Bed and Breakfast at The Rock Garden

We've now stayed at the Bed and Breakfast at The Rock Garden twice. Both times the service, cleanliness and breakfast were outstanding. It is very quiet in the rooms - no young kids running at 3 am over top of you. Even the bed was comfortable, not being rock hard as in most hotel/motel chains but it wasn't soft either. As Goldilocks would say, it was just right. And I usually take at least 3 nights in a hotel bed to get any sleep and never a good night's sleep. At this B&B, I got a good night's sleep the first night both times. The surrounding countryside is also beautiful and the air is clean. It was a delight staying there both times.

I went up to Happy Valley for my annual trip with several high school friends. This was my second stay here and it was every bit as good as the first. Joe is very welcoming and goes out of his way to make you feel at home. It was built specifically as a bed and breakfast so the layout is great. We had stuffed french toast the first day and a three egg cheese omlet the second both days included fruit, yogurt, breakfast meat, etc. The place sits at the bottom of Mt. Nittany which is a great hike for views of the valley. I highly recommend.

This was a great place for a weekend at Penn State. It was clean, comfortable, and our host made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. I would recommend it to anyone.

The Rock Garden is lovely to the eye, both inside and out. We were greeted by the innkeeper with warmth and good conversation. Our room was very clean and attractive with a gorgeous view of the grounds. The evenings were capped off with a warm fire and a glass of wine (BYO) Breakfast was delicious and hearty. We stayed for two evenings and plan to return again.

This B & B is lovely! The house is beautifully decorated and impeccably clean. The proprietors are helpful and friendly. It is our preferred accommodation in the State College area.

I made plans to attend a conference at the Penn Stater, and neglected to book a room. Once I discovered my error, it was too late, as there were a number of competing events at the college. What a wonderful surprise to find a cancellation at this daring B&B! The host was very accommodating to our early schedule, cheerful and helpful. The rooms VERY clean, house-wide Wifi made it all the better. I wouldn't hesitate to stay again..

This was my second stay at the Rock Garden, and it's always a pleasure! We even had some odd requirements (like needing breakfast at 5:45 am and coming and going at all hours) that Joe took on with batting an eye -- being as accommodating as possible. I would definitely recommend it!

Great location, very clean and warm.

Great location, beautifully decorated, clean, comfortable, gracious owners. Would highly recommend. I'll be back.

Rooms were well appointed. Location is close to State College, but provides a quiet setting. Joe was a great host and made us feel very welcome.

The Rock Garden B & B could not have been more lovely. Knowing nothing of State College, we picked it off the web site, and could not have been more pleased. Joe and Laura were exceedingly welcoming, giving us directions to good food and great hikes. Their great room had a roaring fire, and the sun room was comfortable for mountain gazing or star gazing. They provided us with fruit, snacks, and beverages on a help-yourself basis. The grounds and views were lovely, the home spotless and conveniently located. We will absolutely return here when we visit State College again.

My daughter and I had a wonderful weekend together, warmed by the cozy fire, comfortable beds, delicious food! Would highly recommend this B&B to all!

My husband and I stayed at the Bed and Breakfast at The Rock Garden on a random Thursday night visit to PSU. We could not have been more pleased! The place was immaculate, warm and inviting. Joe was a great host. The room was adorable. The views were spectacular and I am sure they are breathtaking when the leaves are in full color. I strongly recommend the Inn. We are looking for a reason to come back and visit the area just to stay there again!

As a young couple (considering room costs) and passing through the state college area and looking for a quiet place to unwind, we found the Rock Garden. Staying at another inn around the area, we found good accommodation, but Joe and Laura made us feel right at home. Joe really did establish himself as a fantastic host, going above and beyond what's generally required of an inn keeper. He's extremely friendly, a good conversationalist, but above all, welcoming. Considering the Rock Garden: it's a beautiful and open house, with a wonderful wrap around porch. The rooms are open and they suit my needs, but most importantly they are refreshingly clean. I don't need much, but my girlfriend was thrilled that the room and the house and every square inch of it was pristine. For me, I was only worried about location. Considering everything, you're in close approximation to: 1. The Mt. Nittany Vineyard: Wine Tasting and a beautiful vineyard (2 min. away) 2. The village of Lemont - awesome cafe (cafe lemont) and art galleries (5min.) 3. The village of Boalsburg - high end shopping (for the ladies, spending someone else's money of course!) and Duffy's Tavern for the men (with great craft beers, food,etc.) (8min.) 4. Mt. Nittany - Great Trails and Hiking! (5min.) 5. State College - (10 min.) Between price and location you really can't find better value out of any of the B&B's in the area. Do yourself a favor and check out the Rock Garden!

We discovered The Rock Garden through an internet search and decided to try it. It was truly one of the nicest B&Bs we have ever stayed in. It was beautiful, clean, perfectly located near Penn State, and the service was wonderful. We will always stay there when visiting our daughter at Penn State!

I've always been a fan of B&Bs and try to stay at them when I can while traveling. The Rock Garden was an absolutely wonderful experience. While at Penn State for Families Weekend, my daughter and I stayed at The Rock Garden. It was meticulously clean and our host, Joe, was extremely accommodating. I had car trouble while there and he made several recommendations for service repairs. Our breakfasts were completely homemade, incredibly delicious and filling. Hot chocolate chip cookies awaited us in the evenings and there were always snacks and drinks available in the kitchen for our access. It was an absolutely wonderful stay and we would stay there again.

