The days are long and the temperatures are warm, making it the perfect time to get outdoors and explore Centre County’s abundant agricultural offerings. This mid-summer bucket list will get you started, with many destinations part of the Fresh from the Field Trail.
1. Cool off with farm fresh ice cream.
Ice cream belongs on every bucket list in any season. Now that we have this rule established, it is time to start exploring Happy Valley’s many flavorful options. Pick from the newest member of the state’s Scooped Ice Cream Trail, Nittany Valley Creamery, or traditional favorites Meyer Dairy and Berkey Creamery. Do not forget to stop at Wasson Farm for more homemade goodness, plus seasonal fruits and vegetables. Make sure to check before going as some locations only accept cash or check.
2. Paint a pony.
The Mini Whinnies at Quarter Acre Wood typically hold “paint a pony” parties a few times throughout the year, but spots fill up fast. More information about painting a pony and other unique activities and events featuring the adorable mini horses of Quarter Acre Wood, are available at mini-w-horsemanship.weebly.com.
3. Hike with a horse.
More of an outdoorsy type and less of an artist? The Mini Whinnies at Quarter Acre Wood also offers "Hiking with horses." Schedule a time to visit, learn how to handle one of the adorable miniature horses and then hike with them on one of the on-property trail options. The horses even have "backpacks" that can carry things like water bottles. Picnic stop options are available as well.
4. Keep with tradition. The Centre County Grange Fair is celebrating 150 years Aug. 16-24! You can share in that wonderful history by watching a special Grange Fair documentary. There will be two showings of this memorable look back – 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18 in the Grandstand. Enjoy the show!
5. Elevate your grilling.
Impress your guests at your next cookout with delicious local products grown, raised and crafted in Centre County. Grab a couple steaks from Kinfork, top it with some artisan blue cheese from Goot Essa, pick fresh produce from Centre Markets, Way Fruit Farm—or any local farm market – and stop by the Tait Farm Harvest Shop for side dish, salad and cocktail/’mocktail’ recipes featuring their delicious local products.
6. Explore new pairings with your favorite local craft beverage
The locations of the craft beverage establishments on the Central PA Tasting Trail allow for some perfect “pairings” with your favorite craft beverage or zero proof cocktail. Take in a movie at the historic Rowland Theatre in Philipsburg, followed by craft beer at The Dead Canary. Walk the trail around the Columbus Chapel & Boal Mansion Museum and then cool off at Boal City Brewing. Make friends with the Mallards at Pisano Winery, and then head over to Elk Creek Café + Aleworks for dinner. The beautiful views at J&L Farm Cidery, University Wine Company, Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery and Happy Valley Vineyard & Winery go well with local wines and ciders. Does it get any better than enjoying an evening campfire while sipping a glass of wine from Seven Mountains Wine Cellars? With 18 trail members featuring beer, wine, cider and spirits, the pairing possibilities are endless. Visit www.centralpatastingtrail.com and creating your own memorable pairings.
7. Enjoy summer’s beautiful blooms.
Pick-your-own flow er season is underway at Rooted Farmstead. This means there are plenty of other ways to appreciate the colorful blooms that blanket the property, including a new summer concert series! The Heirloom Farmer’s sunflower field will be open for picking or memorable family photos starting Aug. 29. Check out both farms’ Facebook pages for details.
8. Follow Happy Valley Agventures on social media.
Facebook and Instagram are great ways to stay up to date on all that is happening on Centre County’s farms, farm stands and farm markets.
