From delicious cow-to-cone ice cream to artisan cheese handcrafted using traditional methods to a variety of farm fresh dairy products, enjoy a flavorful journey through Happy Valley, PA’s beautiful agriculture corridors to some of the most delicious dairy delights in Pennsylvania. Start exploring!
Goot Essa 351 Wise Road Howard, PA 16841 www.gootessacheese.com
The Goot Essa cheese shop on the Esh family farmstead features a wide selection of cave aged, handcrafted all-natural cheeses, and homemade condiments and fudge. Goot Essa’s Amish family farms produce 19 types of cow, goat and sheep cheeses from traditional, old family recipes. Goot Essa cheese is fresh from the farm and processed at the peak of flavor. Samples are available, making it easy to select your favorite flavors.
PRO TIP: Be sure to buy any of 10 homemade condiments to complement your cheese of choice.
Kinfork 4657 Brush Valley Road Madisonburg, PA 16852 www.kinfork.com
This cooperative of Amish family farms specializes in whole milk cheddar cheese, pasture raised beef and produce. Its cheddar and sharp cheddar come in block sizes ranging from 8 ounces to 40 pounds. Kinfork’s cheddar cheese is also rolled in signature spice blends: garlic & parsley; onion & dill; four pepper and maritime spice.
PRO TIP: Check the shelves at the co-op’s retail space for a rotating selection of homemade products and canned goods.
Nittany Meadow Farm 227 Nittany Meadow Farm Lane Boalsburg, PA 16827 www.nittanymeadowfarm.com
New in 2025, Happy Valley, PA’s only goat-only dairy produces fresh goat milk, with yogurt and cheese planned. The historic farm also offers goat yoga, goat visits and a full slate of family friendly interactive events with its adorable mini-Nubian and Nigerian dwarf goats. Interested in a ‘goatcation?’ Two farm cottages are available for rent.
PRO TIP: Goat snuggles are the best!
Penn State Berkey Creamery Rodney A. Erickson Food Science Building, 119 University Park, PA www.creamery.psu.edu The famous Berkey Creamery is a Penn State tradition for 155 years and counting. A world leader in dairy production and food science, the Penn State Berkey Creamery is a must-visit for ice cream aficionados. The creamery offers a mouth-watering selection of rotating flavors, including fan-favorites alumni swirl, death by chocolate, grilled stickies and white out. With its convenient home-shipping options, you can enjoy fresh Berkey Creamery treats year-round. (We just think it tastes better when enjoyed in Happy Valley, PA.)
PRO TIP: For GPS, use “Curtin Road and Bigler Road.”
Nittany Valley Creamery 5565 Jacksonville Road Howard, PA 16841 Cash only!
Opened in 2022, Amish-owned Nittany Valley Creamery serves up cow-to-cone ice cream straight from the Glick family farm. The creamery’s charming Dairy Barn is easy to spot among the fields and farms along the picturesque drive through Nittany Valley. More than 20 different flavors of cones, dishes, shakes and sundaes are available, along with whoopie pie ice cream sandwiches, ice cream gallons and pints, milk and other dairy products.
PRO TIP: Don’t forget to take in the beautiful view and outdoor play area for the kids.
Wasson Farm Market 2545 Shingletown Road State College, PA 16801 Seasonal; follow on Facebook for hours
The seasonal ice cream stand at Wasson Farm Market is a popular local favorite. Serving ice cream treats since 2020, the farm has been in the family for more than 100 years. Blueberry, mint chip, very berry, and peanut butter fluff are among the flavors, which reflect in-season produce. Wasson Farm also offers family friendly Fall Fest weekends in late September/early October –the last chance to enjoy its delicious ice cream treats!
PRO TIP: Visit in the fall for an apple cider float!
Meyer Dairy 2390 S. Atherton St. State College, PA 16801 www.meyerdairyfarms.com
Meyer Dairy Farms’ 350 Holstein cows are at the heart of the year-round “moo-st memo-rable” family dairy experience in Happy Valley. With the family farm dating back to 1887, Meyer Dairy offers 40+ seasonal and limited-edition ice cream flavors, along with freshly glass bottled milk, heavy cream, and eggs. Unique central Pennsylvania flavors include teaberry, butter crunch, grapenut, maple walnut and lemon custard.
PRO TIP: The place for ice cream nachos and ice cream flights!
Share our beautiful roads
The Happy Valley, PA Dairy Delight Trail traverses some of Centre County’s most picturesque agricultural corridors. These roads are enjoyed by cyclists and motorcyclists, and wind through many of our Amish communities and farmsteads. Please look for bicycles, motorcycles, Amish buggies, and the occasional farm vehicle as you embark on a memorable, flavorful journey in Happy Valley.