Downtown State College is Buzzing: Brooklyn Style Deli, New Eateries, and a Wave of Openings Signal Growth

Downtown State College is heating up with a wave of exciting restaurant and business openings, bringing fresh energy to the area.
Hotel Performance Puts Happy Valley on Growth Fast Track

A look at year-end 2024 data shows that Centre County was the fastest growing tourism economy in the state.
The Future of Penn State: Rapid Changes, Big Bets, and What to Watch

Penn State is evolving at a pace faster than ever before. From massive financial investments to privatization, NIL and direct payments, and enrollment shifts, major decisions are reshaping the university.
HVAB awards recognize excellence in local tourism/hospitality industry

STATE COLLEGE, PA, Nov. 12, 2024 – The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) recognized standouts in the Centre County tourism and hospitality community on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at the Third Annual Happy Valley Hospitality Awards. Sponsored by Titan Park, the event drew a crowd of nearly 300 to Brass 16823 in Bellefonte for an Academy […]
New Nittany Lion Inn is ideal for business travel, meetings

By Holly Riddle Visitation is up in Happy Valley. In 2023, the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau set an audacious goal of welcoming 5 million visitors by the end of 2024. As of a July announcement from the Bureau, that goal has already been met, and it’s estimated that the county has reached its additional goal […]
Why Bellefonte’s unique bed and breakfasts are thriving post-pandemic

By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger The Queen. Photo: Provided. Part of Bellefonte’s draws for visitors are the unique lodging opportunities available at local bed and breakfasts. Owning and operating a B&B requires hard work and commitment, plus a passion for people and hospitality. Three Bellefonte B&B proprietors share how they have continued to thrive amid changes and […]
Happy Valley capitalizes on the life-changing magic of travel

By Cara Aungst Upcoming events in the upcoming year include The Ironman 70.3 triathlon set for July 2023. Photo: Provided. The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) measured markers of Covid-19 economic recovery a little differently than the rest of the world. While other businesses looked to the CDC or Wall Street, HVAB watched the people […]
How choosing a Happy Valley HQ over “centers of industry” made the difference for Shaner Corp

By Cara Aungst Shaner Corp CEO Lance Shaner credits the company’s core values of rewarding success and operating with integrity for its 400% growth over the past three years. Photo: Provided. Thirty years ago, Lance Shaner and his brother Fred were looking for a new home for their progressive hospitality business. They explored Atlanta, Durham, […]
Authentic before it was cool

By Beverly Molnar In 1963, Andy Zangrilli opened his first restaurant, a small pizza shop in State College. As he refined his brand, he expanded his signature fare of casual Italian and American dining throughout Pennsylvania, eventually introducing 30 additional locations to his restaurant portfolio. However, through nearly 60 years of changing times and tastes, […]