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Index of Partners
Index of Articles
HappyValley.com is the comprehensive online guide to fun in the beautiful Happy Valley region. To advertise on HappyValley.com, contact Anita Woodman, Anita@happyvalley.com. To submit content, contact Jodie Dello Stritto at jodie@happyvalley.com.
Happy Holidays in Happy Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 When It’s Just Too Cold Outside. . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Next Year’s Fun is Almost Here!. . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Why Retire in Happy Valley?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Local Sports Scene Heats Up When the Weather Gets Cold . 16 The Cheap Seats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Fairfield Inn & Suites Are Getting Better than Ever . . . . . 19 Give the Gift of Happy Valley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Ring in the Holidays with Local Wines. . . . . . . . . . 22 The Kaleidoscope of Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Give the Gift of Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Season of Giving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 King of Winter Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 99 Things to Do in Happy Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Shopping in Happy Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 What to Do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Where to Eat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Where to Stay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Living/Relocating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 2014 Penn State Football Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Center for Performing Arts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dante’s Restaurants and Nightlife. . . . . . . . . . . . ESSpa at the Carnegie Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gamble Mill Restaurant & Microbrewery . . . . . . . . Hoag’s Catering at Celebration Hall. . . . . . . . . . . Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau. . . . . . . . . . . . Kelly’s Steak & Seafood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mount Nittany Vineyard and Winery . . . . . . . . . . . Penn State Hospitality (Nittany Lion Inn/Penn Stater) . . . Port Matilda Hotel and Tavern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shaner Hotels: Happy Valley VIP Program. . . . . . . . Tussey Mountain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vamos Lion Chariot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zola New World Bistro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Publisher Greg Woodman Editor Jodie Dello Stritto Managing Editor Cara Aungst Account Executive Director of Operations Anita Woodman Editorial Contributors Cara Aungst, Les Barnhart, Ed Burns, Jeff Cavanaugh, Diana Walker Griffith, Kevin Keen, Chad Lear, Haley Nelson, Greg Woodman, Harry Zimbler Graphic Design & Production Melissa Hombosky Cover by Bill Brickley; Photos courtesy of Tim Weight and Penn State Live Twitter Manager Nate Woodman HappyValley.com 2160 Sandy Drive, Suite D 814‑867‑6700 Top photos courtesy: left: Tim Weight, Middle: Tim Weight, Right: Cara Aungst Designed and produced by Affinity Connection, Inc. affinityconnection.com 2160 Sandy Drive, Suite D State College, PA 16803 814‑237‑0481, 800‑598‑4050 3
Calendar of Events November
December
November 20 Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Schwab Auditorium chambermusicsociety.org
December 4 Trans-Siberian Orchestra Bryce Jordan Center bjc.psu.edu
November 20 Get the Led out The State Theatre thestatetheatre.org
December 5 Billy Joel Bryce Jordan Center bjc.psu.edu
November 21- January 4 17th Annual Holiday Lights on the Lake at Lakemont Park Lakemont Park lakemontparkfun.com
December 5-6 Boalsburg Hometown Christmas Boalsburg boalsburgvillage.com
November 22 “Il Barbier di Siviglia” from the Met Opera The State Theatre thestatetheatre.org November 29 Penn State vs Michigan State Beaver Stadium gopsusports.com
December 5-6 Lemont Village German Christmas Market The Lemont Granary lemontvillage.orghome December 6 Polar Bear Plunge Bald Eagle State Park dcnr.state.pa.usstateparksfind aparkbaldeagle
January 9: Cher Dressed to Kill Tour
Bryce Jordan Center; bjc.psu.edu
December 5: Billy Joel
Bryce Jordan Center; bjc.psu.edu
Photo courtesy Center for Performing Arts December 6-7 Central PA Guild of Craftsmen Winter Craft Market Mt. Nittany Middle School pacrafts.org
December 12-14 Festival of Trees Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science & Technology cpi.edu
December 7 Mosaic Eisenhower Auditorium cpa.psu.edu
December 13-14 Nutcracker Eisenhower Auditorium cpa.psu.edu
Nittany Lion Open-Wrestling Rec Hall gopsusports.com
December 18, 27 Christmas Mystery Dinner Theatre Duffy’s Tavern duffystavernpa.com
December 9 Tedeschi Trucks Band Bryce Jordan Center bjc.psu.edu December 11 Nittany Valley Symphony presents: Beethoven 3-4-5 Mt. Nittany Middle School nvs.org December 11-14 The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical The State Theatre thestatetheatre.org
Photo courtesy Center for Performing Arts 4
January January 4
Lady Lions Basketball vs. Illinois Bryce Jordan Center gopsusports.com
January 6
Basketball vs. Michigan Bryce Jordan Center gopsusports.com
January 9 CHER DRESSED TO KILL TOUR With Special Guests: Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo Bryce Jordan Center bjc.psu.edu Hockey vs. Ohio State Pegula Ice Arena
gopsusports.com January 16
WinterJam 2015
Bryce Jordan Center bjc.psu.edu January 24 Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam The State Theatre thestatetheatre.org January 25 Nittany Valley Symphony presents: Remarkable Kids Mt. Nittany Middle School nvs.org January 25
Wrestling vs. Minnesota
Rec Hall gopsusports.com
Almost Home I am fortunate that each of my five children inherited my wanderlust, and it’s a happy day when we are on the road to somewhere. But it’s on the way home that the magic really happens. The road isn’t straight anymore, and land isn’t flat either; the mountains fold up around you like a moss-covered hug, and from the back seat I hear a happy whisper: “We’re almost home!” It doesn’t matter if you live here every day (lucky you!) or plan one trip a year back to Happy Valley, you know the feeling I am talking about. I remember interviewing a candidate who was returning to the area after many years and he kept looking at Mount Nittany over my shoulder, and grinning. We love it here, and we love what we do here at HappyValley.com: finding the very best in fun, and telling you about it. Now that football is almost over and the mountains are getting bare, there is a certain bleakness that seems to loom in the cold air. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. From the wrestling team heading for their FIFTH straight championship to Victorian Christmas in Bellefonte, to world-class performances by Billy Joel, Cher and more, winter in Happy Valley has never been so fun. So bundle up and read on about the best place on earth to play, work and live.
Calendar of Events January 27 Diavolo: Architecture in Motion Eisenhower Auditorium cpa.psu.edu
February 10
February 17
February 24
Sister Act
The King’s Singers- Great American Songbook
Nittany Valley Symphony presents: Passion Unbounded
Eisenhower Auditorium cpa.psu.edu
Eisenhower Auditorium cpa.psu.edu
Wrestling vs. Iowa
February 18-28
February 26
February 3
Bryce Jordan Center bjc.psu.edu
Avenue Q
Time for Three
Eisenhower Auditorium cpa.psu.edu
February 12
Playhouse Theatre cpa.psu.edu
Schwab Auditorium cpa.psu.edu
Cyrille Aimée
February 20-22
February 6
Schwab Auditorium www.cyrillemusic.com
THON
February Zap Mama and Antibalas
Frogz- Imago Theatre
Eisenhower Auditorium cpa.psu.edu
Eisenhower Auditorium cpa.psu.edu February 8
Bryce Jordan Center bjc.psu.edu
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Where to Eat 18. Arena Restaurant thearenabarandgrill.com 20. Bar Bleu dantesinc.com/locations/bar‑bleu 6. Carnegie Inn & Spa carnegieinnandspa.com 21. Damon’s Grill damons.com 22. Deli Restaurant dantesinc.com/locations/the‑deli‑z‑bar 24. Down Under Steak House toftrees.com/dining_downunder.php 4. Gardens thepennstaterhotel.psu.edu/ ThePennStaterHotel/dining/ the‑gardens.cfm 27. Gigi’s Restaurant and Wine Lounge gigisdining.com 28. Harrison’s Wine Grill & Catering harrisonsmenu.com 29. Qdoba Mexican Grill qdoba.com
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30. Hi‑Way Pizza dantesinc.com/locations/ hi‑way‑pizza 31. Hoag’s Catering at Celebration Hall hoagscatering.com 34. Inferno Brick Oven & Bar InfernoBrickOvenBar.com 35. Kelly’s Steak & Seafood kellys‑steak.com 4. Legends thepennstaterhotel.psu.edu/ ThePennStaterHotel/dining/legends.cfm 36. Mario’s dantesinc.com/locations/marios 11. The Nittany Lion Inn: The Dining Room & Whiskers nittanylioninn.psu.edu/ NittanyLionInn/Dining/Whiskers.cfm 32. Nittany Mall shopnittanymall.com 37. Lodge at Tussey tusseymountain.com 38. Long John Silver’s/A&W Root Beer awrestaurants.com
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13. P.J. Harrigan’s ottospubandbrewery.com 33. Rotelli rotellistatecollege.com 26. Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt sweetfrogyogurt.com/locations/ store/sweet‑frog‑state‑college‑pa 40. The View at Mountain View Country Club mtviewcountryclub.com/theview 41. Zola New World Bistro zolabistro.com
Surrounding Communities
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Whistle Stop Restaurant whistlestopcentrehall.com Hublersburg Inn PH hublersburginn.com The Way Cafe and Bakery HU wayfruitfarm.com
The Chatelaine B&B chatelainebandb.com Belinda’s Port Matilda Hotel & Tavern Fairfield Inn and Suites Huntingdon raystownlakehotel.com
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Best Western Plus University Park Inn & Suites book.bestwestern.com 2. Fairfield Inn & Suites marriott.com/hotels 3. Holiday Inn Express hiexpress.com 4. Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel thepennstaterhotel.psu.edu 5. Toftrees Golf Resort & Conference Center toftrees.com 6. Carnegie Inn & Spa carnegieinnandspa.com 7. Comfort Suites comfortsuites.com 8. Days Inn Penn State lioncountrylodging.com 9. Hilton Garden Inn lioncountrylodging.com 10. Nittany Budget Motel lioncountrylodging.com 11. Nittany Lion Inn nittanylioninn.psu.edu/NittanyLionInn/ Dining/Whiskers.cfm 12. Quality Inn lioncountrylodging.com 13. Ramada Conference Center ramadasc.com 14. Rodeway Inn rodewayinn.com 15. Sleep Inn sleepinn.com 16. Super 8 lioncountrylodging.com 17. Country Inn & Suites countryinns.com 18. Northland Motel northlandbowl.com/motel.html 19. Hampton Inn hamptoninn.com 20. SpringHill Suites marriot.com 21. Bed and Breakfast at the Rock Garden therockgardenbandb.com 22. Hampton Inn & Suites statecollegehamptoninn.com
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Econo Lodge‑Bellefonte QU econolodge.com Gamble Mill MI gamblemill.com Pizza Mia! bellefontepizzamia.com OF Brother’s Pizza ‑Bellefonte
The Queen B & B thequeenbnb.com Quality Inn Milesburg choicehotels.com/pa660 Our Fair Lady Bed & Breakfast ourfairladybnb.com
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Happy Holidays in Happy Valley
Local Events, Places and Guides to Get You Into the Christmas Spirit By Diana Walker Griffith When you live a long way from snow, like we did when we lived in Georgia, coming back to Happy Valley for the holidays is a glorious way to celebrate. Our Christmas trips to State College were not only a homecoming, but a chance to wake up to a winter wonderland. We took our southern‑raised kids skating at the Penn State rink and sledding at Slab Cabin Park. We bought sleds up here, and being ever practical, left them with my brother before we returned to the Deep South. While we can’t guarantee you’ll see snow, we do promise that there’s no place like Happy Valley for the holidays, where all the Photo courtesy Tim Weight wonders of the season can be yours: a holiday light show; a Victorian Christmas; shopping for gifts handcrafted by local artists; Christmas concerts; Christmas tree shopping; and
GO INTO THE LIGHT
17th Annual Holiday Lights on the Lake at Lakemont Park November 21‑January 4
700 Park Avenue, Altoona 800‑434‑8006; lakemontparkfun.com Open 6‑10 p.m. daily Admission: $10 per car This 44‑mile drive is worth the trip! Travel from State College to Altoona for a tour of 51 acres of holiday lights and animations. The festivities include a holiday gift shop with refreshments, decorations and gifts, photos with Santa, and a display by the Alto Model Train Museum. 8
sledding, skating, and skiing. Come home to Happy Valley this holiday season. You can begin celebrating with a holiday light show that opens November 22.
CREATE A CHRISTMAS PAST
33rd Annual Bellefonte Victorian Christmas
December 5‑6
December 12‑14
Boalsburg Hometown Christmas Historic Boalsburg 814‑466‑6891
Dreaming of a storybook Christmas? The Boalsburg Village Conservancy promises carriage rides on the Diamond; cider and tree decorating, museum tours, cookie sales and a cookie contest at the Boalsburg Heritage Museum; caroling at the community tree; and family events at the Boalsburg Fire Hall.
Downtown Bellefonte 814‑355‑1300; bellefontevictorianchristmas.com If you’re imagining a horse‑drawn carriage ride and a holiday experience straight out of “A Christmas Carol,” you’ll find it in Bellefonte December 12‑14. There’s so much to see and do that you’ll want to consult the official event guide, which is available online or in print throughout Happy Valley. The schedule of events includes an arts and crafts show as well
as Dickens‑inspired events, including Victorian high tea at the Reynolds Mansion, where you’ll encounter characters and musicians dressed in Victorian costumes. Kids can visit Santa’s house and kids of all ages will want to see the Model Train Display. Bellefonte Victorian Christmas also features a Festival of Trees, a Gingerbread House Contest and concerts by the Bellefonte Community Choir and Community Band.
RELIVE CHRISTMAS CLASSICS AT THE STATE THEATRE 130 W. College Ave., State College 814‑272‑0606; boxoffice@thestatetheatre.org “SCROOGE! The Musical” December 11‑14
Based on Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” Book, Music and Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse thestatetheatre.org “The Nutcracker” December 19‑21
Photo courtesy Tim Weight
HANDCRAFT YOUR HOLIDAY Central PA Guild of Craftsmen 39th Annual Winter Craft Market December 5‑6
in this extraordinary show. Admission is $3 per person. Show the online ad for a $1 discount per person.
Mt. Nittany Middle School 656 Brandywine Drive 814‑861‑3002; WinterCraftMarket.com
6th Annual Lemont Village German Christmas Market
Shop local and buy unique this holiday season. Eighty juried artisans participate
Grain Elevator and Coal Sheds at the Granary in Lemont 814‑238‑1288; lemontvillage.org/christmas‑market
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” December 20
33rd Annual Bellefonte Victorian Christmas
5‑8 p.m. Friday, December 5; 10 a.m‑4 p.m. Saturday, December 6
The Lemont Village Association celebrates Christmas German‑style, with local crafts, carols, bratwurst, beverages and spirits. The event features 18 vendors of arts and crafts as well as local products. Enjoy Christmas cheer and music throughout. 19th Annual Festival of Trees & Craft Show Opens 4 p.m. on December 13 as part of the Bellefonte Victorian Christmas and continues through the weekend CPI on Harrison Road in Pleasant Gap 814‑238‑8283; ccunitedway.org/event/ festival‑of‑trees Admission: Adults $2, children $1 “SCROOGE! The Musical”
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home. Prices are excellent compared to metropolitan areas. Experience the joy of shopping for your own fresh, fragrant tree. Here are the locally owned farms you may want to visit: Kuhns Tree Farm 2101 Boal Ave., Centre Hall 814‑234‑4027; kuhnstreefarm.com Open 10 a.m.‑6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m.‑5 p.m. on weekends Owners Larry and Marianne Kuhns have owned this farm since 1980 and opened for retail sales in 1987. Tannenbaum Farms 161 McCool Road, Centre Hall 814-364‑9276; tannenbaumfarms.com Open 8 a.m.‑5 p.m. Photo courtesy Tim Weight
1st Annual Huntingdon Holiday Craft and Gift Fair
First Night State College
Huntington High School 2400 Cassady Ave., Huntingdon 814‑643‑3804
for 18 and under; $5 each for Penn State students. Skate rentals are $3. Open to all ages and skill levels. You can also book the rink for a group skating activity. For more details: http://gopsusports.com/ pegula‑ice‑arena/public‑sessions.html
ENJOY THE SOUNDS OF THE SEASON
Sledding at Slab Cabin Park 316 Elmwood St., State College
December 13
Magnificat 3.0: Bach, Rutter and Pärt by the State College Choral Society December 13
7:30 p.m. (pre‑concert lecture at 6:30 pm) Grace Lutheran Church, 205 S. Garner St. at Beaver Ave. 814‑404‑9223; sccchoralsociety.org Tickets: $20 general admission, $10 student
SKATE, SLED, SKI
Ice Skating at Pegula Ice Arena 250 University Drive, Penn State campus 814-865‑4102 The Pegula Ice Arena has two ice surfaces, including a community rink that’s open to the public approximately 360 days a year. Adult admission is $7 per person; $6 10
Martha and Craig Weidensaul have owned and operated this farm for more than 40 years and call this beautiful place “unofficially Central Pennsylvania’s largest cut‑your‑own Christmas tree farm.” Pre‑cut trees are also available. Tannenbaum also carries wreaths from six to 36 inches in diameter, swags, garland and mantel‑ and centerpieces. Cash or checks only.
