happy valley

During the Depression era of the 1930s, some people in Pennsylvania managed to avoid the worst of the hard times. They occupied a canyon that separates the Appalachian Plateau from the Appalachian Mountains.    

This locale managed to escape the most dire consequences of the crash because of Pennsylvania State University. It provided jobs and financial stability to those who lived nearby.  After some time, the region began to be called the “Happy Valley.” 

I recently visited the area and came to understand why Happy Valley is an apt title, and description.

Penn State offers an atmosphere of youth, vibrancy and culture. Founded in 1855, it has 20 campuses throughout Pennsylvania including its main site – University Park, in the town of State College

The university and its surrounding grounds offer an inviting choice of attractions. One is the collection at the Palmer Museum of Art.  It spans centuries and represents a diversity of cultures, from American and African creations to works on paper.

The Museum is situated within The Arboretum at Penn State, a lovely landscape that  blends art, architecture and nature.  Among its features are acres of garden spaces, rolling meadows, colorful seasonal plantings and sculptures.

Nearby, outdoor art turns the entire heart of State College into an outdoor museum.  An Art Walk trail features 40 murals, sculptures, statues and other works.

Treats for the taste buds rather than the eyes are served at the Penn State Berkey Creamery, the largest university ice cream maker in the United States. The milk comes from university cows and agricultural students contribute to making the delicious dessert.

Those dairy delights hint at the variety of field-to-fork foods which add to the destination’s appeal. Amish family farms provide beef, cheese and produce that are raised and grown with loving care.

The Heirloom Farmer offers milk, muffins, honey and more, harvested from nearby fields. The history of the Way Fruit Farm dates back to 1872, when 1,000 apple trees were planted. 

History also lives in museums which recount chapters of the area’s story.  Iron-making began in Pennsylvania as early as 1720 and evolved into a key industry due to the abundance of high-quality iron ore, limestone, and trees. Advances in technology resulted in the closing of most iron furnaces in the late 19th century, I was immersed in the heyday of that industry at the Eagle Iron Works and  Curtin Village. The story of what became the region’s leading industry is told there through hands-on demonstrations and walking tours. The Curtin Mansion engulfs visitors in the genteel ambience of an upscale Federal-era manor house.

The Boal Estate (pictured above) has been that family’s home for over 200 years, and displays the original furnishings, artwork, and artifacts from around the globe. I found more intriguing the adjacent small, but imposing, Columbus Chapel. It houses what’s said to be the most extensive collection of Christopher-related items in North America. 

The Matson Museum of Anthropology displays casts of ancient fossil life. Artifacts that demonstrate various aspects of farming and rural life are highlighted at the Pasto Agricultural Museum.

To me, tiny towns that are scattered about the area, each with its own character and appeals, are equally varied, and inviting. Boalsburg is a walkable community that clings to its quaint village atmosphere. Philipsburg displays ties to the region’s industrial past.  Founded in 1795, Bellefonte (pronounced Bell-font) retains much of its original Victorian architecture. 

It’s the historic Georgian Colonial-style design that graces the Nittany Lion Inn, which was built in 1931 on the Penn State campus.  Named for Mount Nittany, which overlooks the university, it has hosted presidents and other notable guests.  Its variety of accommodations and dining options, along with its history and role as a cherished landmark, make a stay there part of the  Happy Valley experience.

Another magnet for tourism is a diverse list of year-round festivals that appeal to a wide range of interests. From street fair to music fest, farm celebrations to a craft market, they add to the long list of attractions that draw more than five million visitors a year to experience and enjoy what State College and its nearby neighbors have to offer.

For more information log onto happyvalley.com.