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, […]
Strong Happy Valley roots set the stage for Big Spring Spirits expansion
By Caryn Anderson Big Spring Spirits location offers stunning views of Talleyrand Park and nearby access to the Big Spring. Photo Courtesy: Big Spring Spirits Happy Valley’s Big Spring Spirits just started construction on an exciting new endeavor: a 55,000-square-foot project at the former Joseph C. Finch Distillery in Pittsburgh that’s projected to open in […]
Walking the talk: A true farm-to-table cafe
By Caryn Anderson RE Farm Café offers a unique dining experience in a picturesque setting. Photo: RE Farm Café at Windswept Farm The hospitality industry is a major driver of Happy Valley’s economy, with visitors and locals generating hundreds of millions of dollars on average every year. For those looking for stunning views and literal farm-to-table […]