Slab Cabin has a serious, awesome hill that swiftly takes you down by a stream (or in it if you’re not careful). The top has a wide swath, so it’s easy to find a launching place. Younger children can begin their descent from lower spots. Boots with great traction are recommended, as the climb is quite slippery. It’s a long way down this hill, so bring sleds that can take it.
CELEBRATE COMMENCEMENT
Skiing at Tussey Mountain 341 Bear Meadows Rd, Boalsburg 814‑466‑6810; tusseymountain.com
There are ice sculptures; music for every taste, from classical to rock, bluegrass, folk and jazz; and comedians and jugglers. Where better than Happy Valley to ring in your new year?
SHOP FOR YOUR TREE If you’re driving to Happy Valley during the holiday season, you may want to strap a tree to your roof for the drive
PSU Fall Commencement December 19‑20
RING IN THE NEW YEAR First Night State College December 31‑January 1
Downtown State College 814‑237‑3682; firstnightstatecollege.com
When It’s Just Too Cold Outside A Guide to the Best in Indoor Winter Fun By Cara Aungst When the football season wraps up and all the leaves are gone from Mount Nittany, it’s time for different kinds of fun in Happy Valley. There are Penn State’s winter sports (see our article on page 16) – wrestling, hockey, and basketball. Then there is the snowy fun: skiing, sledding, and tubing at Tussey. But what happens when it is just too cold/wet/wintery to be outside, and there’s no event to attend? We’ve got you covered. Hit the rink Skating in the new Pegula Ice Arena is really cool. Home of the Division I hockey team, the arena is roomy, sleek, and fun. There are 360 days of public skates, Photo courtesy Penn State Live and there is no better time to go than the winter. Make it part of your holiday tradition – either a pre‑Thanksgiving workout or a Christmas Eve skate‑off – and find out just how good you are on a pair of skates! Adults $7, Kids under 18: $6, Skate rentals: $3. Check for schedule. gopsusports.com/pegula‑ice‑arena; 814‑865‑4102
Pegula Ice Arena
Try for a strike With specials like Two Dollar Twosdays (everything’s $2: games, shoes, hamburgers, large fries and more), Rock N Bowl (lights down, music up, party starts!) and Strike Zone Saturdays & Sundays ($49 for a lane for two hours, to include shoes, pizza and soda for four), Northland Bowl has something for everyone. With kids’ sports schedules winding down, now is the perfect time to
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teach them how to bowl and have some good, old fashioned fun along the way. northlandbowl.com; 814‑237‑1500 Discover something State College’s own children’s museum, Discovery Space, is something like Mary Poppins’ carpetbag. From the outside, it looks pocket‑sized, nestled on Foster Street a stone’s throw from Schlow Library. But stuffed inside is an afternoon worth of fun and learning. From the high‑tech station where your child Discovery Space can be filmed forecasting the weather, to the paleontology table where they can dig for fossils and learn fun facts about dinosaurs, to the geology cave where they can learn about rocks that glow, the museum has both regular favorite exhibits and rotating exhibits for unending fun. Support this great part of our downtown with a membership and as an added bonus, you will get reciprocal admission into hundreds of other science museums worldwide! MyDiscoverySpace.org; 814‑234‑0200 Create a work of art Choose from a wide selection of pre‑fired pottery pieces and paint colors at 2000 Degrees Pottery. It’s a great place to spend time with family and friends while creating. After your painted pottery is complete, it will be glazed and fired and ready to pick up in three days. Hot tip: On Mondays, if you bring a friend you’ll enjoy ½ price studio fee. Print the coupon from their web site. 2000degreespottery.com; 814‑234‑1151 Combine fun with learning Check out the museums on campus and top off your trip with a stop at the Creamery (because, hey, it’s never really cold enough to skip Creamery ice cream!). The Penn State All Sports Museum features 16 varsity sports and three former varsity sports, including gymnastics, swimming, 12
wrestling, and football. Particularly appealing to kids is the museum’s interactive setup. From low‑tech Q&A boards to high‑tech, touch‑screen computers, each sport features a hands‑on component that will delight sports fans of any age. You can handle a replica football from the early 1900s and compare it to a football of today. In the track‑and‑field exhibit area, you can pick up a javelin, a shot‑put or a discus. You can even try your hand at fencing, throw punches at the heavy boxing bag from a bygone era, or pin down a life‑size wrestling dummy. It’s never too early to teach your kids the legends of the Blue and White! gopsusports.com/museum; 814‑865‑0044 Afterward, head on over to the Palmer Museum of Art with its 11 galleries of art. palmermuseum.psu.edu; 814‑865‑7672 Burn some energy Cabin fever got the best of you? Let your kids loose at Fun Unleashed, the indoor playland that lets them play, climb, slide, ride, and play out their wiggles in a safe, family‑friendly center. Mondays are FREE video game days,(for selected games), from 5‑7 p.m. fununleashed.com Pamper yourself EsSpa has been voted the best spa in State College, and with one visit, you’ll see why. America’s newest Aveda Boutique and its first Hungarian Hair Spa is dedicated to helping you look and feel better and escape the “stress trap.” It has a full menu of services including massage, manicures and pedicures, facials, and wraps and scrubs, and is the perfect antidote to the wintertime blues. Make an appointment for yourself and shop the Holiday Spa Specials to give as gifts! esspa.us; 814‑380‑9772
Photo courtesy Penn State Live
Penn State All Sports Museum
Next Year’s Fun is Almost Here!
A Look Ahead at the Top 10 Events of 2015 By Chad Lear The year 2014 is almost over. Take a minute to think back on the great memories you’ve shared with family and friends in Happy Valley this year. Now it’s time to look forward to the even more good times in 2015! Here’s our top 10 upcoming events. Mark your calendar!
1. First Night State College (Dec. 31‑Jan. 1) Ring in the New Year in downtown State College. Enjoy live musical performances, take a romantic carriage ride, or sign up for the 5K Resolution Run to get your 2015 off to a good start.
2. Cher Concert (Jan. 9) Let’s see your best song and dance when Cher brings her very successful “Dressed to Kill” tour to the Bryce Jordan Center. The show kicks off at 7:30 p.m. and will include special guests Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo.
Photo courtesy Penn State Live
3. Penn State Wrestling Dual Meet vs. Iowa (Feb. 8) If wrestling is your thing, it simply doesn’t get any better than when two national powers go at it in front of 16,000 fans at the Bryce Jordan Center. The meet will get underway at 2:00 p.m. and promises to be one of the most exciting Penn State athletic events of the year.
4. THON Weekend (Feb. 20‑22) If you have yet to experience the magic that fills the Bryce Jordan Center during THON weekend, be sure to add it to your bucket list. The special three‑day dance marathon is the culmination of the yearlong effort to raise money for the fight against pediatric cancer. It’s an experience of a lifetime.
5. Penn State Men’s Hockey vs. Michigan (March 6‑7)
Take this opportunity to check out the state‑of‑the‑art Pegula Ice Arena while watching two of the Big Ten’s biggest rivals do battle.
6. Penn State Blue‑White Football Game (April 18) Get the first look at the football product Coach James Franklin will be putting on the field for the 2015 campaign while enjoying a festive atmosphere and beautiful, warm spring weather (fingers crossed).
7. Central PA 4th Fest (July 4) Celebrate America’s Independence in Happy Valley with plenty
of great food and entertainment including a spectacular fireworks display that is rated among the top five July 4th fireworks shows in the nation!
8. Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts (July 9‑12) Join the 100,000+ visitors who attend each year and take some time to appreciate the creativity and craft of artists and vendors. You’ll also be treated to a variety of live entertainment and some outstanding food as well.
9. Penn State Football vs. Buffalo (Sep. 12) Every football game in Happy Valley is a special event, but the first home game of each season is filled with a unique amount of joy as tailgating gets back into full swing. It also doesn’t hurt that old man winter hasn’t yet arrived. At least we’ll hope he hasn’t!
10. Penn State Football Homecoming vs. Indiana (Oct. 10) Last but certainly not least, we couldn’t talk about planning a Happy Valley homecoming without mentioning Penn State’s official 2015 Homecoming vs. Indiana. Join thousands of alumni and diehard fans for the pilgrimage back to Penn State in early October to reconnect with old friends. With plenty of awesome events to choose from throughout the year, you’ll just need to free up some space on that hectic schedule of yours to make room for some quality time in Happy Valley. You won’t regret it! 13
Why Retire in Happy Valley?
Enjoy a Great Quality of Life at Any Age By Harry Zimbler If you’re looking for a place to retire—a safe, active, youthful place, with a wonderful quality of life—you should consider Happy Valley. “Wonderful quality of life” means different things to different people, but everyone can agree that they want to live in an area that provides them with opportunities to pursue their interests, whatever they may be. State College and the entire Happy Valley region are consistently ranked in the top of published lists of Best Places to Retire in America. Often, such rankings are based upon factors including crime rate, housing options, tax rates, and cultural amenities. In all categories, Happy Valley scores highly. Housing options in the region offer a wide variety of choices, from completely independent living to varying degrees of assisted living options. Local institutions like Foxdale Village, Brookline and the Village at Penn State are just a few organizations that offer a full menu of care, from very limited service to intensive nursing and dementia care, if needed. Health care is first rate. Mount Nittany Health has been expanding for the past five years, creating a top-notch emergency room as well as a state-of-the-art cancer care center. In addition, Mount Nittany Health has added an incredible sleep laboratory and first-class neurology center to its growing list of facilities. Geisinger Health System also has a strong presence in the region. Headquartered in Danville, Pennsylvania, Geisinger is the top HMO in Pennsylvania and ranked among the top ten nationally. It is often held up as an example of what healthcare can become in America. Penn State’s Hershey Medical Center is another health care option for residents of the region. It is a leading medical teaching facility in the Commonwealth. The crime rate in Happy Valley is far lower than most places in the nation. It is certainly one of the safest places to live, protected by the Pennsylvania State Police as well as local police forces. Traveling around the region is easy. The Centre Area Transportation Authority—CATA—is held up as a national model of how local transportation should work. CATA buses are almost always on the move. The system is free to seniors 65 and older, and is the envy of most city systems, regardless of size. CATA’s entire fleet of buses runs on compressed natural gas, with a minimal impact on the environment. Air travel is fast and convenient. The University Park Airport is far more active than most facilities its size. The UPA offers flights from State College to Detroit, on Delta; Washington, D.C., on United Express; and Philadelphia on U.S. Airways. 14
Photo courtesy Penn State Live
The Village at Penn State
Staying active in retirement is highly recommended, and opportunities to do so abound in Happy Valley. The Valley’s proximity to Penn State offers an endless array of activities from sporting events to cultural lectures, musical theatre to free credit courses. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offers courses in its Fall and Spring semesters. Courses as diverse as “Manet and Modern Paris” to “Living in a Toxic World “ are offered. Penn State offers courses free of charge to seniors over 60. The program is called “Go 60” and it allows seniors to join regularly scheduled classes at the university, free of charge. The Center for the Performing Arts presents more than
a dozen options each year, from Broadway musicals on tour to string quartets and jazz concerts to Chinese acrobats. Penn State Centre Stage offers six dramatic presentations each year, combining the talents of students in the School of Theatre with those of professional actors and designers. The State Theatre on College Avenue offers a full range of entertainment, from the appearance of Arlo Guthrie to classic films like “Casablanca” on the largest screen in the area. There are many local groups where residents can participate in the arts. The State College Community Theatre has a long history of excellence in its productions. There are two orchestras and several singing groups. In addition, there is the Art Alliance of Central Pennsylvania and the Potter’s Guild, both groups offer classes in the visual arts. The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts is consistently ranked among the nation’s most successful and popular art fairs. Sunshine Artists Magazine has placed the Arts Festival among the largest and best run organizations of its kind. The People’s Choice Festival of Pennsylvania Artists is a fair that is scheduled concurrently with the Arts Festival. The People’s Choice is highly popular with local residents, set on the expansive grounds of the Pennsylvania Military Museum in Boalsburg. Enjoy the great outdoors? Take a short ride to one of five nearby Pennsylvania State Parks where hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, kayaking and camping are all available. There has to be a reason that former President Jimmy Carter enjoys fly fishing in famed Spruce Creek. There are dozens of trails that connect, eventually, to the Mid State Trail and on the the Appalachian Trail. This is a loving and caring community where volunteering opportunities are always available. The Centre County United Way is one of the best run organizations of its kind anywhere. Local food banks and the Centre Volunteers in Medicine, look after every citizen in need. Getting involved is easy in Happy Valley, and encouraged. Rotary International, Kiwanis, Lions and many other service organizations are vibrant groups. Shopping for groceries in Happy Valley is an adventure, with some of the finest stores anywhere. Wegman’s (based in Rochester, New York) is always ranked as one of the top places to work in America. Weis and Giant are excellent options as are the many smaller stores and farmers’ markets. With all this going for it, Happy Valley is an excellent choice for those seeking a place to retire.
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Local Sports Scene Heats Up When the Weather Gets Cold
Where to Find the Hottest Penn State Athletic Action After Football Season Ends By Les Barnhart The weather is getting colder and even though that means that the action in Beaver Stadium is coming to an end, there is no shortage of action in Happy Valley. The winter marks the return of basketball, hockey, and wrestling for our Nittany Lion teams. The wrestling team has the most limited schedule for fans to catch them in action at Rec Hall with just a handful of home matches. With their four straight National Championships, the pressure to perform will be high for coach Cael Sanderson’s team. While it won’t be admitted by anyone inside the wrestling room, this is the season that the Photo courtesy Tim Weight rest of the nation catches up. Even Sanderson alluded to that in his comments at media day when he stated that his team will “have to climb, we have to improve and we have to make progress.” The team made the decision to red‑shirt Nico Megaludis and Zain Retherford this season. Both were named All‑Americans last season and will be missed in the lineup. Megaludis has finished runner up at Nationals twice and ranked third place last year. Retherford finished fifth as a freshman last year. The matches to circle on the calendar this season are Minnesota (January 25) and Iowa (February 8). Across campus from Rec Hall, the Bryce Jordan Center is fixing to get busy as the men’s and women’s basketball season gets underway. The two teams will provide fans plenty of opportunities to get see the next chapter of Penn State hoops. The Nittany Lion men’s team will return four of their five start16
Photo courtesy Tim Weight
Photo courtesy Tim Weight
ers from a team that went 16‑18 last season. The offense looks to be triggered by D.J Newbill. His 17.8 points per game was second best in the Big Ten last year, but he will need to improve on his turnovers if Penn State is to improve on the 16‑win total. Coach Patrick Chambers should field perhaps his most experienced team this season and in the very competitive Big Ten, they
will be tested with the home conference schedule opening January 6. The Nittany Lions will host 16 games this season. The Lady Lions will be looking to replace four of their five starters from last season. That responsibility will fall in large part to Tori Waldner and Sierra Moore. Waldner is the lone starter to return from last year’s Big Ten regular season championship team and has been on all three of the consecutive championships. Moore sat out last season after transferring from Duke. The Lady Lions will host 15 home games as well as the Preseason NIT Tournament. Defense of their Big Ten title starts on the road December 28 at Iowa and at home on January 4. The cold weather also means one more thing. Happy Valley once again becomes Hockey Valley as the Pegula Arena will play host to the Nittany Lions in their second season in the Big Ten. The action on the ice is hot, so get your tickets now for the Big Ten home opener against Ohio State on January 9. With the season already underway, fans can get out now and see non‑conference action. Penn State sports may mean football to many, but there is so much more to get excited about this season. Cheer on the Nittany Lions this winter in whatever sport you choose. WE ARE…more than just football!
