Getting around Happy Valley: It’s easier than you think
By Holly Riddle Photo by William F. Yurasko For those born and raised in Happy Valley — or at least for those who’ve lived in the region for the past few decades — it can be easy to settle into one’s little corner of the county and stay there, rarely venturing out to visit other […]
Happy Valley achieves major tourism goal
Beaver Stadium By: Sarah Taylor The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau recently announced that the region had marked a significant milestone: 5 million visitors and one billion dollars in visitor spending. Originally, the organization had hoped to reach this milestone by the end of 2024, but as of the end of 2023, we’re already there. According […]
Summer’s far from over: Late summer events bring visitor dollars to the region
By: Sarah Taylor While Happy Valley may be known as Penn State, and it’s easy to assume that most visitors come to the region for university-related events (like football games), when school’s out during the summer, Centre County still welcomes over 1.9 million visitors over the span of three months. Many June and July events […]
As the Centre Region Council of Governments nears its 55th year, leaders reflect on work improving the local community
By: Sarah Taylor Local construction underway | Image Credits: Council of Governments’ project update As Happy Valley community members go about their days — visiting parks and libraries, taking advantage of amenities like recycling centers and more — there’s an organization in the background, with a budget of approximately $24 million and more than 300 […]
Why Happy Valley transplants have stayed through the decades
By Sarah Taylor Penn State alum Steve Koval moved back to the Happy Valley region in 1986. Almost 40 years later, he’s the founder of Nittany Strategic Solutions LLC and plans to stay in the area for the long haul. His reasoning? Simple — the combination of “community, outdoor adventures, PSU events and family,” made […]
Bedford Springs Resort: A world-renowned resort just 80 miles from Penn State
by Sarah Taylor Located in the picturesque Pennsylvanian Alleghenies, Omni’s Bedford Springs Resort offers a serene escape into nature coupled with rich historical charm. While the luxury resort dates back to the early 19th century, its modern amenities and extensive outdoor activities make it a sought-after destination for outdoor enthusiasts, luxury travelers and history buffs […]
Happy Valley expects record-setting number of tourists this summer
by Holly Riddle When is Happy Valley at its busiest and most bustling? Some might say fall football weekends, when Nittany Lion fans flock from near and far to fill up the 100,000-plus seats in Beaver Stadium. However, those people would be wrong. “Hotel performance is probably the best barometer of the health of the […]
Shifting tides in Happy Valley: What the changes mean for you
by Sarah Taylor For decades, the real estate market has been shaped by a standard 6% commission fee on home transactions (in discussions with local real estate agents all have stated emphatically that commission rates were always negotiable.) But now, with a groundbreaking antitrust settlement poised to disrupt this, let’s look at the implications for […]
Happy Valley- We are part of the Alleghenies!
by Jodie Dello Stritto Pennsylvania State of Independence Vintage 2010 Cycling Brochure Pennsylvania’s new tourism brand, “The Great American Getaway,” launched by Governor Shapiro in May, shines a spotlight on the Alleghenies region, positioning it as a prime destination for travelers seeking the perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and rich history. The campaign […]
