By Lesley Kistner

Nestled among Happy Valley, PA’s ridges and agricultural corridors are farms, farm stores, and agribusinesses that offer a pleasant break from the everyday hustle and bustle…and good ole’ fun on the farm. Add these bucket list agventures to your Happy Valley itinerary.

Create colorful memories From June to the first frost, Happy Valley’s agricultural corridors are awash in color from stunning blooms at Happy Valley Lavender Farm, Rooted Farmstead, Blooming Petals Flower Farm, and The Heirloom Farmer. Fields of lavender, zinnias, dahlias, snapdragons, sunflowers, and more provide pick-your-own fun and create the perfect backdrop for memorable family photos and one-of-a-kind events.

Taste test dairy delights Penn State Berkey Creamery is known worldwide, but it is not the county’s only sought-after dairy destination. The Happy Valley Dairy Delight Trail features seven stops for delicious farm-fresh ice cream, artisanal cheese crafted by traditional methods, and other dairy products. Amish-owned Nittany Valley Creamery, Goot Essa, and Kinfork Café are trending options for quality flavor. Ice cream flights star at Meyer Dairy, another traditional favorite. Wasson Farm’s seasonal ice cream stand is popular with locals, and Nittany Meadow Farm’s micro goat dairy is Happy Valley’s one and only.

Sip in inspired settings The 19 establishments that comprise the Central PA Tasting Trail offer award-winning local beer, wine, cider, and spirits – in some uniquely inspired settings. Laurel Spring Cidery’s heritage apples and stunning vistas at the historic property pay homage to America's colonial cider culture. Mad McIntosh Cidery, situated within Titan Hollow, boasts a Gothic-industrial ambiance in what was once a brass factory. Big Spring Spirits brings bold flavors to its tasting room, located inside a former match factory.

Go for the goats Nittany Meadow Farm’s adorable Nigerian Dwarf and Mini Nubian goats bring a new level of joy (and click-worthy selfies) to activities like yoga and country line dancing. The farm even offers goat walks, goat snuggles, and other opportunities to interact with its friendly residents. Ready to tackle the goat gauntlet? 

Explore a-maize-ing routes Walk through Mountain Edge Farm’s 13-acre corn maze for hidden surprises and amazing ridge views. In late fall, the maze “glows” for evening exploration. A petting zoo with llamas, alpacas, Scottish Highland Cattle, pigs, rabbits, and goats adds to the activities at Living Faith Acres’s 6-acre corn maze.

Savor the flavor of tradition Held each spring and fall, the Nittany Valley Benefit Dinner is a traditional Amish-style wedding dinner offered buffet-style at seatings throughout the day. Prepared by the local Amish community, this is a memorable opportunity to meet new friends while enjoying delicious home-cooked meals. Amish-owned Kinfork Café is a hidden gem for breakfast, lunch, local cheese, and farm-raised meat and produce. Kinfork hosts special community dinners throughout the year where home-cooking is on the menu. For more bucket-list inspiration for agritourism activities in Happy Valley, Pennsylvania, visit www.happyvalleyagventures.com.