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The Cheap Seats
Nittany Lions’ Future Looking Bright as Sanctions End By Les Barnhart The Nittany Lions football team, as well as the university, has withstood an unprecedented level of sanctions and done so with the resolve many outside the Penn State family may have questioned. The fact that a team decimated with the loss of scholarships and bowl games didn’t wither away, but instead grew stronger, is a testament to what we are about at Penn State. There still a lot of heavy lifting to be done before Penn State can add their name again to the list of dominant schools on the football landscape, but help with this rebuild is closer than you think. Much to the dismay of future opponents, Photo courtesy Tim Weight it could be here as early as next year. Coach Franklin, just like Coach O’Brien before him, has started building a foundation that will reshape the program into one that will last for decades. Success predicates success, and with the recruiting classes headed to Happy Valley, the future of Penn State football is bright. This season was the roughest in regards to scholarship sanctions, and Penn State and its fans will be bowling somewhere when the season ends! This is a bowl game that the seniors deserve after all their perseverance and dedication to the program. The extra practice time and another game will be a very good thing for the returning players. And the building momentum boosts recruiting even more. The 2015 chapter of Penn State football still hasn’t been written, but it should be one that starts with a young and talented group of recruits who’ve chosen to come to a school that is rising again. They see the 107,000 fans at White Out, or 50,000 fans rallying at the Blue and White Game, and they want to be a part of it. They want to feel the love that comes from a nation of alums and they want to proudly stand as one of them. Sure,
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there will be growing pains, but that’s part of it. Now it’s our turn – our turn to start beating up on the schools that have kicked us when we were down. Our turn to make room reservations in the summer for rooms in Indianapolis in December, where we will watch the hoisting of the Big Ten trophy. For a crowd of less than 107,000 people to be reserved for NFL games rather those magical home Saturdays in Beaver Stadium. Yes, it’s that time. The sanctions were handed down and their harshness will be debated forever, but adversity makes you stronger. Some will say that the intent of the NCAA was to bring them to Penn State to their knees. Perhaps it did. But we certainly have not stayed down. It’s not in our nature. We have fought and will continue to fight our way back. And this time, the naysayers will have to watch us prove that one man’s actions do not define us and they can’t defeat us. We are bigger than that. We are much bigger than that. We are a nation. We are the Nittany Nation and it’s our time to roar once again. WE ARE…
Fairfield Inn & Suites Are Getting Better than Ever Whether traveling to State College for business or pleasure, HappyValleyVIP.com is the best place to choose a hotel and save money booking it. One of our favorites is the Fairfield Inn & Suites, on North Atherton right in the middle of all the Happy Valley action. Just listen to what people are saying about it: “I only stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites when in State College,” says one online reviewer. “I’m always met with excellent service, a clean room, and affordable rates. You can’t beat the location. A must try if you’re looking for a place to stay.” “Quiet, relaxing, convenient, and early breakfast ensure comfortable and recharging business visit,” writes another. “Adjacent to Otto’s for an excellent dinner in high end locally owned brew pub.” “This [hotel] is definitely the one we will continue to use when we visit our daughter,” adds a recent guest.
Whether coming back to Penn State, catching a show at the Bryce Jordan Center, going to a game, or meeting clients in the surrounding business parks, Fairfield is a perfect hotel to meet the bill. The rooms are big, and the breakfast offerings like the ham, eggs, and bacon are the perfect way to start the day. All of the amenities are nice and the location is terrific, but one of the best parts about staying at the Fairfield Inn & Suites is the way you’re treated. From the front desk to the breakfast bar, everyone is friendly and accommodating. It’s like staying among friends. Try Fairfield for yourself, you won’t regret it! Marriott.com; 2215 N Atherton St, State College, 814-238-3871
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Give the Gift of Happy Valley
The Best and Most Unique Local Gifts for Everyone on Your List By Jeff Cavanaugh “Presents are the best way to show someone how much you care. It is like this tangible thing that you can point to and say ‘hey man, I love you this many dollars worth.” —Michael Scott, Regional Manager, Dunder Mifflin (The Office) For most of us, Christmas shopping can be stressful – we never know what to buy, how much to spend, who to buy for, or even where to begin looking. But as Michael Scott said, Christmas presents are a great way to show how much you care, so we are bringing you our Happy Valley gift guide suggestions for everyone on your list, from your parents and spouses to the active kids, weird uncles, and wine connoisseurs on your Christmas list.
Buying for your significant other There is an old saying that “every battle is won or lost before it is even fought” – for our purposes, let’s say that “every Christmas is won or lost before the gift is even bought.” There is certainly more to worry about for guy shoppers than girls – guys are easy, buy them a case of beer, a new record, and a football jersey and they’ll think it is the best Christmas ever. On the other hand, shopping for your wife or your girlfriend is about as enjoyable as a root canal. Instead of the agony of buying her clothes (what siiiize?), or trying to stick to that tricky spending limit you both decided on, buy her an experience. Our pick: EsSpa Holiday Spa Special. Voted ‘Best Day Spa’ in State College Magazine, treat her royally with a manicure, facial, massage, and more with one of their holiday spa specials. After the bustle of the holidays, the gift of pampering and relaxation will be just the ticket. esspa.us; 814‑380‑9772
Buying for your parents Most parents are always quick to say “we don’t want anything” or “save your money” when the topic of Christmas shopping is discussed – but hey, it’s time to show them how much we appreciate all those Christmases... the trees and decorations, the trips and 20
Tussey Mountain
late night gift wrapping. For Dad, why not buy a ticket to one of next year’s hot games? Tickets to single games aren’t typically available until summer, but you can make plans now to attend the Homecoming game vs. Indiana on October 10, 2015. Make it a weekend he won’t forget: go to HappyValleyVIP.com to book a hotel for the weekend, and take him to Kelly’s Steak and Seafood. Football and dry‑aged steak? That’s a win. (kellys‑steak.com; 814‑466‑6251) For Mom: With shows like Camelot and performances like Roseanne Cash, the Chieftains and the King’s Singers, the Center for Performing Arts brings Broadway‑worthy talent to Happy Valley. Treat Mom to a special night of dinner and a show, and you. (Book a reservation at Zola or Harrison’s for some of the best local food that is only minutes away from Eisenhower Audi‑ torium). cpa.psu.edu; 1‑800‑ARTS‑TIX
Buying for active kids Buying for kids is tricky! Instead of trying to explain why they didn’t get the perfect latest electronic gadget, Red Ryder carbine action two‑hundred shot range model air rifle, or exactly‑right action figure that will soon be gathering dust, buy them something they will use or play with for years to come. Stumped? Buy them some hours at Tussey Mountain! Winter activities
favorites? You can make your own box of Herlocher’s mustard, grilled stickies and Asher’s chocolate, or get Tait Farms (shop. taitfarmfoods.com; 800‑787‑2716) to do the work for you. They offer several collections of Happy Valley favorites and will ship them, too! Going there in person? You can also get amazing, all‑natural meats from Over the Moon Farms. Want to give the ultimate Penn State gift? Have Creamery ice cream and cheeses mailed right to their door! Check out the details at http://creamery.psu.edu and click “purchase items online.”
Buying for a grab bag/Secret Santa include “Snow Sports School” where kids learn how to ski or snowboard, and slopes for skiing, boarding, and tubing. Best part: a TusseyMoney $200 gift card is on sale for just $159 through December 24. tusseymountain.com
Buying for your far‑away friends and relatives Most likely, we are all mailing at least one of our Christmas gifts to a friend or relative who lives far away. Why not pack up some local foodie treats and let them enjoy some Happy Valley
The concept of the grab bag is a great way to get a group of friends or co‑workers involved in a gift exchange but without having to buy for everyone. Have fun with it! Choose a fun, unusual gift like a trip in Vamos Lion Chariot Pedicab that takes your secret Santa pal all over downtown State College (vamoslion.com; 814‑404‑2782), or a bowling and dinner at Northland Bowl and the Arena restaurant (northlandbowl.com; 814‑237‑1500). Have a great holiday season and good luck trying to find the perfect gift for that imperfect someone!
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Ring in the Holidays with Local Wines The holidays are just better with wine. From festive sangrias, warm mulled wines, to the perfect pairing for your turkey, ham or roast chicken, the right wine makes a good holiday better (and a stressful holiday less a little less stressful!). The wineries in Happy Valley are here to ring in the holidays with events, gift ideas and wine pairings for your big get‑togethers!
Happy Valley Winery
You can’t go wrong with the Traminette at Happy Valley Winery, a local grape that produces wine with notes of spice, banana, pineapple and has a crisp finish. It’s a perfect pairing for roast chicken and turkey, making this a Thanksgiving top pick! Stop in at the winery on 576 S. Foxpointe Dr., or have it shipped directly from their website at thehappyvalleywinery.com; 814‑308‑8756
Seven Mountains Wine Cellars Looking for the perfect gift for the wine connoisseur on your list? Why not sign them up for a wine club at Seven Mountains Wine Cellars? With the Grand Vin membership, a full year of
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quarterly shipments of three wines each will be delivered right to their door. With the Club Grand Cru Membership, you have first chance to purchase new release wines, savings on wine purchases and first chance to adopt barrels. sevenmountainswinecellars.com; 814‑364‑1000
Mount Nittany Vineyard and Winery
Visit Mount Nittany Vineyard and Winery at 300 Houser Road, Centre Hall and treat yourself to a holiday shopping experience at their Mulled Wine and Gingerbread Open House on December 14 and 15. Enjoy complimentary mulled wine and refreshments while you shop. Pick out some great seasonal wines to take along as hostess gifts to your holiday parties: try Spiced Apple, a spicy choice with cinnamon overtones, excellent hot or cold. mtnittanywinery.com; 814‑466‑6373 Let Happy Valley’s wineries add their unique and delicious flavors to your holidays this year!
The Kaleidoscope of Life
Looking Back at 32 Years of Publishing the Best of Happy Valley By Greg Woodman I have been publishing magazines (Penn State Football Annual and Experience Happy Valley) and newspapers (Pennsylvania Business Central and Blue White Illustrated) as well as guides like “Are you a Penn Stater” and these Happy Valley Fun Guides that celebrate all that is special about Penn State and Happy Valley since 1982. This summation by Joan Kurilla from Experience Happy Valley Magazine from the ‘80s is still is my favorite: “Where else can one attend professional theatre, tour historic iron works, golf a championship bent grass golf course, hike part of the Appalachian Trail and visit a flock of newborn lambs. Happy Valley is kaleidoscope of life as it was and life as it can be…an ambivalence of jeans and black tie, Bach and rock, beer Photo courtesy Haley Nelson and Brie, raucous sports and serene resorts. It’s a place for all seasons, a space for all reasons.” and dig their roots into this community smack in the middle of We and the team who produce HappyValley.com continue the Keystone state? There’s still a magnetic spell that pulls in visito challenge ourselves each day with the website and print tors and converts some into permanent residents. [Its] allure cencompanion on the WHY to Happy Valley. So in my typical ters on a never-ending stream of activity that hums beneath the approach to publishing I am going to do what I do every day of region’s serene façade. A paradoxical medley of constant change my career, what I call “packaging the exhaust” of real talent. Here and steadfast traditions.” is more Joan Kurilla: “What is this place called Happy Valley? She adds, ”Drive along a country road and meet a buggy of It’s actually not even a place; it’s a frame of mind, a way of life. Amish farmers bouncing gently along the highway. Paddle slowly It means that people like to live here, go to school here, work around a lake in a rented canoe and feel the warm sun on your here and others like to visit. Happy Valley is youth, life, scores of back. Cheer on a sweating cowboy who’s grappling the horns of people in pursuit of happiness in downtown State College, the an ornery steer. And play a round of championship golf. Are you heart of the Centre Region. It’s costumed residents celebrating in Lancaster, Pennsylvania? The Adirondack Mountains in upstate a Victorian Christmas in Bellefonte, a turn-of-the-century New York? How bout Cheyenne, Wyoming? Not at all, you are Memorial Day at Boalsburg and scores of farm folks getting sitting in Centre County, Pennsylvania. together Grange Fair in Centre Hall. That is the ambiance of this In the county lies State College, most widely known as the central Pennsylvania area.” home of Penn State, the Nittany Lions football team, the Nittany Vicky Fong also wrote for Experience Happy Valley and deLion statue, Beaver Stadium and the Arts Festival. But the nascribed Happy Valley this way: “Happy Valley is a wonderland of tives – real and adopted – have unearthed other treasures tucked good fun and high spirits, whether you’re sitting at a tavern that away in the corners of the region that make Happy Valley a truly is jumping to the beat of rock n’ roll or whether you are walking delightful place. If visitors explore this region further, they will through a hushed forest and looking for signs of its furry inhabitdiscover a rich lode of culture, recreation, activity, history and ants. Why do so many former Penn State students make the annature.” nual pilgrimage back to Happy Valley? Why do some never leave I know I’m preaching to the choir, but it’s always nice to get 23
validation that our community is unique among college towns. There is something that sets Happy Valley apart, something that evokes the same feeling as Disneyworld or the Wizard of Oz dream. Some might say that we are looking through rose colored glasses back to the place where we spent our college years and developed our courage, heart and brains, and that we would feel the same about any place where we spent that time. But I don’t think that’s true. I haven’t since 1982. There is something pretty great about Happy Valley, and there are accolades to prove it. Take a look at these rankings, if you want more, go to HappyValley.com (a full article on rankings is at tinyurl. com/happyvalleystats) And then tell us why you love Happy Valley—tell us your story and we can share it.
a list of the safest cities, and listed State College at number one in 2009 and number three in 2010.
State College – Best in adventure, safety, smarts and stress-free living
CNNMoney: Best Places to Live and Launch - #65 CNNMoney lists the highly educated workforce and resources of Penn State as benefits in its top 100 places to live and launch, as well a “vibrant downtown” and exploring the beautiful Allegheny region.
Psychology Today: Least Stressful City in the US - #1 In 1988, Psychology Today started the trend of noticing that Happy Valley was just plain happy, naming it the least stressful city in the country. It was based on low rates of crime, suicide, divorce and alcoholism, and is still one of the most quoted rankings I found online to this day. Stay happy, Happy Valley! Business Insider: Twenty Best College Towns In America - #5 Ranking at number five, State College gets high points from Business Insider for high research capacity, accessible transportation and concentration of college students National Geographic: Adventure Town In true wanderlust fashion, National Geographic doesn’t bother rank it, but tells just tells you to come spend the weekend. “Ah, to be young and live in a rugged corner of the Alleghenies.” American Institute for Economic Research: Best College Towns - #3 American Institute for Economic Research names it number five, citing ample opportunities for professional and educational growth. Lumosity: Smartest City – #2 Lumosity ranks State College at number two based on de-identified data from 3 million players of its Lumosity games. The data objectively measured real differences in cognitive performance across geographic areas by examining scores from users’ first few sessions playing games across five cognitive areas: memory, processing speed, flexibility, attention and problem solving. Congressional Quarterly: Safest metropolitan area - #1 (2009), #3 (2010) Congressional Quarterly combines six crime categories to compile 24
BestCollegeReviews: Fifty Best College Towns in America – #8 It’s one of the smartest towns, has one of the best music scenes in the country and a safe, small town to boot, it raves (and still only give it 8th ranking!). Also notes Raytheon and Accuweather for economic boosts and calls State College “a college town in the truest sense of the word.” Movoto: The 10 Happiest Small Places in America – #1 Citing low stress, low commute and walkability and home owners, Movoto declared that Happy Valley is truly the happiest!
Money Magazine: Best Places to Live - #5 Ranking northeast small cities, State College came in a cool fifth in this Money Magazine survey.
Penn State: Wall Street Journal: Recruiter Ranking - #1 A 2010 Wall Street Journal survey found that Penn State is the number one among recruiters from leading companies, nonprofits and government agencies. Recruiters were asked to identify schools whose bachelor degrees were best trained and educated and best able to succeed once hired. The World University Rankings: Top 100 Universities World‑ wide - #58 THON: Student-Run Philanthropy - #1 Business Insider: Top 20 Best Campuses in US - #7 Performance Magazine: Top Grossing Venue – #1 America’s Top 25 College Sports Fan Traditions: Thrillist Top Producers of Fulbright Scholars: The Chronicle of Higher Education Penn State Tops Recruiter Rankings: Wall Street Journal Best College Stadiums: FanIndex, USAToday We have the easiest job in the world – this area is so rich in every ingredient and resources. Sharing it with you is a labor of love and has been the since the day I first visited here and thought, “Oh my, this has EVERYTHING!!” And each year I am even more thankful I get to live, work and play HERE!
