Bellefonte is renowned for its small-town charm and historic Victorian homes that line its streets. This cozy community, with streets that look like a setting for a Hallmark movie, is home to some of Happy Valley’s best destinations. Here, you can learn about the history of central Pennsylvania, experience some of the area’s best dining, and launch into outdoor adventures that take you away from it all.
Start at the Bellefonte Art Museum in the historic Linn House. The first two floors display local art exhibits, and the third floor offers a portal into local history with a powerful Underground Railroad exhibit in a hidden room that was once used by people who had escaped slavery.
Nearby, you’ll find other historic buildings with stories behind them, including the home of Pennsylvania Governor Andrew Gregg Curtin and the unique Brockerhoff Hotel. To get an even better taste of the local history, take a tour with Local Historia.
Drive just ten minutes from downtown Belleftone and discover Eagle Iron Works and Curtin Village. This historic site was the last cold-blasted charcoal-iron forge in Pennsylvania, playing an essential role in Happy Valley’s history. Tour the home where Andrew Gregg Curtin was born, learn about how the iron industry worked, and stroll across the beautiful grounds of this historic spot.
Bellefonte serves as a gateway to a variety of nearby outdoor adventures. It’s been voted the Best Fly-Fishing Town in Pennsylvania and is a haven for anglers who enjoy fishing in the local Spring Creek that runs through downtown Bellefonte.
You can also find adventures in nearby state parks. Spend a day at Bald Eagle State Park, where you can hike over 15 miles of trails and enjoy a serene mountaintop lake. Or head in the other direction to Black Moshannon State Park, where you can hike through their wetlands and forests, a prime location for wildlife observation.
Want to enjoy a more curated outdoor experience? Check out Rooted Farmstead, one of Happy Valley’s agritourism destinations, offering days to pick your own flowers, seasonal markets, and workshops, such as floral design. (Follow @rootedfarmstead for beautiful photos.)
Looking for more small-town charm while you are in town? Enjoy strolling through Bellefonte and exploring its shops, art, and restaurants while admiring the variety of historic architecture.
Go on a hunt for Bellefonte’s murals on Perry Lane, which depict historic events in the town’s history. First, find Inspiration Bellefonte on the outside wall of the Waffle Shop, which features famous Bellefonte visitors, including Amelia Earhart and Frederick Douglass. Then keep walking for a mural representing Bellefonte as the first refueling stop on the transcontinental Air Mail route.
Spend time in Talleyrand Park, a peaceful oasis that feels like it has been plucked out of Europe. Walk along the river, admire the drooping willows, and see the Bellefonte Historic Railroad.
Check out Robin Hood Brewing for crowd-pleasing pizza and stromboli, along with a vast variety of beer. The Blonde Bistro Brew Works is a casual spot that still serves high-quality Italian food. Governors Pub is a beloved local spot that offers “comfort food with a twist” and was titled "most charming small-town restaurant" for the state of Pennsylvania by Food Network.
For breakfast, eat at the Waffle Shop, where you can enjoy waffles, pancakes, omelettes, and more. Or, if it’s Sunday, head to the nearby Hublersburg Inn and enjoy their popular Sunday brunch in a historic tavern.
Looking for a place to get drinks? Bellefonte’s high-quality water has made it a haven for breweries, distilleries, and other businesses. Big Spring Spirits uses water from Bellefonte’s Big Spring for quality vodka, rum, whiskey, and more. It holds the distinction of being one of only two distilleries in the country to receive the LEED Gold certification.
Axemann Brewery is a popular spot in Bellefonte for beer, known for its Blue Stripe beer. You can also get local drinks at nearby Titan Hollow, where you’ll find Mad McIntosh Cider as well as Witches’ Hollow Winery.
Bellefonte is a treasure trove of Bed and Breakfasts, each one just as welcoming as the next. You’ll find classic charm and inviting stays at places like Bellefonte Bed and Breakfast, The Queen Bed & Breakfast, Simplicity: A Bed and Breakfast, Our Fair Lady, and Reynolds Mansion.
For a change of pace from Bellefonte’s Victorian architecture, Craftsman on Curtin St. B and B offers a stay in a Spanish Eclectic home. And if you are into fly fishing, you might want to stay at Riffles & Runs B&B, named after the owner’s love of the sport.
You can’t go wrong with any of the Bellefonte B&Bs because every single one can boast charm, welcoming hosts, and comfortable accommodations.
No matter how long you stay in Bellefonte, whether it’s a day trip or a more extended vacation, you’ll leave feeling rejuvenated by its welcoming atmosphere, outdoor spaces, and slower pace of life.
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