-Arboretum at Penn State photo by Alyssa Nelson, waywardblog.com

Alyssa from Wayward Blog visited Happy Valley from her home city of Charlotte and put together this helpful guide for fellow first (but not last!) timers.

With easy flight options to State College Regional Airport with a quick layover, getting to Happy Valley from the Southern U.S. is refreshingly simple. And once you arrive, it doesn’t take long to understand why this region wins people over so quickly.

Start your weekend with a meal that sets the tone for the rest of your trip at RE Farm Café, an eco-conscious, farm-to-table restaurant that’s as beautiful as the food it serves. With sweeping valley views and a menu shaped by the farm’s own harvest, every bite connects you to the area’s rich agricultural landscape. Be sure to book a reservation for the Composer’s Counter Experience to watch each dish unfold in the open kitchen.

From there, your weekend takes an artsy turn. The Palmer Museum of Art, recently reopened in a striking new space, showcases a blend of contemporary and classic works that highlight both regional and global talent. Pair your visit with a stroll through The Arboretum at Penn State, where walking paths wind through colorful gardens, alongside water features, and into shaded woods. It’s ideal for anyone who prefers a leisurely wander to a strenuous hike (although you’ll find plenty of great hiking options in Happy Valley, too!).

Downtown State College hums with youthful energy, and it’s here that visitors can see how creativity thrives year-round. The Makery Market, a cozy shop and community workshop space, features handmade goods from regional artisans, from pottery to locally crafted candles and textiles. There’s really no better Happy Valley souvenir than one made right here.

Food is a central part of any trip, and it’s time to add two more great restaurants to your list. For a casual lunch, Bonfatto's Italian Market & Corner Café serves up hearty sandwiches in a charming Bellefonte space that’s been a local favorite for years. For an elevated date night, make Flour and Stone your destination for incredible pasta dishes served in a refreshingly relaxed setting.

As evening sets in, Big Spring Spirits offers a lively but laid-back spot to unwind. Whether you prefer the matchstick factory setting of the Bellefonte original or the brand-new location in State College’s Scholar Hotel, this distillery crafts an impressive lineup of small-batch spirits and cocktails made with locally sourced ingredients.

And no visit would be complete without a stop at Penn State Berkey Creamery, a Penn State institution where generations of students and travelers have come for a scoop (or two!) of fresh, house-made ice cream. Whether you’re team Peachy Paterno or Death by Chocolate, it’s a sweet way to wrap up your Happy Valley adventure.

A weekend here is just enough time to scratch the surface. Between the friendly and welcoming locals, the creative energy, and the gorgeous scenery, most first-timers leave already planning their next trip back. Looking for more stops to add to your list? Check out the full First Timer’s Weekend Guide.