Give the Gift of Time
Ten Great Opportunities to Volunteer in Happy Valley By Kevin Keen November and December are universally seen as months of thankfulness and giving. This holiday season, consider giving back in Happy Valley, or wherever you are in the world. Here are ten ways you can give the gift of time locally: PAWS: Centre County PAWS always needs volunteers to help out with their pet shelters. Both dogs and cats need volunteers to help them, so taking a little bit out of your day to play with a cuddly and furry friend can go a very long way! centrecountypaws.org Mount Nittany Medical Center: At Mount Nittany Medical Center (read: the hospital), volunteers are a necessity in order to keep operations up and running. There are several different things that a volunteer can do to gain experience in a medical setting, give back, or satisfy some other sort of need. Can’t make it up to the hospital? There is certainly stuff you can do at home to provide for those in need! mountnittany.org/medical‑facilities/ mount‑nittany‑medical‑center/volunteer‑opportunities Goodwill: Do you and your buddies want to give back in a big way this holiday season? Check out the Goodwill website and sign up a group of people to help out Goodwill! Anything from online opportunities to boots‑on‑the‑ground opportunities makes Goodwill a really easy fit for anyone. goodwill.org/volunteer Salvation Army Bell Ringer: If you don’t mind the cold for a couple of hours, you should definitely consider being a bell ringer in Happy Valley! Clinging around a piece of brass for a little while to give back? Doesn’t sound like a bad deal! Maybe standing outside isn’t your thing. There are still a lot of other ways you can help! salvationarmystatecollege.org The Community Help Centre: The Community Help Centre runs a 24-hour hotline for crisis, addiction, and other types of as‑needed‑crisis aid. This service is run entirely by volunteers, which can be helpful over the holidays as not everyone has a family to go home to or a reason to be merry. communityhelpcentre.com/make‑a‑difference/volunteer
Women’s Resource Center of State College: While the Women’s Resource Center doesn’t have openings for holiday volunteers, it does accept classes of volunteers every year, including counselors and advocates, to work with abuse victims. Check the web site for upcoming volunteer opportunities. ccwrc.org/get‑involved/become‑a‑volunteer/ Biolife Plasma Services: Want to give back and get paid for it? Go to Biolife and give your plasma, which is exactly like giving blood (except they separate the plasma from the blood). You’ll be compensated with a $20 Visa card for your first donation, so if you’re a college student and broke or just need the extra holiday cash, schedule your donation today! biolifeplasma.com The YMCA of Centre County: Make sure you check out the YMCA of Centre County for great volunteering opportunities! The opportunities are very abundant and are year ‘round so listing them here would be a great feat. ymcaofcentrecounty.org Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Centre County: Do you have the space in your heart to donate your time and effort to an underprivileged kid in Happy Valley? Donate your mentorship to kids that really need it using the Big Brothers and Big Sisters group. bbbs.org Toys for Tots: Toys for Tots is always the big thing for the holidays. Giving toys to kids is always a great contribution and helps kids have a memorable holiday that they might not have otherwise had. toysfortots.org
The holidays are not about receiving, but about giving. Give your time and effort today to people and organizations that really deserve it!
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f o n so a e S iving G
Affinity Connection is delighted to sponsor a Season of Giving, an opportunity to support these incredible local non-profits and affinity groups that we serve year-round. We are proud to partner with them to help advance their missions. Celebrate the holiday season by giving your support to one or more of these worthy organizations.
Schlow Centre Region Library Opening its doors for members of our diverse community to gather, share, and discover a wealth of ideas, the joy of reading, and the power of information.
Give online at supportschlow.org
State High Alumni Association One of the country’s largest and most active high school alumni associations, keeping State High grads connected.
Give online at statehighalumni.com
State College Food Bank Helping the community with over 3,300 food distributions in the past year, summer kids bag program, and backpacks with school supplies for children in K-12.
Give online at scfoodbank.org
Logan Fire Company Protecting the lives and properties of the citizens of Bellefonte and surrounding townships as a 100% volunteer fire department. Mail donations to Logan Fire Company, 120 E. Howard St., Bellefonte, PA 16823
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown Answering the call of the people of central Pennsylvania by providing caring and compassionate services to persons and families in need. Mail donations to Catholic Charities, 213 E. Bishop St., Bellefonte, PA 16823
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Bald Eagle Area School District Eagle Ambassadors Supporting the BEASD in providing a challenging and enriching educational experience that maximizes the learning potential of every student.
Give online at beaambassadors.org
Howard Fire Company Providing fire, rescue, and quick response services to the citizens of Howard Borough and neighboring townships as a 100% volunteer fire department. Mail donations to Howard Fire Company, P.O. Box 276, Howard, PA 16841
State College Meals on Wheels Preparing and delivering more than 43,000 meals every year to homebound residents in the Centre Region.
Give online at scmow.org
Global Connections Bringing people of diverse cultural backgrounds together to foster intercultural understanding and to facilitate partnerships and resources that enrich the vitality and diversity of the Centre Region.
Give online at www.gc-cc.org
Goodwill of North Central, PA Ninety cents of every dollar earned from your donations to support Goodwill’s mission and services, providing work assessments, basic workplace training and ongoing support.
Give online at goodwillinc.org
Pave it Forward: Campaign for Memorial Field Offering an opportunity to leave your legacy at this community venue, the brick walkway will serve as a permanent reminder of the strong community that supports the State College Area School District.
Give online at scasd.org/buyabrick
Penn State Rugby Football Club Providing financial resources to the men’s and women’s Rugby Clubs at Penn State.
Give online at psurugby.org
Mount Nittany Conservancy Preservation and protection of Mount Nittany—with nearly 9 miles of volunteer-maintained trails and scenic views—for the recreational enjoyment of future generations of Centre County and Penn Staters.
Saint Joseph’s Catholic Academy A college preparatory high school and faith community committed to forming the next generation of leaders through excellence in scholarship, personal discipline, accountability, and integrity.
Give online at stjoeacad.org
Give online at mtnittany.org
Salvation Army of Centre County Meeting human needs in Jesus’s name without discrimination, serving the needs of families and individuals in crisis within all Centre County zip codes.
Give online at salvationarmystatecollege.org
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King of Winter Sports
Tussey Mountain offers the Best in Snowtime Fun Just a mere ten to fifteen minute drive from Penn State campus, Tussey Mountain is the king of winter sports and entertainment in Happy Valley. The Slopes Hope to ski or snowboard this winter? Head out to Tussey for seven beautiful slopes, which are almost always covered in fresh snow (snow machines cover 90% of ski‑able terrain). The mountain boasts a 500‑foot vertical drop as well as a decent break‑up in difficulty of terrain (30% beginner, 45% intermediate, 25% advanced). The longest run is three‑quarters of a mile with 38 acres of ski‑able terrain and three lifts to get skiers and snowboarders to the top of the mountain. Photo courtesy Tusseymountain.com There is also a terrain park feeling of flying down a giant sled track, pre‑made for speed and which holds pipes, boxes, rails and other sorts of adventurous fun! There is also no age restriction on the snow tubing, however, material for experienced riders to trick off of and get their practice it is recommended that a rider be over four years of age. Single in. Also, if you favor an all‑day winter sport experience, the trails riders only, no lap riding or group tubing. are open at night as well with lighting covering the trails for those that want to literally hit the mountain from dawn to after dusk. Edges Pub Snow Sports School Want to learn how to ski or snowboard? Have children that you want to share the love of winter sport with? Then sign up for the Tussey Mountain Snow Sports School. There are many options to teach your little ones how to ski or snowboard. The classes are taught by knowledgeable instructors who watch out for the safety of everyone involved as well as teaching them basic techniques of snow sports. These classes are perfect for anyone who wants to get involved on the Tussey Mountain powder. Snow Tubing If the trails don’t necessarily entice you, but you still want to enjoy your time out at Tussey, a snow tubing event might be more of your style. With a snow tube lift to take you to the top of a snow tube run, there is nothing but pure fun involved. Riders will slide down a slick snow track to the bottom of the hill, which is 1000 feet of track! There is nothing quite like the exhilarating 28
After a long day of trail riding or snow tubing, visitors can often find themselves at Edges Pub having a cold one and listening to a band. Live entertainment is frequent here, as well as the great food and good drinks. A surefire way to conclude your day on top of the mountain, with beautiful views of the mountain and the rest of Happy Valley. This is a wonderful pub and restaurant to go to after a long day. Whatever you are looking for in terms of winter wonderland enjoyment can be found on Tussey Mountain. For more information and special discounts and deals that get updated as the season goes on, please visit tusseymountain.com. Tussey Mountain is located at 301 Bear Meadow Rd., Boalsburg, just off of Route 322. Their hours when they open for the winter are from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Check out Tussey Mountain today! 814-466-6266, tusseymountain.com
s g n i Th
Compiled by
Chad Lear
y e l l a V y p p a H n To Do i
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Experience the Homecoming Parade Drink a fishbowl at Bar Bleu Enjoy a drink on the patio at Café 210 Snag a dollar slice at Canyon Pizza Pick up Clem’s BBQ for your next tailgate Explore Sunday morning breakfast buffet at the Corner Room
❏❏Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏
Eat a sandwich at The Deli Eat a “fat” sandwich at Are U Hungry Grab a burger and shake at Baby’s Late‑Night Grilled Stickies at The Diner Sample some microbrews at The Gamble Mill Drink a Big Azz Margarita at Mad Mex Dinner at the Mount Nittany Inn Refill your growler at Otto’s Pub & Brewery Reunite with friends at the Skeller Order a Monkey Boy at the Saloon Enjoy a relaxing meal at The Tavern Wait in line for breakfast/brunch at The Waffle Shop Eat a grand dinner at the Carnegie House Visit Legends in the Nittany Lion Inn for a drink Take a photo op at the Lion Shrine Play a round of golf at Penn State’s Blue or White Course Take a tour of Old Main Enjoy an afternoon at the Arboretum gardens Watch the Homecoming King and Queen be crowned at Halftime of the Homecoming Football Game Tailgate!
❏❏Hike Mount Nittany ❏❏ Learn and sing the Alma Mater ❏❏ Attend a White Out football game ❏❏ Grab a cone at the Creamery
❏❏ Tour the PSU All‑Sports Museum ❏❏ Lay out on the Old Main lawn ❏❏ Study in the stacks of the Pattee/Paterno Library ❏❏ Take‑in the fireworks at 4th Fest ❏❏ Have some fun at ArtsFest ❏❏ Share ice cream with a student at the Home‑ coming Student Alumni Ice Cream Social ❏❏ Guard the Lion Shrine before the Homecom‑ ing game ❏❏ Downtown State College Fall Festival ❏❏ Blue‑White weekend
❏❏Attend THON ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏
Return to the Valley for Homecoming Ski/snowboard/tube at Tussey Mountain Go to a State College Spikes game Witness a major concert at the Bryce Jordan Center ❏❏ Graduation weekend
❏❏Take‑in an intimate performance at The State Theatre ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏
Catch a fish at Raystown Lake Enjoy a swim at Whipple Dam State Park Visit the Palmer Art Museum Wildlife Tour at Penn’s Cave Stroll through the Downtown State College Farmer’s Market Catch a movie on the mountain at Tussey Grab your ice skates and head to the Pegula Ice Arena Sunday Brunch at East Halls Start a “We Are” chant directed at incoming freshman Try a drink at every downtown bar Participate in Nittanyville before the big game Sit in the “S Zone” at a football game Argue with the Willard Preacher
❏❏Run/Walk the First Night 5K ❏❏ Organize a bar tour for you and your friends
❏❏ Spend the summer in Happy Valley ❏❏ Get pumped at Football Eve ❏❏ Tour Beaver Stadium
❏❏Go sledding at Slab Cabin Park ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏
Jump on the white loop Take a walk down fraternity row Walk around the HUB‑Robeson Center Stop in at the post and say hi to Mike the Mailman Check out the Grange Fair Picnic at Black Moshannon State Park Explore the Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery Pick some strawberries at Way Fruit Farm Eat some hot wings at Bonfatto’s Order the daily special at McLanahan’s See a performance at the Eisenhower/ Schwab Auditorium Take part in a volunteer service day at Penn State Visit the PA Military Museum Fly fishing on Spring Creek Feed a squirrel Take the kids to DelGrosso’s Amusement Park Try some frozen yogurt at Kiwi Shoot some hoops at Rec Hall
❏❏Spend a day and experience Victorian Bellefonte ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏
Try the fresh pizza at Pizza Mia in Bellefonte Lose yourself in Lincoln Caverns Pull the trigger at What‑A‑Blast Laser Tag Take flight at Ridge Soaring Gliderport Explore Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center Tour Seven Mountains Wine Cellars Family fun at Northland Bowl Eat a fried pickle at Bill Pickle’s Tap Room Grab some gear at the Penn State Bookstore Philipsburg Heritage Days Jazz PA Festival Bellefonte Arts & Crafts Fair State College Microbrewers Expo 29
Shopping in Happy Valley Woolrich Flagship Store & Outlet
Malls Nittany Mall The Nittany Mall is located just outside downtown State College, a few short miles from campus. Happy Valley’s only mall has all the shopping options you could possibly want or need. It’s the perfect one‑stop spot for students, residents, and visitors of all ages and styles. Don’t miss the mall’s ongoing events calendar as well! 814‑238‑8037; shopnittanymall.com
Apparel, Specialty and Penn State Shops Collegiate Pride Inc. Collegiate Pride Inc. offers promotional, printable, customized apparel in a variety of options for men, women, children, and infants. They also carry high quality products that are great for any corporate event or tradeshow. 814‑237‑4377; collegiateprideinc.com
Dwellings Dwellings is a progressive urban lifestyle retailer that provides its customers with unique, fashionable and trend setting products. Unlike the competition, they strive to fully embrace the individual. By hand selecting each product with function and originality in mind, they branch away from traditional conformism. 570‑524‑9444; dwellingsathome.com Harper’s Clothing More than 80 years ago, Harper’s opened its doors with a relentless commitment to providing its customers with the best of the best. Today, in the company’s third generation, they are regarded as one of the area’s foremost clothing stores. They offer free custom alterations by their European tailors and have fashion coordinators as part of their ripe tradition. 814‑238‑4767; harpersshopformen.com Home Reflections With collections by Vera Bradley, John Medieros and others, Home Reflections has everything you need to spruce up your home or office, and accessorize your life! 814‑234‑1620; homereflections.us
Hound Dog Tours AKA Happy Valley Tickets. Looking for Penn State tickets? How about tickets to the lat‑ est concert? Hound Dog Tours offers tickets to every game, concert and event available. Contact them today to get your tickets. 814‑237‑5204; hounddogtours.com Lions Pride Looking to sport the newest blue and white gear, but live out of town? Order online with Lions Pride and they’ll ship anywhere in the contiguous 48 states for a flat $5 fee. Get your Penn State apparel for men, women, children, or infants. 814‑234‑2153; lions‑pride.com Moyer Jewelers They feature the world’s largest selection of Penn State jewelry and Nittany Lion charms. They also specialize in diamond and colored gemstone jewelry. Stop in to visit them at 100 East College Avenue, Downtown State College. 800‑648‑8494; Moyerjewelers.com PA Military Museum Gift Shop & Bookstore The bookstore has a large selection of mili‑ tary books and other military related items, including: children’s toys, magnets, bumper
Scan the QR code with your smartphone to find shops in Happy Valley 30
stickers, posters, picture frames as well as a selection of items that show your support of our men and women in uniform. Items are available for all branches of the military, including retiree and reserve personnel. 814‑466‑6263; pamilmuseum.org Woolrich Flagship Store & Outlet A perfect day trip destination from Happy Valley is a visit to the Woolrich Flagship Store & Outlet in Woolrich, PA, the village where the company was founded in 1830. 570‑769‑7401; woolrich.com
Beer & Wine Beer Belly’s Beverage Beer Belly’s is State College’s downtown beverage destination with plenty of parking, convenient hours, and the widest selection of beer, hard cider, and malt beverages. 814‑237‑BREW; beerbellysbeverage.com The Hopshop Beer Market Located directly under Z Bar and The Deli Restaurant, The Hopshop is a takeout beer boutique that features over 600 unique selections of American Craft and Specialty Imported beer. With 21 cold
Shopping in Happy Valley from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 814‑863‑5084; spikes.milbstore.com Shaver’s Creek Located in the heart of central Pennsylvania, Shaver’s Creek is Penn State’s nature center, offering fun and educational environmental programs and events for the whole com‑ munity! 814‑863‑2000; shaverscreek.org Trail2Creek.com Your only site for Pennsylvania outdoor adventures! Just a few of the activities‑ Trail2Creek.com can outfit you for include hiking, biking, canoeing, snow shoeing, rock climbing and fly fishing. Trail2Creek is your guide to the Pennsyvlania outdoors! Trail2creek.com
doors, mix‑your‑own 6‑ and 4‑packs as well as a custom 8‑tap growler filling station that allows you to bring your own for a refill, or purchase one of theirs. The Hopshop is a beer geek’s dream! 814‑308‑9808; HopshopBeerMarket.com Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery They are your local vineyard & winery in the heart of Lion Country and a Penn State tradition for over 20 years. Visit them at their mountainside location above the historic village of Linden Hall and taste their award‑winning wines. Winery tours by appointment. Hours: Tues.‑Fri 1:30‑5 p.m., Sat. 10‑5 p.m., & Sun. 12:30‑4 p.m. 814‑466‑6373; mtnittanywinery.com Otto’s Pub and Brewery The only brewery in State College, it’s THE place for fresh food and fresh beer. Their American cuisine is made with local ingredients, and the beer is brewed onsite. They get their beef from a local farm, whose cows get to enjoy spent grain of the brewing process! Many menu items, like wings and fondue, feature beers as a centerpiece.
