Spend a Day (or More) on Happy Valley Agventures: Farms, Food, and Scenic Barns
Agriculture is woven into the fabric of Centre County's heritage and remains a cornerstone of the local economy. From Penn State University—originally chartered as the Farmer’s High School in 1855—to the stunning farms dotting our picturesque valleys, Happy Valley's agricultural roots are everywhere. Discover your own unforgettable 'Agventure' with these authentic experiences.
Enjoy Farm-to-Fork Dining
Happy Valley's top restaurants champion local ingredients. Savor inventive dishes at Gigi’s Southern Table, Otto’s Pub & Brewery, Pine Grove Hall, The Hublersburg Inn, Elk Creek Café, and Inglebean Coffee House. RE Farm Café at Windswept Farm elevates this by growing and raising most of its ingredients, which skilled chefs transform into exceptional cuisine. Enjoy ticketed seating, a weekly-changing takeout menu, and RElax picnics on Wednesdays featuring Otto’s beer. End with farm-fresh ice cream from Meyer Dairy, Penn State Berkey Creamery (also at We Are Inn in Philipsburg), or Inglebean Ice Cream.
Sip Craft Beverages Responsibly
Happy Valley boasts a vibrant craft beverage scene paired with excellent food. Get your Central PA Tasting Trail Passport to visit 12 Centre County producers. Taste award-winning wines, creative cocktails (including zero-proof), ciders, and beers.
Shop Local Products
Stock up beyond restaurants at spots like the Harvest Shop at Tait Farm, offering shrubs, mustards, jellies, chutneys, vinaigrettes, and recipes, plus other local goods. Way Fruit Farm provides fresh fruit, produce, honey, jams, jellies, and baked goods. Goot Essa in Nittany Valley specializes in premium Amish cheeses, fudge, and apple butter—watch cheese-making live. Support farmers at local markets and roadside stands.
Explore Agricultural History
Immerse in nature at Rhoneymeade Arboretum & Sculpture Garden, the serene homestead of Leonard Rhone, founder of the historic Grange Fair—one of America's last encampment fairs. Summer camping is available on-site. Tour Boal Mansion, key to Penn State's origins, rich in family artifacts. Visit Penns Valley Historical Museum in Aaronsburg to learn about frontier settlers.
Go Barnstorming
Happy Valley's barns showcase its farming legacy—bank barns, round barns, weathered reds, and more. Spot these icons while driving or biking.
Top Barn-Viewing Routes
Prime spots: Routes 550, 45, 192, and 64. Start on Route 45 from 322 through Penn’s Valley to Millheim. Left on Route 445 to 192, left again to Centre Hall, then Brush Valley Road. Enjoy scenery, bites, and attractions en route.
