By ELANA LAING
Happy Valley Adventure Bureau
The holiday season is quickly approaching. What better way to spend it than with the most special people, in the most special place — in Happy Valley. Here’s a guide on how to get festive, host the best holiday parties, potlucks, and get-togethers while supporting local businesses and their seasonal products.
Memorable gatherings begin with local ingredients
Only a short, scenic drive outside of State College in Centre Hall, the Tait Farm Harvest Shop is home to specialty foods and artisan gifts. Create new culinary traditions with Tait Farm’s signature products and recipes. From seasonal appetizers like Brie & Chutney Canapés, to mocktails like their Sparkling Shrub Cider, make the moments for connecting and creating memories just as easy to savor as Tait Farm recipes.
Give a taste from Happy Valley from their selection of more than 65 all natural offerings made in small batches by hand.
Want to sample Tait Farms’ bright and merry recipes or tasty treats celebrating seasonal flavors? Attend Saturday Sampling events from now through mid-December. Try more signature Tait Farm (important to include) products when you drop by the Holiday Open House on Nov. 16 for inspiration in the kitchen, home, and garden, and festive door prizes. For thoughtful gift-giving ideas, plan to attend An Evening of Friendsgiving event at 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20. Enjoy extended hours in the Harvest Shop, indulge in wine tastings courtesy of special guest, Mt. Nittany Vineyard & Winery, as well as cheese and cheese pairings. The full array of holiday gift collections will be on display.
Along Happy Valley Agventures’ Dairy Delight Trail are one-stop shops for all things charcuterie. With its small-batch, artisanal cheeses, preserves, and cured meats, Goot Essa, which means “good eating” in Pennsylvania Dutch, will keep your holiday spreads bursting with vibrant flavors this season. Its gift basket selections make excellent and delicious corporate and personal gifts. Goot Essa will offer free tours, tastings and demonstrations at its Holiday Open House from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22.
Further reflecting rich seasonal products is Kinfork in Madisonburg. Kinfork’s signature spice blends add a mouthwatering depth of flavor to its cheddar cheese. Its freezers are stocked with grass feed beef and more, and fresh baked goods are always available.
Pole Cat Hollow Farm in Howard, PA is currently taking pre-orders for pasture raised turkeys with pickup points located throughout Centre and Blair County the week before Thanksgiving. At the Sunday, Nov. 23 pickup event at the farm from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., there will be a chance to meet some of the animals and learn about regenerative farming principles.
Enhance your gathering and gift giving with inspired craft beverages
The 19 wineries, distilleries, breweries and cideries on the Central PA Tasting Trail are sure to make spirits bright at your holiday gathering. Tasting passports provide a year-long flavor journey. The newest member of the Tasting Trail is Laurel Spring Cidery in Spring Mills, which offers apple cider wines ranging from semi-dry to semi-sweet, and totally from the heart. Help your friends and family discover the essence of America’s cider heritage with products from the Laurel Spring collection. For an elevated, tasty, and unique experience, gift the cidery’s 2024 Heritage Select Sampler, including a delightful bundle of each of its Red, Black, and Blue Label apple cider wines. Visit www.lscider.com for more fun and festive tasting room experiences, pairing events, and upcoming holiday activities.
Happy Valley Agventures invites residents to add these establishments and more to their holiday planning list and support local agricultural businesses while having unforgettable experiences in doing so.
No matter what your holiday preferences are, don’t miss out on the joys of shopping local.
Local, small businesses promote the sustainability and growth of their communities.
Black Friday on Nov. 28 is followed by Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29. In addition to shopping locally during this holiday season, there are many ways to support local businesses free of cost. Express your encouragement and gratitude by interacting online, engaging on social media, leaving positive reviews, telling friends and family about your newfound Happy Valley favorites, pre-booking and keeping appointments and reservations, and acknowledging the quality and excellence of service you receive as a patron.
Elana Laing is a senior in the Bellisario College of Communications at Penn State University and the PR intern for The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau.