814‑867‑OTTO (6886), Brewery Orders 814‑470‑1394; ottospubandbrewery.com Seven Mountains Wine Cellars The winery offers Grab & Go Tailgating packages. Stop by again and spend some time at the tasting bar or join friends on the deck for a glass. 814‑364‑1000; sevenmountainswinecellars.com Happy Valley Vineyard & Winery Located in State College, PA, The Vineyard at Happy Valley Winery produces specific varietals that transform well into their sty‑ listic wines. They strive for perfection in the vineyard as well as in the winery which in turn produces flavorful crisp clean wines. 814‑308‑8756; thehappyvalleywinery.com
in 1930 and 1941. Enjoy a one‑hour educational and entertaining interpretive tour which includes both caverns for one reasonable admission. 814‑643‑0268; lincolncaverns.com Off‑The‑Rack Outfitters Visit Off‑The‑Rack Outfitters at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park to the see all the latest Spikes merchandise as well as a wide selec‑ tion of Penn State apparel. They are open
Tussey Mountain Outfitters This retail shop specializes in quality canoes, kayaks, paddle sport gear and repairs. It is conveniently located next to the Sunnyside Paddle Park that features a permanent slalom course to train on and is the perfect place to demo canoes and kayaks. Check out their website for various outings and rental packages. Happy paddling! 814‑355‑5690; tusseymountainoutfitters.com
Sports & Outdoors Lincoln Caverns Discover Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks, where the splendor of nature’s handiwork has been protected and preserved for your visit since they were first discovered
Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery 31
What to Do Arts & Culture Bellefonte Art Museum With a mission to promote the visual arts, the Bellefonte Art Museum offers exhibits, events and classes to stimulate curiosity, imagination and creativity. It focuses on the works of local artists, cultural art (art with historical and cultural context) and local collections. 814-355-4280; bellefontemuseum.org Bryce Jordan Center The Bryce Jordan Center, located on campus, is centrally located within the state of Pennsylvania and the only entertainment facility of its size in the region. The 16,000 seat Bryce Jordan Center hosts circuses, sports exhibitions, family shows, commence‑ ments, lectures, and Big Ten basketball, as well as some of the top‑name performers in the music entertainment industry. 814‑863‑5500; bjc.psu.edu Center for the Performing Arts Penn State’s premier venue for performing
arts! Each year, dozens of performers take the stage from comedians to musicians to opera singers. 814‑863‑0255; cpa.psu.edu Palmer Museum of Art The Palmer Art Museum, right in the middle of campus on Curtin Road, has been the leading art gallery in the area since its open‑ ing in 1972. Its bold facade was part of a major renovation and expansion in 1993, with the museum now housing 11 galleries. Along with permanent fixtures, featured exhibits change around the same time semesters do; see their website for what’s next and for related events. And...admission is FREE! 814‑865‑7672; palmermuseum.psu.edu The State Theatre The State Theatre is a non‑profit community theatre in the heart of State College. The Theatre is dedicated to servicing the Centre County region by providing a venue for performing arts, including, but not limited to: music, theatre, dance, opera, indepen‑ dent and classic films, family programming, and so much more. 814‑272‑0606; thestatetheatre.org
Penn State All‑Sports Museum The Penn State All‑Sports Museum is an interactive delight for returning alumni and visitors of all ages. Just follow the canopy from Curtin Road into the southwest corner of Beaver Stadium to find this all‑inclusive archive of Penn State sports history. 814‑865‑0044; gopsusports.com/ all‑sports‑museum/psu‑all‑sports‑museum. html
Happy Valley Hotspots Boalsburg Heritage Museum Come visit the birth place of Memorial Day and learn about historic Boalsburg, PA. The museum property includes a light house, back barn, and summer kitchen in addition to the main attraction; the Sarah Sweet house. Recent exhibits include “Three Ladies and the Birth of Tradition” about the inception of Memorial Day and a collection of Civil War era long rifles from Philip Sauerlender. 814‑466‑3035; boalsburgheritagemuseum.org Dayze Gone Bye Carriage Rides Their horse drawn carriages feature a unique
Scan the QR code with your smartphone to find fun in Happy Valley 32
look into life in days gone by offering a variety of tours from our home. Enjoy their scenic “Big Valley” with its unique blend of three Amish cultures seen no where else in the world, beautiful foliage and a view into “The Good Old Days” when life was simpler. Available Monday through Saturday all year long by reservation or chance. 814‑553‑5149; dayzegonebye.com Happy Valley Tours See The Pennsylvania State University Campus and Tussey Mountain Ski Resort area like never before! Happy Valley Tours provides guided tours on the amazingly innovative and fun to ride Segway Personal Transporter i2 and X2. Daily tours can be booked online. Same day/walk‑ins accepted if staff and machines are available. Please call for availability. They also offer Learn To Ride, Party, Team Building and Special Event Packages. Glide On! 814‑231‑0141; happyvalleytours.net Lincoln Caverns Discover Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks, where the splendor of nature’s handiwork has been protected and preserved for your
What to Do visit since they were first discovered in 1930 and 1941. Explore winding passageways and splendid rooms containing massive flowstones, thousands of delicate stalactites, pure white calcite and sparkling crystals. Experience a fascinating and worthwhile family adventure where special attention is given to each and every guest—both the young and young at heart. Enjoy a one hour educational and entertaining interpretive tour which includes both caverns for one reasonable admission. Share the tradition of three generations of hospitality, education and cave conservation. Your visit will remain a striking memory. 814‑643‑0268; lincolncaverns.com
Pegula Ice Arena Visitors will experience some of the best amenities college hockey has to offer. Pe‑ gula Ice Arena features an interactive history of Penn State hockey, as well as concession stands, suites, loge boxes and club seats. In addition, the arena’s ability to house state‑of‑the‑art media and broadcasting facili‑ ties allows us to host NHL and AHL games, bringing hockey’s best to State College. The Happy Valley community can take advantage of the community rink, open approximately 360 days per year for public use, and hosts local youth hockey and skating programs. gopsusports.com
Mount Nittany Vineyard and Winery They are your local vineyard & winery in the heart of Lion Country and a Penn State tradition for more than 20 years. Come visit them at their mountainside location above the historic village of Linden Hall and taste their award‑winning wines. Winery tours by appointment. Hours: Tues.‑Fri 1:30‑5 p.m., Sat. 10‑5 p.m., & Sun. 12:30‑4 p.m. 814‑466‑6373; mtnittanywinery.com
Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park Penn’s Cave is America’s only all‑water cavern and wildlife park. Don’t worry about the weather outside, it’s always 52 degrees inside the cave. Plus, don’t miss their amazing wildlife park with bears, mountain lions, and even wolves. Take a break from
your everyday and head to Penn’s Cave! 814‑364‑1664; pennscave.com
Creek has hiking trails, hands‑on exhibits and more. 814‑863‑2000; shaverscreek.org
Raystown Lake Region Located in central Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains, Raystown Lake is the heart of Huntingdon County and home to year round outdoor fun. Check out bed & breakfasts, lodges, campgrounds, and other places to stay! 814‑658‑0060; raystown.org
State College Farmers Market Tuesdays and Fridays host the State College Farmer’s Market where you can find fresh produce, organic foods, flowers, meats and more in addition to live bands and entertain‑ ment that frequently stop by. Markets are held on Locust Lane in Downtown State College. Established in 1976, all members of the farmers market are Happy Valley residents. statecollegefarmers.com
Seven Mountains Wine Cellars Spend time at the tasting bar or join friends on the spacious outdoor patio for a glass of their award winning wines. Visit for a winery tour and tasting. Located one mile off of US Route 322 between Lewistown and State College. 814‑364‑1000; sevenmountainswinecellars.com Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center Penn State’s environmental center offers fun and educational events for the whole community. Located in Petersburg, Shaver’s
State College Spikes The State College Spikes are the Class‑A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals and offer fun, affordable, family entertainment and the chance to watch future Major League Baseball players 38 nights from mid‑June to September. They’re also the 2014 New York‑Penn League Champions! Ticket prices start as low as just $6! 814‑272‑1711; statecollegespikes.com
Northland Bowl Northland Bowl offers more than your average bowling alley. The location features 32 brand new bowling lanes, state‑of‑the‑art UV graphics for Cosmic Bowling and a top‑of‑the‑line scoring system. Plus, don’t miss Northland’s interactive games, music videos, billiards, arcade, or full restaurant menu, bar, and takeout beer. 814‑237‑1500; northlandbowl.com Pennsylvania Military Museum The museum, located in Boalsburg, recounts the story of Commonwealth citizens who served our country in defense of the nation. Their sacrifice is highlighted through exhibits and artifacts that are documented by the museum’s excellent collection of vehicles and small arms. 814‑466‑6263; pamilmuseum.org Photo courtesy Tim Weight
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What to Do Tussey Mountain This all‑season resort has fun for families and friends all year long—movies, con‑ certs, special events and more, plus the Fun Center! Enjoy affordable, fun activities, there’s something for everyone: Go‑Karts, Golf, Centre Community Skate Park,brand new Mountain Mini‑Golf course and zipline. It won’t be long before the flakes are flying and Tussey becomes your spot for winter fun, too! 814‑466‑6266; tusseymountain.com Vamos Lion Chariot Choose Vamos Lion Chariot for ‘transportain‑ ment’ in one of their eco-friendly pedi-cabs for sightseeing tours of Penn State and downtown, romance excursions, parties and more. Locally owned and operated, these pedi-cabs are bringing smiles to Happy Val‑ ley! 814‑ 404‑ 2782; vamoslion.com Way Fruit Farm Six generations of the Way family have lived on and worked the Way Fruit Farm. The current farm store and cold storage facility, originally built in 1958 by Elwood and Emily Way, have been remodeled and expanded in 2009, and now boasts a bakery and café. There is also plenty of new retail space where you’ll find their own fruits, and local vegetables, meats, cheeses, milk, bulk food items, canned preserves, apple butter, pickles, relishes, salsas and so much more! 814‑692‑5211; wayfruitfarm.com
Movie Theaters The State Theatre The State Theatre in Downtown State College is Happy Valley’s premier entertainment venue. From concerts, to musicals, to movies, the State Theatre has it all. Check out the State Theatre’s website for upcoming films and showtimes. 814‑272‑0606; thestatetheatre.org
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Photo courtesy Penn State Live
College 9 Located behind Lowes off North Atherton Street. 814‑272‑3050; uecmovies.com/ locations/Info.aspx?ID=6 Premiere Theater 12 Located next to the Best Western Inn and Suites off East College Avenue. 814‑861‑5006; uecmovies.com/locations/ Info.aspx?ID=10 Tussey Mountain ‑ Movies on the Mountain (Summer Season Only) 814‑466‑6810 Wegman’s Movie Nights 814‑278‑9000
Golf Courses Mountain View Country Club Mountain View Country Club offers a chal‑ lenging 18‑hole layout that appeals to both
Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center
the experienced golfer and beginner. Mea‑ suring 6,427 yards from the Championship Tees, the golf course offers picture perfect views of both Mount Nittany and Tussey Mountain throughout the round. Mountain View Country Club is known to have superb playing surfaces; a favorite in the area for the many who frequent the greens. 814‑466‑7231; mtviewcountryclub.com
home. The Blue Course hosts the annual Men’s Rutherford Intercollegiate and the Women’s Nittany Lion Invitational, while the White Course provides a challenging alternative. Both are open to the public. 814‑865‑GOLF; pennstategolfcourses.com
Tussey Mountain Par 3 Golf The course is well maintained with quality greens that are a good introduction for beginning golfers, yet provide healthy challenges to the best of golfers. The nine whole, par three course is perfect for a quick round to better your game. 814‑466‑6266; tusseymountain.com
Toftrees Golf Club It’s been awarded 4 1/2 stars as one of Golf Digest magazine’s places to play. It’s rated as one of Pennsylvania’s “Best Resort/Public Golf Courses.” Toftrees Golf Club is a gem gently cradled in the heart of Pennsylvania’s rolling green hills. Located just 2 miles west of Beaver Stadium, this Centre County gem offers 1500 acres of rolling hills for a leisurely and refreshing experience. 814‑238‑7600; toftreesgolf. com/index.php
Penn State Golf Courses Two 18‑hole courses ‑ Blue and White ‑ and an array of practice facilities are where the men’s and women’s golf teams make their
For more things to do in Happy Valley, visit HappyValley.com
Where to Eat Restaurants While in town, log on to HappyValley. com for delivery and takeout at all of your favorite State College restaurants! Bellefonte
The Gamble Mill Restaurant and Microbrewery A true piece of Americana, dine and enjoy their in‑house craft beers in a historic mill. Experience bold American flavors by exploring their casual pub menu or fine dining options plus 6‑7 of their craft beers on tap. Brewers Club, Growlers, Outdoor seating, large private functions, catering, Lunch Mon‑Sat 11:30‑2:00 Dinner Mon‑Sat. 5:00‑9:00/10:00 Sunday Brunch 11‑3. All CC accepted. 814‑355‑7764; 160 Dunlap St., Bellefonte; gamblemill.com Hublersburg Inn One of Central Pennsylvania’s best kept secrets, The Hublersburg Inn is a local favorite for great food and drink. Be sure to try their famous “Hubie” burger or spicy
garlic ranch wings, among other great choices. The Inn is located in the heart of Pennsylvania Amish country, just six miles off Lamar exit 173 of Interstate 80. 814‑383‑2616; hublersburginn.com Pizza Mia! Pizza Mia! is known for its crust which is made from spring harvest flour, specially filtered Bellefonte spring water, 100% extra virgin olive oil, Hawaiian gold raw cane sugar, sea salt, and handtossed every time. Check out their brand new scrumptious menu of pizzas, breakfast, “dogies,” wraps, freshly‑baked wings and more. 814‑355‑3738; bellefontepizzamia.com Boalsburg
