Pennsylvania has become a hot destination for craft beverages, and Happy Valley is at the center of it all. Happy Valley is home to the Central PA Tasting Trail. There are craft breweries, distilleries, wineries, and cideries along the trail, making it a great region to enjoy a sip, explore, and recharge. These are a few great options for stopping to taste a beverage while experiencing Happy Valley, Pennsylvania.

Bellefonte is home to several of the destinations on the Central PA Tasting Trail. This is a charming town with local arts and antique shops, as well as the walking path at Talleyrand Park. It is a great place to explore and then spend the night at one of the many bed-and-breakfasts in town. After extensive field research, the following places are excellent places to relax. Big Spring Spirits is situated beside the renowned Big Spring in Bellefonte, a natural spring famous for its award-winning water. Using this pristine source, the distillery crafts exceptionally smooth vodka and a full lineup of premium spirits. Visitors can enjoy a tasting room experience featuring handcrafted cocktails made with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, some of which are even grown in the distillery’s own garden.

Conveniently situated just down the road from downtown Bellefonte, Big Spring Spirits is a must-visit for anyone exploring the area.

Axemann Brewery is also just down the road from downtown Bellefonte. Opened by Penn State alumni, they revitalized an old brass factory, repurposing much of the existing structure and elements of the old building to give a cool industrial vibe. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor space to enjoy a beer. Axemann’s flagship beer is the Blue Stripe Kolsch, an excellent everyday beer and a tribute to the region. 

Titan Hollow, located right next door to Axemann Brewing, is an event space, cidery, and winery, as well as a host to a great restaurant. A converted factory given a new life with an enchanted forest vibe. Located here is Mad McIntosh Cider, crafting a variety of ciders for tasting. Alloy Kitchen, on-site, offers a menu of familiar and unique dishes with something for everyone to enjoy. Witches’ Hollow Winery features sun-ripened fruits transformed into wines. 

If hiking is more your vibe, Happy Valley has several options for grabbing a beverage and relaxing after your hike. There are breweries and wineries conveniently located in Happy Valley, near multiple state parks, local parks, and state forests. 

Mount Nittany is a local favorite hiking spot in Happy Valley. The hike up to the top may be a little steep, but once you reach the summit, it is relatively flat, and there are many scenic overlooks to take in the different parts of Happy Valley. 

For a treat after a hike, or a destination in itself, visit Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery. This six-acre vineyard and winery has southern exposure and an elevation that is great for growing grapes. They feature a large variety of wines, including dry wines, their trademarked Tailgate wines, and a selection of dessert and fruit wines.

Boal City Brewing is a fantastic stop along the Central PA Tasting Trail. Located in Boalsburg, it is adjacent to Rothrock State Forest and just beside a bike path. It features a variety of beers, a beautiful garden during the summer months, and regular food trucks. Before or after a stop at Boal City Brewing, there are plenty of great restaurants nearby, like Breakfast on Boal and Pine Grove Hall. This is also central to many hiking trails, the Pennsylvania Military Museum, and Tussey Mountain.

If you’re in State College visiting the university, there are plenty of options both downtown and nearby. State College offers activities on the Penn State campus and many shops in downtown to explore. One of my favorite Happy Valley activities is simply walking around the campus or downtown. On one of these walks, I discovered Antifragile Brewing Co., the only taproom and brewery located in downtown State College. Antifragile has a wide selection of beers, produces its own kombucha, and makes a great stop on your walk around town to relax and maybe make a new friend. 

Maybe you’re staying outside State College; Otto’s Pub & Brewery, Barrel 21, and Keewaydin Cider Mill are all great options. Otto’s has been a local favorite for more than two decades, offering a rotating selection of beers and a variety of food options. Over the years, they added the Barrel 21 Distillery next door and, more recently, Keewaydin Cider Mill. This ensures there is a beverage for everyone.

These are just a few of the many ways to sip along the Central PA Tasting Trail, explore Happy Valley, and spend a couple of days. Which would you like to try first?