Happy Valley’s best-kept secret? Weekday getaways.

While the vibrant weekends, filled with football games, group hikes, and family outings, create a lively scene, weekdays move at a different pace here.

Where weekends require advanced planning, are in high demand, and are full of energy, weekdays offer a sense of whimsy, accessible options, and a peaceful escape.

At the heart of this is the people: the small business owners who put their heart into making Happy Valley memorable, and the slower season is the perfect opportunity to soak that in.

Spontaneity

If you love in-the-moment experiences, visiting the valley mid-week is for you. We all know the feeling: it’s Friday night, and you’re in the mood for something, but you didn’t make reservations ahead of time. Maybe you even try to wing it and show up, but unfortunately, the dining room is full, and the waitlist is 30 minutes long.

Between Penn State games, annual festivals, and popular seasons, weekends in Centre County often require planning well in advance, and expenses can quickly add up. However, I have found that even at a sold-out hotel on weekends, weekdays are still wide open. 

The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle, for example, is a beloved accommodation during fall foliage (and I’d highly recommend it for nature lovers - it’s inside a state park!) Autumn colors blanket this region in bright reds, subdued yellows, and golden oranges, so it’s no wonder everyone flocks to the valley on weekends. Come midweek, however, and you can usually find a room available at this cozy nature lodge.

Affordable Alternative

You can find more options at a lower price point when traveling mid-week, both because prices are lower and also because affordable options tend to be available when weekends are booked out in advance. Tussey Mountain, a ski resort, offers all-day lift tickets for more than 20% less on weekdays, and is bound to be less crowded on the slopes, too. 

The Nittany Lion Inn has just undergone a gorgeous reconstruction and is an affordable option for weekday getaways.

“The Nittany Lion Inn offers a unique mid-week escape for guests looking to blend productivity and relaxation,” said Ryan Saal, General Manager of The Nittany Lion Inn. “From tucked-away workspaces perfect for remote work to exceptional on-site dining at Lionne, 1855 Lounge, and our other culinary venues, the Inn invites guests to unwind and stay connected in style. Mid-week stays also offer the advantage of more affordable rates and a peaceful atmosphere, allowing visitors to experience everything State College has to offer, without the weekend crowds.”

Quiet luxury

Fancy a summit all to yourself? Or perhaps craving a peaceful evening at your favorite restaurant? Happy Valley’s weekdays offer a slower pace that is a quiet luxury in itself.

Explore the small town charm that historic towns like Philipsburg, Bellefonte, and Boalsburg offer at your own pace. In an ever-busy world, time is a luxury, and spending a few days exploring might even feel like time has stood still.

Ponder the history of the region at the Historic Bellefonte Train Station and schedule a ride with the Bellefonte Historical Railroad, or spend an afternoon on a tour of the only cave in Pennsylvania on the National Register of Historic Places, the aptly named Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park.

Where to start Weekday adventures are great for a variety of travelers, so I’ve put together a few itineraries to inspire you, no matter what kind of getaway you’re looking for.

For a peaceful getaway

• Stay at a charming bed and breakfast in Bellefonte.
• Start your day off with a leisurely breakfast prepared right at the inn, then wander over to Talleyrand Park for a relaxing stroll in this idyllic setting. Browse nearby shops and take in the slow pace and friendly atmosphere of historic downtown Bellefonte.
• Enjoy a lunch at Governor’s Pub.
• Spend your afternoon on a fun activity like yoga with goats at Nittany Meadows, a mindful painting class with Kaleidescope, or an off-Broadway production at the Eisenhower Auditorium.
• End the day with a laid-back dinner at the normally bustling Field Burger & Tap.

For an adventurous traveler

• Stay at a glampsite cabin at Bellefonte Campground.
• Enjoy breakfast at camp or indulge in delicious options nearby at Hublersburg Inn.
• Enjoy a day on uncrowded trails in Happy Valley’s extensive outdoor scene. Sprint to the overlook at Mount Nittany, kayak the wetlands at Black Moshannon State Park, or go for a hike in Bald Eagle State Forest. 
• For a change of pace, take a different trail in the afternoon and taste your way through local breweries on the Central PA Tasting Trail.
• Don’t miss dinner at RE Farm Cafe, where chefs prepare meals sourced from the farm outside in an open kitchen, and guests can wander the grounds before enjoying dinner.

A suggested itinerary

• Stay at the recently renovated The Nittany Lion Inn in State College for a fraction on weekdays.
• Start breakfast in the historic Lionne dining room, where you can order a customizable latte with any photo in the foam!
• Pamper yourself with a day at Designer's Denn Salon & Spa.
• Savor an elevated dinner at Flour & Stone, where locally sourced ingredients are prepared with exquisite care. (I’m still thinking about their truffle short rib gnocchi a year later.)
• Walk next door to catch live music at sister restaurant Pine Grove Hall and enjoy craft cocktails while you dance the night away.

Where will you go?

Skip the crowds and join the slow pace of life on a weekday adventure in Happy Valley. Let yourself wander, talk to strangers, and enjoy the opportunities it has to offer. You know you want to. The only question is: where will you go?

Find your happy place in Happy Valley, Pennsylvania!