Duffy’s Tavern Dining at Duffy’s gives you a taste of the past. The intimate dining room offers a full fine dining menu, while the tavern is an authentic 19th century pub where it’s easy to envision a rowdy crowd gathered around the bar. They are also equipped with ban‑ quet and meeting rooms. 814‑466‑6241; duffystavernpa.com Edges Pub Bar & Lounge Edges Pub, located in the Lodge at Tussey
Mountain, is one of Happy Valley’s best kept secrets, as you will find delicious food and drink specials every night with live music and entertainment most nights ‑ but during the winter season only! It’s the most exclusive and elusive night spot in Happy Valley! 814‑466‑4266; 301 Bear Meadow Rd., Boalsburg Kelly’s Steak & Seafood Located in Boalsburg, the restaurant has quickly become the premier dining experi‑ ence for steak and seafood lovers. Kelly’s chefs were trained at America’s top culinary schools, and you’ll know it when you take your first bite. The menu is creative, but not overly exotic. Shipments of carefully selected fresh beef, seafood and poultry ar‑ rive daily. Kelly’s is also the only restaurant in the region with a live lobster tank! 814‑466‑6251; kellys‑steak.com The View at Mountain View Surrounded by the premiere golf course of Mountain View Country Club, The View Restaurant & Bar is open to the public and great for any occasion. Guests enjoy breathtaking views of Tussey Mountain and Mount Nittany. Open daily for lunch and dinner, guests can enjoy indoor and seasonal
outdoor dining. The View also offers the best Sunday brunch in town and happy hour specials with discounts up to 50% off. Call 814‑466‑7231 for reservations or visit their website for more information. mtviewcountryclub.com/theview; facebook. com/mtviewcountryclub Centre Hall
The Inn at Nittany Summit Celebrate your next special occasion at The Inn at Nittany Summit! Dine in a relaxed atmosphere and enjoy the best view in Cen‑ tre County. They offer certified Angus beef, seafood, housemade soups and desserts. Full bar, wine list and outdoor seating avail‑ able. 814‑364‑9363; mtnittanyinn.com Whistle Stop Restaurant This unique dining experience is just off Route 45 in Centre Hall. Housed in an old train station, built in 1884, you can see the original ticket window, the flag station, a restored passenger car, a caboose and the eatery’s old Victorian railroad decor. Daily specials include Chicken and Waffles on Wednesday, and Sunday afternoon has its own menu entirely featuring the most comforting of home‑style comfort foods. 814‑364‑2544, whistlestopcentrehall.com
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Where to Eat Howard
Hublersburg Inn One of Central Pennsylvania’s best kept se‑ crets, The Hublersburg Inn is a local favorite for great food and drink. Be sure to try their famous “Hubie” burger or spicy garlic ranch wings among other great choices. The Inn is located in the heart of Pennsylvania Amish country, just six miles off Lamar exit 173 of Interstate 80. hublersburginn.com Huntingdon
Woody’s Bar‑B‑Q Imagine a restaurant with great food and quick service, an easy‑going setting with a comfortable atmosphere, and where the highest quality is still considered “standard.” Combine these features with a team‑orient‑ ed staff and that’s what Woody’s Bar‑B‑Q feels a neighborhood restaurant should be! 814‑641‑7429; woodys.com Port Matilda
Port Matilda Hotel & Tavern Enjoy classic American tavern fare at the Port Matilda Hotel & Tavern. Come as you are and help Mark Belinda celebrate his 20 years of ownership. There are six hotel rooms available. It is truly the best place you have never been. Open at 2 p.m. on Sunday & Monday and 11 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. 814‑692‑4097 Way Cafe and Bakery Simple country food using fresh, local ingre‑ dients. The homemade soup, fresh‑baked bread, their own and local fruits and veg‑ etables, pork and cheese used throughout their menu is what sets them apart. They offer a lunch menu Monday through Friday, with a full breakfast and lunch served on Saturdays. Full menus are available on their website. 814‑692‑5211; wayfruitfarm. com/deli.php State College
The Arena Bar & Grill The Arena not only offers an incredible selection of fresh food on their menu, including their famous award‑winning wings 36
and homemade pizza and sandwiches, but also has an extensive beer selection and handcrafted drinks as well as take out beer. Offers the NFL Sunday Ticket, karaoke, live music, Texas Hold ‘Em tournaments, Team Trivia, and much more. Daily entertain‑ ment includes darts, billiards, and NTN Trivia & Texas Hold ‘Em. Daily food and drink specials and fantastic drink features are available everyday in addition to the daily happy hour specials. 814‑237‑8833; thearenabarandgrill.com The Autoport The Autoport has grown with the com‑ munity, offering the best dining and lodging in town. The Autoport prides itself on its outstanding food, comfortable atmosphere and friendly hospitality. They make it easy to unwind after a long, hard day with generous drinks and soft entertainment. 814‑237‑7666; theautoport.com bar bleu Socializing and sports viewing awaits at bar bleu. Two different levels, two different styles, tons of personality and fantastic drinks including their signature “Fishbowl” concocted in it’s own 43oz tank! 22 HD screens display every game, every day up‑ stairs and live music and a lounge vibe lives downstairs. Hungry? Their kitchen serves up authentic Kansas‑City style barbecue smoked onsite including smoked wings you’ll talk about! 814‑237‑0374; bar‑bleu.com Carnegie Inn & Spa From daily breakfasts to elegantly prepared hors d’oeuvres and dinners, dining at Carnegie Inn & Spa is as spectacular as it is relaxing. While their award‑winning staff prepares your meal, you can relax in the library and enjoy hor d’ouevres while savoring a cocktail or glass of wine. 814‑234‑2424; carnegieinnandspa.com Carvers Deli and Barbecue Carvers Deli and Barbecue is a family owned restaurant that prepares their food the way others wish they could. Deli meats
are cooked in house, soups are homemade and their wood smoked barbecue is always tender and juicy. They offer dine in, take out, delivery and can meet all your catering needs. 814‑237‑0620; carversdeliandbbq.com
sauce, creating a perfect blend of sweet, salty and sour flavors. Their menu includes appetizers, soups, entrées, desserts, bever‑ ages and many popular Thai dishes such as Pad Thai, Tom Yum, and Red or Green Curry. 814‑237‑0139; cozythaibistro.com
Clem’s Roadside Bar & Grill Clem’s Roadside Bar & Grill proudly serves Clem’s world‑famous barbecue selec‑ tions in addition to wood‑grilled burgers, steaks and other southern comfort foods. 814‑238‑2333; clemsbarandgrill.com
Damon’s Grill & Sports Bar Just moments from Beaver Stadium, Damon’s is a favorite for sports fans, families and more. With three separate dining environments you’ll always catch your team on any of their 11 big screens and 17 plasma TVs. They have 14 beers on draft and weeknight value specials. 814‑237‑6300; damons.com
Cozy Thai At Cozy Thai Bistro, they incorporate various kinds of fresh herbs and spices as well as imported Thai seasonings in their food prep‑ arations, such as lemongrass, lime leaves, Thai basil, coconut milk, tamarind, and fish
The Deli Restaurant An American kitchen since 1973, they serve up everything from New York‑style
Where to Eat demanding specifications. 814‑861‑3226; fujijadegarden.com The Gardens Restaurant (at the Penn Stater) The Penn Stater’s restaurant offers sophisticated dining, and classic cuisine with an American flair. This restaurant also offers guests a sumptuous Sunday brunch and the expansive America’s Bounty Buffets on both Friday and Saturday evenings. Reservations are recommended. 814‑863‑5090; thepennstaterhotel.psu.edu Gigi’s Restaurant & Wine Lounge Gigi’s is not just a restaurant, it is a destination featuring an atmosphere where old world sophistication meets modern elegance. Their philosophy is simple, the highest quality local and carefully sourced foods paired with an unprecedented dining experience. With a rich and extensive wine list, seasonal martini menu and 14 rotating drafts, Gigi’s is a favorite among wine afi‑ cionados and beer lovers. 814‑861‑3463; Gigisdining.com Kelly’s Steak & Seafood
deli sandwiches to comfort food and pub favorites. Everything is always homemade from scratch... soups, breads, sauces and award‑winning desserts are made in‑house every day fresh from scratch. Their food festival feature menus are a must experi‑ ence, check their website for their current feature festival menu. 814‑237‑5710; TheDeliRestaurant.com Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Dickey’s Barbecue Pit prides itself on authenticity, innovation and barbecue sauce, one store at a time. With roots in Dallas, Travis Dickey set out to perfect Texas‑style barbecue. Dickey’s is one of the newest eateries in State College and will certainly satisfy all barbecue lovers’ cravings. Kids eat free on Sundays! 814‑867‑2124; facebook.com/statecollegedickeys
The Dining Room (at The Nittany Lion Inn) The Dining Room at the Nittany Lion Inn has been a Penn State tradition since 1931. The popular Sunday brunch features waffles, omelets and carved meats, and is a favorite for football weekends and holiday meals, like Christmas, Easter and Mother’s Day. Reservations are recommended. 814‑865‑8590; nittanylioninn.psu.edu Don Patron Mexican Grill This newly established Mexican restaurant, located in the Wal‑Mart Plaza, will bring a taste of Mexico to State College! Besides offering traditional Mexican food Don Patron’s will provide Mexican beer, wine and margaritas, as well as more family‑friendly fare. 814‑861‑8700 Down Under Steak House This casual restaurant is the place for unique
dining featuring hearty appetizers and delicious entrees, including steaks, chops, chicken, pasta and seafood on the grill, as well as fresh sandwiches and salads served in a comfortable, smoke‑free family atmo‑ sphere. Their popular lounge offers specialty cocktails, beers and wines. 814‑234‑8000; toftrees.com/dining_downunder Fraser Street Deli Great sandwiches named after local legends distinguish this small shop on Fraser Street. 814‑234‑1918; fraserstreetdeli.com Fuji & Jade Garden Eat in or take out Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi bar. Fuji dinners are prepared with 100% cholesterol‑free margarine and pure vegetable oil. This makes for meals consisting of the freshest, prime quality vegetables and fish and the finest cuts of beef and poultry, aged and trimmed to their
Green Bowl Fill your mind, body and bowl. Choose your meat and other veggies to stir fry on the spot. 814‑238‑0600; thegreenbowl.com Happy Valley Brewing Company Visit Happy Valley’s newest brewery and restaurant and enjoy locally produced beers and food. 814‑234 4406; happyvalleybeer.com Harrison’s Wine Grill & Catering Harrison’s Wine Grill & Catering – a modern, chef‑centric restaurant, located inside the Hilton Garden Inn, is a casual favorite for local foodies. Local chef/ owner Harrison Schailey sources locally and seasonally for this globally‑inspired menu from over 25 local farms and purveyors including popular Otto’s microbrews. Service is outstanding and the atmosphere is casual and friendly. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. 814‑237‑4422; harrisonsmenu.com 37
Where to Eat Herwig’s Austrian Bistro Everything at Herwig’s is prepared fresh every day. Their bratwurst is made in‑house from local pork and they now bake their own bread. They also offer at least one vegetarian dish daily. Big selection of deli‑ cious dessert like Apfelstrudl, Sachertorte, and their famous bacon‑based desserts… At Herwig’s you will find a dining experience with fun. 814‑272‑0738; herwigsaustrianbistro.com Hi‑Way Pizza The State College tradition for over 50 years, Hi‑Way offers over 29 varieties of hand‑spun pizzas with an endless combination of toppings; they’ve got a pizza for everyone. Their vodka “flaky” crust pizza is simply a must have! Hi‑Way uses only the freshest local and imported ingredients available to make their unique pizzas, pastas and desserts. Hi‑Way delivers, you can even order on your smart phone! 814‑237‑0375; HiwayPizza.com Inferno Brick Oven & Bar With a casual, yet sophisticated atmosphere Inferno is a place to see and be seen. Lunch and dinner boasts a contemporary Neapolitan brick‑oven experience featuring a focused menu of artisan pizzas and other modern‑Italian plates. Night transitions to a boutique ultra‑lounge featuring the area’s most talented DJs, lit dance floor, and a full‑service bar offering premium pours and bottle service for you and your friends. 814‑237‑5718; InfernoBrickOvenBar.com
then baking, where delicious sandwiches are made to order, where espresso beans are ground right before brewing, where smoothies start as fresh, whole fruit, where salads are crisp and soups are simmering. 814‑231‑0604; irvingsstatecollege.com KAARMA Indian Cuisine Indian cuisine is known around the world for its diversity and its distinctive use of spices in creating a wide range of dishes, from mild Kormas and Tikka Masalas to the spicier Vindaloos. Discover these delicious home style meals, from traditional Indian curries, to sumptuous grilling foods, perfect for any occasion. 814‑238‑8141; thekaarma.com Kimchi Korean Restaurant Kimchi offers traditional and contemporary Korean cuisine, including Korean BBQ, rice dishes, seafood, noodles, soups, stews and vegetarian dishes, All meals are served with six side dishes and hot tea. They also offer a weekday lunch special for $6.99 (11:30 a.m.‑2:30 p.m.). 814‑237‑2096; kimchistatecollege.com Legends (at the Penn Stater) This casual pub offers classic dishes for lunch and dinner in a warm atmosphere. Have a beer with friends and catch the game or enjoy a delicious meal with the whole family. Huge sandwiches, salads and appetizers are featured. 814‑863‑5080; thepennstaterhotel.psu.edu
India Pavilion Exotic Indian Cuisine Enjoy an upscale and elegant meal in one of State College’s unique restaurants. Lunch buffets offered 7 days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with a wide variety of vegetarian and non‑vegetarian dishes. Selection changes daily. 814‑237‑3400; indiapavilion.net
Long John Silver’s/A&W Root Beer On the go, but looking for quality American food? This place is perfect for you. Whether you want seafood in State College or a classic America burger, you’ll find it at the Long John Silver’s/A&W. No matter what you decide for your meal, you’re obligated to follow it up with a ridiculously fantastic root beer float. 814‑238‑7275; awrestaurants.com
Irving’s Irving’s, where bagels are made by boiling
Mario’s Italian Restaurant With pasta made from scratch, hand‑tossed
38
Pizza Mia!
