Hidden Treasures in the Heart of Central Pennsylvania
Glamping, waterfalls, ice cream dreams & small-town smiles
When my husband and I needed a quick reset, we escaped to Bellefonte Campground — a woodland glamp-oasis with the cutest mix of tiny cabins, cozy yurts, a stylish container home and even campsites and RVs. Some spaces come with rejuvenating saunas, others with squeaky-clean hot tubs and all brim with rustic-meets-modern charm. It was the perfect launchpad for exploring one of Pennsylvania’s most welcoming corners.
Happy Valley: More than a Nickname
Locals affectionately call the area Happy Valley, and after just a weekend we understood why. Technically, State College is the name of the lively town wrapped around Penn State University, while Happy Valley refers to the wider, scenic valley that cradles it. But the name is more than geography — it captures the friendliness and easy smiles you meet at every turn. Whether we were ordering coffee, poking through antiques or watching a homecoming parade, people went out of their way to chat and connect.
Our Cozy Basecamp: The Bellefonte Campground
Just a hop skip from State College, the Victorian town of Bellefonte is pure Americana. Think gingerbread-trimmed houses, tree-lined streets and a waterfront park where eager ducks paddle beneath a graceful suspension bridge. Highlights include:- Talleyrand Park & Suspension Bridge – a serene stretch along Spring Creek with shady weeping willows and quaint, yet photogenic waterfalls.
- Big Spring Spirits – housed in the beautifully restored Match Factory complex, this craft distillery serves small-batch spirits with local flair. Their cocktails are a work of art, the food is fresh and edgy, but the distillery itself is a sight to be seen!
Park by Big Spring Spirits and wander through the town. Every shopkeeper greeted us like old friends, swapping stories and giving insider tips. And if you're lucky, you might even catch a hometown parade!
Nature’s Showstoppers
Just beyond Bellefonte’s charming streets, the landscape unfolds into a world of natural showstoppers — where caves whisper ancient stories, waterfalls tumble through quiet forests, and moss-covered rocks invite you to slow down and simply marvel at the wonder of it all.
- Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park
America’s only all-water cavern! Float through limestone halls by boat, then continue the adventure on a wildlife tour across rolling hills and prepare yourself for a giggle with your entertaining Cave Guides. - Bilger’s Rocks
A dramatic maze of 300-million-year-old sandstone boulders—perfect for scrambling, daydreaming, and feeling small in the best way. And if you're feeling adventurous, there are nooks and crannies to squeeze through! I just might make an "I Went Spelunking at Bilger's Rocks" t-shirt! - Rosecrans Falls
A gentle hike rewards you with a secluded 20-foot waterfall framed by moss and forest quiet. Please note: when you drive down the final stretch, there are no signs. So, just as the road bears sharply to the left, park your car near the yellow gate. Walk about 20 yards to see the trail head. Cross the stream and stay to the left. The right side of the stream is private property.
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An Antiquer’s Paradise
Central Pennsylvania is an antiquer’s paradise, where every winding road seems to lead to another trove of treasures. From the timeless displays at Apple Hill Antiques (1695 North Atherton Street, State College, PA) to the ever-changing collections at Pat Errigo Auctioneer & Antiques (201 Filbert Street, Curwensville, PA), the region hums with stories waiting to be rediscovered. Charming shops like The Great Mish Mosh (128 South Allegheny Street, Bellefonte, PA) and Plaza Centre Antiques (124 West High Street, Bellefonte, PA) invite you to linger, chat with the owners and lose yourself in the nostalgia of simpler times. Whether you’re browsing for heirloom china, vintage books or a quirky piece that sparks a smile, this corner of Pennsylvania promises a little bit of history — and a whole lot of heart — around every bend.
sweet & Savory in State College
No visit is complete without legendary ice cream at Berkey Creamery on Penn State’s campus. From classic vanilla to inventive seasonal scoops, it’s dairy bliss at its finest. It is rooted in the Department of Food Science within the College of Agricultural Sciences and the Creamery’s mission explicitly includes supporting teaching, research, and outreach programs of that department. You can also pick up fresh eggs, cheese, sandwiches AND as many types of ice cream as your cooler will hold! Save yourself the trouble of finding a streetside parking spot and just head for the garage and walk over.
The bustling downtown adds college-town energy, with a plethora of cafes, pubs and music spilling onto sidewalks even a unique art gallery (Douglas Albert Gallery – 126 E. College Avenue). Easy parking, lots of places to pick up Penn State memorabilia.
Why We’ll Be Back
Every stop on this trip sparkled - hot tub mornings at our glamp container, antique discoveries and the echoing hush of a boat inside a cave — but what lingered most was the people. Warm-hearted, generous with conversation, genuinely curious about visitors: they embody why this valley earned its happy name.
If you’re craving a getaway where comfort meets wild beauty and every handshake feels like a neighborly welcome, point your compass to Happy Valley and let Bellefonte be your base. You’ll come home with more than pretty pictures — you’ll bring back new friends and stories that keep glowing long after the trip ends.
Until the next wander & wonder,
✨ Suzanne 🌿
Director of Joy at Come Play Outside
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