the spring and summer, when things are more in bloom. The paths are easy to navigate.
The Arboretum at Penn State
More Things to Do
You'll want to add all these activities to your Happy Valley bucket list.
This is a general overview of things to do in the area. Use this as a starting point for planning your activities!
13 Fun Things to Do in State College
Penn's Cave is a unique boat tour througha limestone cave. The cave stays the same temperature all year. We did the tour on a dreary day to avoid the rain.
Penn's Cave Tour Review