wood‑fired pizza, rotisserie wood‑grilled chicken and sauces made fresh daily, it’s easy to see why Mario’s is authentically Italian. Mario’s Original Vodka Sauce is so good, they’ll even let you take a jar home. With a list of over 550 unique imported Italian wine selections and over 15 selec‑ tions by the glass, Mario’s is a seven‑time consecutive Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast award winner. 814‑234‑4273; MariosItalianStateCollege.com P.J. Harrigan’s The award‑winning Ramada Conference Center’s onsite restaurant is packed with authentic memorabilia from the sports and entertainment worlds. Enjoy the best Happy Hour in town weekdays from 4 to 7 p.m. and Sundays 6 to 8 p.m., featuring $5 ap‑ petizers and drink discounts up to 50% off! Or stop in for an Express Lunch with P.J.’s Soup & Salad buffet, available 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily; always fresh with two hot soups, hot entree, fresh bread and a variety of salads for $7.49! 814‑235‑3009; pjharrigans.com Qdoba Mexican Grill Watch your fresh, handcrafted Mexican meal as it is created right in front of you at Qdoba
Mexican Grill® in State College. They showcase food that celebrates their passion for high‑quality ingredients, a menu loaded with innovative flavors, as well as inviting service. Everyone can find something to their taste at Qdoba, or they can bring it to you with Qdoba Catering. Sun. 11:00‑4:00 Mon‑Fri. 11:00‑8:00 Sat. 11:00‑5:00. 814‑861‑3288; qdoba.com Rotelli Pizza, Pasta, Perfect! That’s how loyal customers describe their menu. Freshly prepared chicken, veal, seafood, salads, homemade sauces and plenty of vegetarian and gluten free options. 814‑238‑8463; rotellistatecollege.com Rumors Lounge at The Atherton Hotel Rumors Lounge offers appetizers, homemade soups, salads and sandwiches in addition to a full dinner menu. With a variety of specialty cocktails and drinks, Rumors is a favorite spot to enhance formal business meetings at the end of the day or the ideal location to begin a perfect evening or conversation. 814‑231‑2100; athertonhotel.net
Where to Eat Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt At Sweet Frog, their goal is to create the best frozen yogurt experience you’ve ever had. Stop in to create your own delicious frozen yogurt combination and then load it up with as many fresh toppings as you can choose. One visit and you’ll quickly see why many people around the country are embracing Sweet Frog. 814‑238‑9500; sweetfrogyogurt.com Tarragon Room at The Atherton Hotel Tarragon offers breakfast, dinner and room service menus. Well‑known for its creative menus, relaxing and lovely atmosphere and meals that are as delicious as they are beautifully prepared, Tarragon is a great choice for any meal. While Tarragon boasts an elegant atmosphere, guests are encour‑ aged to dress casually and comfortably. Tarragon is State College’s best‑kept secret. 814‑231‑2100; athertonhotel.net Webster’s Bookstore Café Webster’s new site is twice the size of the past Allen St. location. Now Webster’s boasts an extensive and primarily local and organic menu, a used bookstore with over 10,000 titles, Stax of Trax Record Shop, and community events such as open mics, book readings and yoga. 814‑272‑1410; webstersbookstorecafe.com Whiskers (at The Nittany Lion Inn) The casual lounge at the Nittany Lion Inn serves soups, salads, sandwiches and includes a full bar. Whiskers is open daily for lunch, dinner and late‑night dining, and offers seasonal outdoor seating on the garden patio. Their menu offers items made from local and seasonal ingredients for the freshest taste, and now includes a wide variety of vegan and vegetarian options. 814‑865‑8580; nittanylioninn.psu.edu Zola New World Bistro Zola’s menu changes every month, promising innovative entrees made with the
Hoag’s Catering
freshest, local and organic ingredients. There is a casual, elegant ambiance, especially on Friday nights when Zola features jazz and oysters...talk about a mood setter! Hot tip, don’t skip dessert, no matter how full you are. Head on over before or after a State Theatre show. 814‑237‑8474; zolabistro.com
CATERING Hoag’s Catering at Celebration Hall Owned and operated by the Moerschbacher family for over 50 years, Hoag’s Catering at Celebration Hall specializes in off‑site catering, party rentals and on‑site events. Hoag’s offers the best quality food and service that allows its customers to truly be guests at their own party. Celebration Hall is fully equipped with tables, chairs, etc., and can handle small and large groups up to 250 people. Convenient free parking is available on site. Hoag’s friendly staff is
available to assist in your catering, banquet, and event planning needs. 814‑238‑0824; hoagscatering.com Damon’s Grill Damon’s caters any sized event, for any occasion. Our professional catering staff has years of experience and menus for any budget. From barbecue ribs to prime rib and more, Damon’s will help plan your event and make it a success. Call their catering hotline at 814‑237‑9151 and ask for Kerry DuBois. 814‑237‑6300; damons.com Dante’s Restaurants, Inc. From simple deli trays to dining for hundreds, Dante’s can help take the hassle out of your event. For over 50 years all of their food, including breads, desserts, sauces, dressings and desserts is made in‑house, 100% from scratch. You can even book space in any of their seven restaurants and nightclubs for events. Email catering@ dantesinc.com for more information. 814‑234‑1344; dantesinc.com
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Dickey’s is the catering and tailgating experts featuring authentic Texas Barbecue. Dickey’s has been in the catering business for over 40 years. Catering is our specialty. No matter how big your event is, we guar‑ antee we can pull it off. Everything you need is included. With our catering options, you can get meats, sides, rolls, relish trays, barbecue sauce and paperware. Onsite staff will cut and serve meats to order. Extras including drinks and desserts are always available! Contact Chip (484‑614‑2444 or dickeysca‑ tering333@gmail.com) to schedule a tast‑ ing for your event! 814‑867‑2124; order. dickeys.com/menu/dickeys‑state‑college Gardens The Penn Stater’s restaurant offers sophisticated dining, and classic cuisine with an American flair. This restaurant also offers guests a sumptuous Sunday brunch and the expansive America’s Bounty Buffets on both Friday and Saturday evenings. 39
Where to Eat 814‑863‑5090; thepennstaterhotel. psu.edu/ThePennStaterHotel/dining/ the‑gardens.cfm Gigi’s Restaurant and Wine Lounge Gigi’s is not just a restaurant, it is a destination featuring an atmosphere where old world sophistication meets modern elegance. Their philosophy is simple, the highest quality local and carefully sourced foods paired with an unprecedented dining experience. With a rich and extensive wine list, seasonal martini menu and 14 rotating drafts, Gigi’s is a favorite among wine afi‑ cionados and beer lovers. 814‑861‑3463; gigisdining.com Happy Valley Catering by Pizza Mia! Happy Valley Catering by Pizza Mia! offers all of the same deliciousness you are used to, plus any a la carte catering menu you can dream up, such as fresh‑baked salmon, roast beef, or one of their uniquely designed dessert items. 814‑355‑3738; bellefontepizzamia.com Harrison’s Wine Grill & Catering Just two minutes from Penn State, this local favorite has swept the “Best Catering” category in State College Magazine’s Best of State College poll every year since 2005. The professional staff at Harrison’s can help create the perfect event: a delivered business lunch, the perfect tailgate, a memorable wedding reception or anything in between. Harrison’s provides options for delivery only, meal pickup, or full menus with setup and professional service. 814‑237‑4422; harrisonsmenu.com Kelly’s Steak & Seafood Located in Boalsburg, the restaurant has quickly become the premier dining experi‑ ence for steak and seafood lovers. Kelly’s chefs were trained at America’s top culinary schools, and you’ll know it when you take your first bite. The menu is creative, but not overly exotic. Shipments of carefully se‑ lected fresh beef, seafood and poultry arrive daily. 814‑466‑6251; kellys‑steak.com 40
Lodge at Tussey Mountain A beautiful facility year‑round, the Lodge at Tussey Mountain will host your wedding, staff retreat, picnic or other special events! They have a fully equipped kitchen, bar and courteous staff who will accommodate you in every way. 814‑466‑7976; tusseymountain.com/lodge‑winter.php Mountain View Country Club Nestled amid Central PA’s scenic splendor, Mountain View’s Club House is available for banquets, holiday parties, receptions, anniversary parties, business meetings and other special events. The banquet facilities accommodate groups from 10 to 300. Large windows surround the Ballroom and extend to the Patio’s outdoor seating, providing breathtaking views of Tussey Mountain and the Golf Course. Along with their unrivaled atmosphere, they provide impeccable service, award‑winning food and beverage and superior customer satisfaction. 814‑466‑7231; mtviewcountryclub.com/theview/ Penn State Hospitality Penn State University offers two full service hotels, each with its own atmosphere and up‑to‑date amenities. Both feature gracious accommodations, exceptional service, a choice of dining experiences, and state‑of‑the‑art facilities for conferences, ban‑ quets, and special events. 814‑863‑5014; pshs.psu.edu Qdoba Mexican Grill Order fresh, handcrafted Mexican food for your next event at Qdoba Mexican Grill® in State College. They showcase food that celebrates their passion for high‑quality ingredients, a menu loaded with innova‑ tive flavors, as well as inviting service. Everyone can find something to their taste with Qdoba Catering. Sun. 11:00‑4:00 Mon‑Fri. 11:00‑8:00 Sat. 11:00‑5:00. 814‑861‑3288; qdoba.com
Ramada Conference Center The Ramada’s professional staff makes your casual or formal occasion a pleasure for everyone. With over 20,000 square feet of meeting space, they can accommodate small groups of 10 or large group functions up to 350 persons with complimentary on site parking. The Ramada’s banquet and conference menus have been designed to provide a wide variety of affordably‑priced options, always delivered with impeccable service, award winning food and bever‑ age, and superior customer satisfaction. 814‑238‑3001; ramadasc.com Rotelli Let Rotelli make you look like the hero at your next party. Catering made easy with delicious pasta, salads, appetizers, chicken, veal and more! They deliver, set up and
even serve if you need them to. Have your party at our place for up to 192 people. Business lunches, rehearsal dinners, gradua‑ tion parties, team dinners, church gatherings and more! Let Rotelli do the work, you have the fun! 814‑238‑8463; rotellistatecollege.com Zola New World Bistro Zola’s Catering brings the best of traditional fare and the latest in global fusion. Enjoy innovative cuisine perfect for any event you happen to be hosting. Give them a call, they’ll work with you to create the perfect, tailored menu. 814‑237‑8474; zolabistro.com
Where to Stay upstairs and experience a Happy Valley landmark. 814‑692‑4097
Hotels The Atherton Hotel Enjoy all the comforts of a full‑service boutique hotel conveniently located just one block from Penn State University in the heart of downtown State College. Amenities and conveniences include complimentary use of Penn State’s pools and Natatorium and of The North Club, Lionheart, and Titan exercise facilities; on‑site exercise facilities; affordable in‑room dining; Lodgenet movies and on demand television; local shuttle services; large, comfortable guest rooms; full service conference and banquet facilities; covered parking; and warm and welcoming staff and service. The Atherton is within walking distance to most all university and downtown restaurants, shops, and venues. 814‑231‑2100; athertonhotel.net Belinda’s Port Matilda Hotel Enjoy the best American cuisine and tap beers with its own unique atmosphere in Port Matilda, minutes from downtown State College. Stay in one of the special rooms
Best Western Plus University Park Inn & Suites Come stay at one of the newest hotels in Happy Valley. The Best Western Plus offers a hot, complimentary breakfast each morning, an indoor pool and hot tub, a fitness area and a very friendly staff. The hotel also prides itself on being eco‑friendly. 814‑234‑8393; bestwesternstatecollegehotel.com Carnegie Inn & Spa Located in the Toftrees area of State College, the Carnegie Inn & Spa is another of those Happy Valley mainstays that everyone seems to talk about. Boasting one of the fanciest dining facilities in the area, the AAA Four Diamond‑award winning property is also a striking place to stay. Twenty rooms and two suites are individually decorated and have foyers, ceiling fans and tall, sunny windows. PSU Parent and Alumni Discount Plans ‑ 15% off our room rates. 814‑234‑2424; carnegieinnandspa.com Fairfield Inn & Suites State College When visiting Happy Valley, choose the
Fairfield Inn & Suites State College for your business or leisure travel. Minutes from Penn State University, Bryce Jordan Center, Beaver Stadium, and Medlar Field, the Fairfield is less than five years old and offers an ideal location and award‑winning service. Spacious guest rooms feature luxury bedding, coffeemaker, high‑speed Internet, and individual climate control. After a substantial complimentary breakfast buffet, visit the fitness room and the beautiful indoor pool next to a charming outdoor patio. The Fairfield Inn & Suites is truly a cost‑effective and enjoyable place to enjoy your State College trip. 814‑238‑3871; marriott.com/hotels Fairfield Inn & Suites Huntingdon The Platinum Award‑Winning Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites Huntingdon Raystown Lake Hotel is just minutes from Raystown Lake and Juniata College. This Raystown Lake hotel features 83 guestrooms and suites and is easily accessible to boating, fishing and hiking activities available at Raystown Lake. 814‑643‑3672; raystownlakehotel.com Fairfield Suites Lock Haven When visiting Lock Haven and Happy Valley, choosing the Fairfield Inn & Suites
for your business or leisure travel is a great choice. Our hotel is just minutes from all the attractions Lock Haven has to offer, including Lock Haven University campus, the Little League Museum, Penn State and Beaver Stadium, and all the excellent dining options in the area. 570‑263‑5034; filockhavenhotel‑px.rtrk.com Hampton Inn & Suites Williamsburg Square Step back in time when you come to the Hampton Inn & Suites hotel in State College at Williamsburg Square. Their colonial‑style hotel in State College has the old‑world feel of the Revolutionary period, but boasts modern amenities and convenience to almost everywhere you want to be in town. Headed to Penn State? The campus is just a mile away. Want to explore downtown State College? Just four miles from their lobby. 814‑231‑1899; hamptoninn.com Holiday Inn Express This friendly, award‑winning hotel is located just off Interstate 99/U.S. 220 (322 By‑ pass) minutes from downtown State College and in the heart of Centre County. Situated only five minutes from campus, Beaver Stadium, and the Bryce Jordan Center, the
Scan the QR code with your smartphone to find a restaurant 41
Where to Stay hotel features newly updated guest rooms, lobby, breakfast area, and fitness room. The boardroom has meeting space for eight and the Williamsburg Room has space for up to 75. With a free breakfast each morning and four popular restaurants within easy walking distance, the Holiday Inn Express State College is a great place to stay! 814‑867‑1800; hiexpress.com Northland Motel Northland Motel, conveniently located near campus off North Atherton, offers moder‑ ately priced accommodations with weekly and monthly rates available. The Northland Motel adjoins Northland Bowling and Recreation Center and The Arena Bar & Grill. Free Wi‑Fi is offered along with other room amenities. 814‑237‑1400; northlandbowl. com/motel.html Nittany Lion Inn Located 1.1 miles from downtown, it’s the only hotel on campus. Amenities include a fitness center, putting green, gift shop, free internet, and conference and banquet facili‑ ties. Food and beverages available through the dining room and on‑site Whiskers Lounge. AAA Four Diamond Award Hotel; 814‑863‑5000; nittanylioninn.psu.edu PA‑Reservations.com Planning a last‑minute trip to Happy Valley? PA‑Reservations has had you covered since 1999! With the click of a mouse, you’ll gain access to inns, guests rooms, resorts, cabins, and houses! Their well‑maintained properties are inspected and approved for the safety and comfort of their guests. pa‑reservations.com Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel Located three miles from downtown, you’ll find fun, food, and friends at the Penn Stater. Amenities include a pool, fitness center, free internet, and conference and banquet facili‑ ties. Dine in the onsite Gardens Restaurant or Legends Lounge. 814‑863‑5050; thepennstaterhotel.psu.edu 42
Quality Inn Milesburg Located off exit 158 of I‑80, the Quality Inn Milesburg is just 11 miles from State College. Features include a complimentary continental breakfast, on‑site lounge, indoor pool, and fitness center. Offering an afford‑ able lodging option with easy access to Penn State University, Beaver Stadium, and the Bryce Jordan Center. 814‑355‑7521; choicehotels.com/pa660 SpringHill Suites State College One exit from Penn State, SpringHill Suites by Marriott State College is the only all‑studio suite choice among local hotels. Enhanced by service that will delight both the business and leisure traveler, this smart and stylish hotel is a breath of fresh air, designed to enrich your travels. Enjoy sepa‑ rate spaces to work and relax, along with thoughtful amenities to help you get the most out of your stay, like free high‑speed Internet access, a pantry with mini‑fridge, coffee maker, and microwave with a comfortable seating area including a pullout sofa bed. After a rejuvenating sleep in their signature bed, start your day with their free Suite Seasons hot and healthy breakfast buffet. An indoor pool and workout facility provide the perfect opportunity to unwind. 814‑867‑1807; marriott.com Toftrees Golf Resort & Conference Center Central Pennsylvania’s only Golf Resort and Conference Center is nestled amid 1,500 scenic wooded acres in beautiful Centre County, Pennsylvania. The view is inescapable. Sophistication and charm are reflected in every direction. Elegance and a relaxed ambiance surround you amid the splendor of this natural and pristine setting in the heart of Pennsylvania’s panoramic landscape. 814‑234‑8000 or 800‑252‑3551; toftrees.com Carnegie Inn & Spa Located in Toftrees, one mile from Penn State University, the Carnegie Inn & Spa
offers guests luxurious accommodations with 21 uniquely appointed guestrooms, each with a private soaking tub and Frette Linens. Voted “Best Fine Dining” in State College, the Carnegie Inn & Spa is a AAA Four Diamond award‑winning property and is perfect for corporate retreats, intimate small weddings, and family reunions. The boutique hotel offers travelers the comforts, charm, and warm hospitality of a European Country Inn. 814‑234‑2424; carnegieinnandspa.com Comfort Suites Relax and recharge at the Comfort Suites, located behind T.G.I. Friday’s off of North Atherton Street. Enjoy room to breathe with their 100% non‑smoking suites, indoor pool and spa, fitness room, free Internet, and de‑ luxe continental breakfast. 814‑235‑1900; comfortsuites.com Country Inn & Suites Relax at the brand new Country Inn & Suites, located one mile from downtown and PSU. Enjoy a deluxe hot breakfast buffet in their grand breakfast area, freshly baked cookies on arrival, and refrigerators, microwaves, and safes in every room. “Friends hosting friends” is their motto. 814‑234‑6000; countryinns.com Days Inn Penn State Located centrally downtown. Full‑service, indoor pool, fitness center, internet, conference and banquet facilities with a business center. Mad Mex and Brewsky’s Bottle Shop located on‑site. 814‑238‑8454; lioncountrylodging.com Econo Lodge Bellefonte Located five miles from downtown in historic Bellefonte. Free internet and free breakfast. 814‑355‑5561; econolodge.com Hilton Garden Inn Located 1.7 miles from downtown. Includes a pool, fitness center, free internet, conference facilities, and business center.
