Connect Happy Valley: The Warmest Welcoming Valley
In the heart of Pennsylvania, nestled among ridges and rich traditions, lies a place where hospitality isn’t just practiced—it’s lived. Welcome to Happy Valley, where every visit feels like coming home.
On November 5, the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) brought together more than 300 hospitality leaders, community partners, and public officials for a moment that captured the essence of our valley. The 2025 Hospitality Awards weren’t just a ceremony; they were a celebration of belonging. The message that rang loud and clear: it’s not only about drawing visitors to our valley, but also about making sure they never feel like strangers.
Serving with Joy: How the Centre County Pearls Are Uniting Happy Valley
By Rebecca Farmer In the heart of Happy Valley, something beautiful is taking root. Amidst the hills, college town bustle, and Penn State pride, a new sisterhood of service has quietly emerged, and it’s changing lives in the most joyful, grounded way. The Centre County Pearls of PA (CCP) is a newly launched service group […]
Falling Back: Navigating the Time Change with Better Sleep
It’s that weekend again in Happy Valley. Clocks “fall back” this Sunday, November 2nd at 2:00 a.m., marking the end of daylight-saving time for 2025. That extra hour of rest might feel like a win, but anyone dealing with the time change knows the disruption can be real. Whether you’re a student at Penn State, a parent juggling busy routines, or a retiree savoring autumn, this transition is a chance to rethink your daily rhythms.
A New Chapter for Downtown: Nittany Residence Club Breaks Ground
State College celebrated a new chapter in its downtown growth on Friday with the groundbreaking of the Nittany Residence Club, the region’s first “condo hotel.” Located at 321 W. Beaver Ave., the nine-story project will feature 70 luxury one- to three-bedroom units with a private fitness center, covered parking, and a lobby coffee shop.
Groundbreaking Set for Nittany Residence Club in Downtown State College
Innovative Condo-Hotel Blending Penn State Legacy, Walkability, and Smart Investment Has Already Sold Over One-Third of Units
The skyline of downtown State College is changing again. This Friday, October 10, at 2:00 p.m., local leaders, developers, alumni, and future residents will gather to officially break ground on the Nittany Residence Club, a nine-story luxury condominium-hotel just one block from Penn State’s campus.
Introducing the Connectors: Erica Quinn
Erica brings creative energy and a passion for collaboration to everything she does in Happy Valley. Most days, she can be found falling in love with cross-sector arts projects across Pennsylvania, weaving her bike through local alleyways, paddling the Lehigh River, porch-sitting with her three cats in Lemont, reading tarot cards, or lighting up the dance floor at Manny’s.
Out Front of the Parade: Lessons from Mimi Barash Coppersmith
By Greg Woodman Most of us are happy to be in the parade. Or content to watch the parade. We enjoy the music, the fellowship, the energy of marching together. But very few want to step out front, where the spotlight shines, where the risks are highest, and where the critics are loudest. Mimi Barash […]
A Celebration of Creativity: The First HappyValley Maker Faire
Last weekend, something truly extraordinary happened at Axemann Brewery. The first-ever HappyValley Maker Faire brought together curious kids, seasoned engineers, creative artists, garage inventors, and everyday tinkerers for a hands-on, high-energy celebration of creativity and community. As someone who has spent a career in business and marketing, I have seen my fair share of expos and trade shows. But this was different. This was alive. It was a living network of community and connection, a space where people didn’t just attend—they belonged.
Introducing the Connectors: Luke Massaro
Luke Massaro was born and raised in State College before heading off to Bucknell University, where he earned his degree and played football for the Bison. After seven years in the Rockies, living in Colorado and Montana, Luke returned in 2018 with his wife, also a State College native, to put down roots, raise their two children (now ages 5 and 7), and build community in Happy Valley.