Harrison’s Wine Grill and Catering on site. 814‑272‑1221; lioncountrylodging.com Nittany Budget Motel Located 3.1 miles from downtown. Offers Internet, free coffee, and light breakfast. Brewsky’s Bottle Shop located on‑site and Gigi’s Restaurant adjacent to the property. Pet friendly. 814‑238‑0015; lioncountrylodging.com Quality Inn Located 1.7 miles from downtown. Internet, conference room. Free deluxe breakfast. Pet friendly. 814‑234‑1600; lioncountrylodging.com Ramada Conference Center Located 1.4 miles from downtown. Indoor and outdoor pool, recreation center, free internet, business center, conference and banquet facilities. P.J. Harrigan’s restaurant on site. 814‑238‑3001; ramadasc.com Rodeway Inn Rodeway Inn is only two blocks from Penn State University and one mile from down‑ town State College. Beaver Stadium and the Bryce Jordan Center are just two miles away. Enjoy a free continental breakfast as well as free high‑speed Internet access. 814‑238‑6783; rodewayinn.com Sleep Inn Designed to dream at the State College Sleep Inn, located behind T.G.I. Friday’s off of North Atherton Street. Your satisfac‑ tion couldn’t be simpler at the Sleep Inn, featuring over‑sized showers, free breakfast, high speed Internet, and fitness center. 814‑235‑1020; sleepinn.com Super 8 Located 1.7 miles from downtown. Fitness center, internet, gathering room, and free breakfast. Brewsky’s Bottle Shop next door. 814‑237‑8005; lioncountrylodging.com
Where to Stay Bed & Breakfasts Bed & Breakfast at the Rock Garden A scenic 10‑minute drive from State College is the small village of Oak Hall, between Lemont and Boalsburg, and home to the Bed and Breakfast at the Rock Garden. The farmhouse‑style B&B has five guest rooms, each with its own private bathroom. Another bonus: each room has a gorgeous view of either Mt. Nittany or Tussey Mountain! 814‑466‑6100; therockgardenbandb.com Carnegie Inn & Spa Located in Toftrees, one mile from Penn State University, the Carnegie Inn & Spa offers guests luxurious accommodations with 21 uniquely appointed guestrooms, each with a private soaking tub and Frette Linens. Voted “Best Fine Dining” in State College, the Carnegie Inn & Spa is a AAA Four Diamond award‑winning property and is perfect for corporate retreats, intimate small weddings, and family reunions. The boutique hotel offers travelers the comforts, charm, and warm hospitality of a European Country Inn. 814‑234‑2424; carnegieinnandspa.com Centre Mills Bed & Breakfast Stay in their lovely 1813 mill‑owner’s home, which is listed on the National Reg‑ ister of Historic Places. Their fully‑restored stone house sits on 26 acres in the heart of Brush Valley’s Amish farm community but they are still close by to restaurants and shopping! 814‑349‑8000; centremills.com Chatelaine Bed and Breakfast Located six miles from Penn State’s campus, the Chatelaine Bed and Breakfast offers a luxurious escape for visitors and alumni. The Chatelaine was built in 1841 and serves as a perfect getaway in the shade of Tussey Mountain. Spend a night in one of the Chatelaine’s Empire/Federal‑style rooms, featuring fireplaces, canopy beds, and private baths, or book your wedding,
bridal shower, or anniversary party. 814‑238‑2028; chatelainebandb.com Hublersburg Inn One of Central Pennsylvania’s best kept secrets, The Hublersburg Inn is a local favorite for great food and drink. Be sure to try their famous “Hubie” burger or spicy garlic ranch wings among other great choices. The Inn is located in the heart of Pennsylvania Amish country, just six miles of Lamar exit 173 of Interstate 80. 814‑383‑2616; hublersburginn.com Mountain Hideaway Only 20 minutes from State College, Mountain Hideaway is tightly nestled in the mountains of the Black Moshannon Forest in the borough of Port Matilda. The beautiful facility is equaled by its surroundings and com‑ plemented by the warm hospitality of its staff. Each of the guestrooms offers a queen‑sized bed, full private bath, gas fireplace, central air, DirecTV, and high‑speed wireless internet. 814‑692‑4980; mthideaway.com Our Fair Lady B&B Located just nine miles from Penn State’s campus lies Our Fair Lady, a Victorian Bed & Breakfast. Built in 1883, this historic property features four guest rooms with queen‑sized feather beds. Enjoy the sights and sounds of downtown Bellefonte located just blocks away. Escape the commotion of downtown State College. 814‑355‑1117; ourfairladybnb.com PA‑Reservations.com Planning a trip to Happy Valley for Home‑
coming this September? Wondering who still has rooms available for the Michigan game? PA‑Reservations has you covered since 1999! With the click of a mouse, you’ll gain access to inns, guest rooms, resorts, cabins, and houses for this Penn State football season! Our well‑maintained properties are inspected and approved for the safety and comfort of our guests. 814‑883‑6734; pa‑reservations.com Purple Gate Guesthouse Located in scenic Birmingham, 4 miles south of Tyrone, the Purple Gate Guesthouse is easily accessed from I‑99. Great fishing is a short distance away at the Little Juniata River or Spruce Creek. Enjoy a stay at a country getaway! 814‑684‑7806; purplegateguesthouse.com Rest and Repast Reservation Service Rest and Repast B&B Reservation Service fulfills a lodging shortage during peak PSU football weekends, PSU commencement, and other special events. Rates include breakfast and range from $165 to $200 a night double occupancy. All properties in the State College area are within 1 to 6
miles of Beaver Stadium. Properties within a short drive are between 7 to 16 miles of the stadium. 800‑262‑2655; restandrepast.com The Cottage at Over the Moon Farm For those in need of a quiet getaway in farm country, look no further than The Cottage at Over the Moon Farm. Located in Rebersburg, just 45 minutes from State College, the cottage is tucked away in a corner of their working farm. The grounds include a garden, bonfire ring, picnic area, a hammock and barn verandah. The cottage itself has room for 1‑2 people, providing a three‑room open layout with a bed, futon, kitchenette, bathroom with shower and attached porch. For more information including pricing and availability visit overthemoonfarm.com or email lyn@ overthemoonfarm.com. 814‑349‑2697 The Queen Enjoy an evening of Victorian pastimes year round. Relax by the fireplace in the foyer surrounded by a collection of antiques. Common areas for guests include a Victorian parlour with working victrola, player piano and steroptic viewer. Sit on the front porch
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Where to Stay and listen to the quiet while sipping a mint tea and watch the neighbors enjoy caring for their beautiful homes. Walk to the historic commercial district and purchase that unique gift or enjoy fine dining in a charming Victorian village. 814‑355‑7946; thequeenbnb.com Weiler Mansion B&B Located just 30 minutes from State College, this historic B&B offers three rooms with a tremendous view, and incredible hospitality. Step back in time as you explore our rural heritage among one of Pennsylvania’s Amish communities. If your life is complex, get back to the simple basics with a visit to their bed and breakfast. 717‑483‑6736; weilermansionbnb.com
Lodges, Cabins & Campgrounds Aaronsburg Farm Stay at Woodward Crossings Experience the ambiance of Woodward Crossings’ two private vacation suites with fully equipped kitchens. Choose one of their convenient packages (from romance to fishing and relaxation) for a stay in the heart of Amish Country. 814‑349‑4484; woodwardcrossings.com Bear Country Cabin Located outside of Lock Haven, a short drive from State College and 15 minutes from I‑80, the newly remodeled cabin has everything you need for a weekend get‑a‑way. The cabin sleeps eight comfort‑ ably and features a fully stocked kitchen and satellite television amongst other amenities. Build family memories that last a life time and experience nature at its finest! 717‑768‑8570; visualtour.com/shownp. asp?sk=13&t=1919980
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Bellefonte KOA Happy Kamping in Happy Valley! Come experience all natural and rural beauty mixed with the rich culture of nearby Penn State University. We invite you to try some fly‑fishing in the best native trout streams in the east. Drop a line for the big bass in nearby Bald Eagle State Park, or stay right on the campground and fish in our stocked fishing pond. Explore one of the many caves, visit Victorian Bellefonte, Piper Aviation Museum, or view Amish farms. 814‑344‑7912; koa.com/campgrounds/Bellefonte Black Moshannon Lodge Nestled in the nearly 4,000 acres of the Black Moshannon State Park, the Black Moshannon Lodge is a perfect place to stay for a getaway in the great outdoors. Your hosts, Curt and Tracy, provide all the comfort of your home—full kitchen, modern bathroom, beds for up to eight guests (with linens!), and a large back porch with a fire ring. 814‑592‑8859; blackmoshannonlodge.com Happy Valley Retreats Planning a last‑minute weekend trip to Happy Valley? Happy Valley Retreats has you covered since 1999! Their well‑maintained properties are inspected and approved for the safety and comfort of their guests. 866‑466‑9955; happyvalleyretreats.com Huntingdon Hideaway Huntingdon Hideaway is located on the Little Juniata and near Raystown Lake. This three‑bedroom home that comfort‑ ably sleeps eight is a wonderful place to stay for a getaway in the great outdoors. There is an activity for everyone. If you want to relax, you can take an Amish tour, check out the winery, shop for antiques, or even bird watch. If you are the more adventurous type, there are trails for hiking, biking, running, cross‑country skiing, and horseback riding. This area also offers
boating, fishing, and water sports. After a long day of activities you will come home to a comfortable living room and fireplace, full kitchen, satellite TV, air conditioning, and even an outdoor fire ring. 412‑289‑8222; huntingdonhideaway.com Ingleby Lodge A private Pennsylvania fly fishing lodge located in Central PA, between Penn State (conveniently 25 minutes for PSU Football Fans) and Bucknell University. The three‑Story hand hewn log vacation home is situated in the Appalachian Mountain Range, just off of Ingleby Road between Camp Woodward Action Sports Center and the quaint Fly Fishing town of Coburn, PA ‑‑ where Elk,Pine and Penn’s Creek meet and was host to the U.S. National Fly Fishing championship. The Lodge is convenient yet secluded for all of your Central PA vacation needs. 814‑360‑5145; inglebylodge.com Mountain Acres Lodge The secluded lodge is only 15 minutes from Beaver Stadium and equally convenient to the many other area attractions. The lodge boasts a great room that opens three stories to a widows walk, a commercially‑appointed kitchen, two full baths, and a grand fireplace, and seating surround. Private bedrooms are located off the second and third floor balconies. 814‑364‑1508; mountainacreslodge.com Nature Inn at Bald Eagle The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle is unlike any place in the Pennsylvania State Park system. Nestled within the natural beauty of Bald Eagle State Park, in the very center of the state, the Inn combines the comfortable amenities of an inviting bed and breakfast with sweeping views and door‑step access to year‑round land and water activities. Their walls of windows, huge decks, private balconies, and patios immerse you in nature and provide you with an unequalled natural experience. 814‑625‑2879; natureinnatbaldeagle.com
Raystown Lake Region Located in central Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains, Raystown Lake is the heart of Huntingdon County and home to year‑round outdoor fun. Check out bed & breakfasts, lodges, campgrounds, and other places to stay! 814‑658‑0060; raystown.org Ridge Retreat Rethink your visit to Penn State. Add one day to your weekend and make it a mini va‑ cation. Or better yet, spend a whole week at Raystown Lake. Stay in a 4200‑square‑foot timber‑framed mountain home with four bedrooms and three full baths. Take advan‑ tage of fishing in Raystown Lake or biking the certified trails, judged by the American Mountain Biking Association to be the best on the east coast. Canoe and kayak on the Little Juniata River below the dam. Fly fish the stream where Jimmy Carter fishes just below Alexandria, PA. This magnificent prop‑ erty is 33 miles (40 minutes) from Penn State. 610‑644‑7097; theridgeretreat.com The Cottage at Over the Moon Farm For those in need of a quiet getaway in farm country, look no further than The Cottage at Over the Moon Farm. Located in Rebersburg, just 45 minutes from State College, the cottage is tucked away in a corner of their working farm. The grounds include a garden, bonfire ring, picnic area, a hammock and barn verandah. The cottage itself has room for 1‑2 people, providing a three‑room open layout with a bed, futon, kitchenette, bathroom with shower and attached porch. For more information including pricing and availability visit overthemoonfarm.com or email lyn@ overthemoonfarm.com. 814‑349‑2697 For more accommodations in Happy Valley, visit HappyValley.com
Living/Relocating Home Builders Fine Line Homes Fine Line Homes builds beautifully custom‑ ized homes to fit your dreams, needs, and lifestyle. They are dedicated to building energy‑efficient homes with extraordinary quality, stunning designs, and the delightful amenities that enhance life’s every moment. Your ultimate new home experience begins with Fine Line. They are the area’s exclusively‑licensed Woman Centric home builder. 814‑237‑5581; finelinehomes.com The Village of Nittany Glen Single homes start at only $172,900! You won’t need to spend an extra penny to get many of the luxury upgrades in a gourmet kitchen or in every room of the sensational NEW HOMES AT NITTANY GLEN — the best new home value in State College. Stop by for a tour today! 877‑357‑0202; nittanyglen.com Haubert Homes Building your home is an enjoyable and exciting experience. Choose family‑owned Haubert Homes, which has hundreds of house plans, or they can build from yours. They offer thousands of color options, virtually unlimited design changes, and options for financing. 814‑867‑3262; hauberthomes.com
Happy Valley Retirement Communities Foxdale Village Foxdale Village is a Quaker‑directed not‑for‑profit continuing care retirement community where you can be yourself. Enjoy the freedom to pursue your own unique endeavors while experiencing a
genuine sense of community and support. Continue to live life to the fullest knowing that healthcare is always close at hand. Come and explore all that Foxdale Village has to offer. 814‑238‑3322; foxdalevillage.org Traditions of America at Liberty Hill At Traditions of America at Liberty Hills, the award‑winning community of Penn State, with Happy Valley’s 55+ers, you may find the home of your dreams. You’ll definitely find active adults pursuing their dreams and enjoying an active “Un‑Retirement” lifestyle. 814‑466‑9490; traditionsofamerica.com/ index.cfm/menu/page/stub/State‑College‑ Active‑Adult‑Community‑Liberty‑Hill The Village at Penn State The Village at Penn State, an innovative idea in life care retirement community living, combines the cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities of a world‑class university with the friendliness and charm of small‑town living. 814‑238‑1949; retireatpennstate.org/psu
Local Services Central PA Convention and Visitors Bureau The Central Pennsylvania Convention & Visitors Bureau includes member businesses in State College PA, Bellefonte, Boalsburg, Philipsburg and all of Centre County. Find hotels, bed & breakfasts, restaurants, attrac‑ tions, recreation, events, and information about Penn State University, as well as information for meeting & sports planners, group tour planners, and family vacations. Be sure to check the Calendar of Events to find out what’s going on in Centre County when you visit Penn State. 814‑231‑1400; visitpennstate.org
Fullington Tours Serving hometown folks since 1908, Ful‑ lington has been in the business of transport‑ ing people from here to there first by horse and surrey and now with state of the art luxury motorcoaches. Every effort is made to ensure the best possible trip, whether a one‑day public tour to New York City or an overnight school trip to Washington, D.C. They care about every individual and strive to create fond memories. 814‑355‑4900; fullingtontours.com Catholic Campus Ministry Catholic Campus Ministry assists the 10,000 Catholic students and employees at Penn State in nurturing their faith through daily and weekend liturgies, retreats, service and social justice projects, prayer and faith sharing groups and organizations. 814‑865‑4281; Psucatholic.edu PA – Reservations.com Planning a last minute trip to Happy Valley? Wondering who still has rooms available for football season? PA‑Reservations has had you covered since 1999! With a click of a mouse, you’ll gain access to inns, guest rooms, resorts, cabins and houses! Their well‑maintained properties are inspected and approved for the safety and comfort of their guests. Pa‑reservations.com
Salons, Spas & Gyms A Step Beyond Massage Therapy Step beyond massage therapy and into wellness. They offer an array of therapies to help get you at your best, making for a holistic approach to healthy living. 814‑441‑9331; astepbeyondmassagetherapy.com
The ESSpa at the Carnegie Inn ESSpa is owned and operated by Hungarian skin care expert, Eva Kerschbaumer, who also founded ESSpa Kozmetika in Pitts‑ burgh. This award‑winning facility has been recognized as “The Best Spa in America” by the publication Industry Source and the “Best Skincare” in Western Pennsylvania by Pittsburgh Magazine. 814‑380‑9772; esspa.us Athletic Clubs of State College Join Athletic Clubs of State College for $30! Access to all clubs! Unlimited Group Fitness Classes for just $15 a month! Additional fees for Martial Arts and CrossFit programs. More classes, more choices! Athletic Clubs of State College offers more Group Fitness classes than any club in the area ‑ there’s something for everyone! Gyms that comprise the Athletic Clubs include the North Club, LionHeart, Crossfit LionHeart and the LionHeart Annex. 814‑237‑1510; athleticclubsofstatecollege.com Momentum Fitness One of the most effective ways to get in great shape and achieve awesome results through group training with Momentum Fit‑ ness. Their variety of programs is designed to provide you with dynamic and exciting workouts that are different every day. The professionally trained staff will provide you with the expertise, coaching and motivation to help you achieve results quickly, safely and effectively...Fast! 814‑321‑4711; momentum‑fitness.com Hair Removal by Eileen Cramer Located inside Hair Loft by Charles, Eileen has 35 years of experience and provides electrolysis, body waxing and pulsed light hair removal. Hours of operations are Wednesday and Thursday, by appointment. 814‑777‑5510
Scan the QR code with your smartphone to learn about living in Happy Valley 45
2014 Penn State Football Schedule August 30
UCF ‑ Croke Classic W 26‑24
September 6
Akron
W 21‑03
September 13
Rutgers
W 13‑10
September 20
UMass
W 48‑7
September 27
Northwestern
L 29‑6
October 11
Michigan
L 18‑13
October 25
Ohio State
L 31‑24
November 1
Maryland
L 20‑19
November 8
Indiana
W 13‑7
November 15
Temple
Home
November 22
Illinois
Away
November 29
Michigan State
Home
December 6 B1G Football Championship Game Lucas Oil Stadium • Indianapolis
Schedule subject to change.
2015 Football Schedule
2016 Football Schedule
September 5 Temple September 12 Buffalo September 19 Rutgers September 26 San Diego State October 3 Army October 10 Indiana October 17 Ohio State October 24 Maryland
September 3 Kent State Home September 10 Pittsburgh Away September 17 Temple Home September 24 TBA October 1 Minnesota Home October 8 Maryland Home October 15 Michigan Away October 22 Ohio State Home October 29 Purdue Away November 5 Iowa Home November 12 Indiana Away November 19 at Rutgers Away November 26 Michigan State Home December 3 Big Ten Championship Game Lucas Oil Stadium In Indianapolis
(At M&T Bank Stadium In Baltimore)
Away Home Home Home Home Home Away Away
October 31 Illinois Home November 7 Northwestern Away November 21 Michigan Home November 28 Michigan State Away December 5 Big Ten Championship Game Lucas Oil Stadium In Indianapolis 46
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