Joe, the innkeeper & owner is outstanding with service & friendship & an excellent host & cook

My husband and I booked our stay at the Rock Garden as part of my birthday celebration. I was raised and went to school in the area and wanted to make a return visit. We could not have chosen a more peaceful and relaxing place to spend the night. Waking up early to have coffee on the porch and walk the grounds while the dew was still on the grass was a fabulous way to start the day. Breakfast was amazing and Joe was a wonderful host and conversationalist. We would definitely return for another stay, which hopefully can be for a longer period of time next visit.

Joe and Laura are lovely people who do everything they can to make you feel comfortable. Our room was very comfortable and all the common areas have amazing views of the surrounding countryside. I want to experience this B&B in every season of the year. Our breakfast was outstanding and the conversation with other guests added to the experience.

We had the ADA room on the first floor, and found it to be spacious, comfortable, and quiet. Everything about the B&B at The Rock Garden is beautiful, clean and peaceful. I especially enjoyed having a quiet cup of coffee early in the morning while sitting in the alcove overlooking the pergola and back yard. It was a bit drizzly and nasty outside, but it was just so cozy and nice to sit there and enjoy a quiet cup of coffee.

The Rock Garden B and B is a wonderful retreat minutes from PSU.

Joe was very accomadating, the room was spotless and comfortable. I plan on revisiting this delightfull B&B on future trips to that area.

I stumbled upon this B&B by accident and I'm so happy I did. It is the perfect setting and accommodations for a relaxing overnight. I purchased flowers at the garden and wished I'd planned to stay a week instead of just one night. I can't wait to go back! Thank you Joe and Laura Sincerely, Debbie Mattison

The rooms are very lovely and spacious. The property is in a quiet location, and we were the only guests that night, which made it all the more quiet. We enjoyed cocktails (that we brought with us) on the back patio. Breakfast was okay, but I've had better at most other B&Bs of the same value. The proprietor (Joe) was very friendly and helpful but perhaps a bit too chatty -- he never seemed to want to stop talking. To me, a B&B proprietor should be friendly without being intrusive.

Where to start....perfect location - quiet, wooded area, but very close to Penn State which was a real plus. Owners, Joe & his wife - AMAZING people. Very gracious hosts, and Joe is an incredible cook! I wanted to take him home with us. Stuffed French Toast out of this world, homemade pastries, and much, much more. Greeted with warm cookies and funny stories. Bed was super comfy, as were the fluffy bathroom towels. Very clean! House was kept nice and cool, with low humidity. Met a lot of really nice people! Give this place a try - you won't regret it. The Wilkersons

I expected a remodeled farmhouse from the photos but this B and B was designed and built from the ground up as a commercial Bed and Breakfast and the workmanship and attention to detail is just amazing! I am used to staying in bed and breakfasts with antiques but everything I saw here was obviously from Joe and Laura's personal collection and of very high quality. I would not hesitate to stay here again if I am ever in the area.

The hosts were wonderfully gracious and the house was beautiful.

We were so lucky to get a room at this wonderful Bed & Breakfast on graduation weekend. We just wish we had known about it sooner!!

We loved, loved, loved THE ROCK GARDEN! We have never been more pleased with a B&B - and we have stayed at a number of them over the years!!!!! Give the Rock Garden an A+++.

This is probably the nicest place we have ever stayed. The rooms were very comfortable and the hosts were excellent. The building is beautiful as were the view. The grounds were very nicely kept and loved the people we met. We will DEFINITELY stay there again.

I am not sure where to start, so I'll just say you will not be disappointed!! I spent two nights at the inn while my daughter was visiting PSU, and it was a wonderful experience. The inn is absolutely beautiful, impeccably maintained and unbelievably comfortable. I am sure I have never slept in a more comfortable bed, the towels and linens were of the highest quality, and attention has clearly been given to every detail. The Inn Keepers, Joe & Linda, are very friendly, and they made me feel right at home. Joe was very attentive and genuinly seemed to enjoy everything he does at the inn. He took time to learn a little about my interests, and was more than happy to provided a map he highlighted to indicate places he thought I'd enjoy. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay, and I will most definately be staying again any chance I get in the future!

We wanted a place with great views, cozy rooms and close to downtown State College. We got it all at The Rock Garden! The house is beautiful. Lots of windows with views of Mt. Nittany. A fireplace with lots of comfortable sitting to keep us warm during our snowy weekend. The bedrooms were wonderful! Very comfortable with modern amenities; the bathrooms were great. The innkeeper did a great job of making sure we were well taken care of during our stay. And it was such a short and easy ride into State College. We are so glad that we stayed here and not a chain hotel.

My husband and I have stayed at the Rock Garden several times over a six-year period. The hosts are more than helpful. The rooms are beautiful. The decor is casual yet traditional and the facility is just a few years old. The beds are very comfortable. We love this B & B and highly recommend i!.

My hotel/motel days are over. Bed & Breakfast at the Rock Garden is the only way I'm staying

We truly enjoyed our stay at The Rock Garden. We have stayed at many places in State College, including a friend's home, but nothing compares. We are hoping to stay there for our daughter's graduation but they are booked far in advance. I know why now because they are the best. Joe and Laura are very kind, enjoyable people. Joe is adorable in his apron!

Extremely clean & pleasant. Food was good. Innkeeper was very personable.

Anxious and in an unfamiliar area, about to leave our only child at Penn State, The Rock Garden and its proprietors were the perfect antidote to our concerns. Spending the time to make sure we knew where we were headed, providing a lovely breakfast each day to fortify us, Joe settled us in beautifully. The quiet and private setting, clean and spacious rooms, and genuine expressions of concern were absolutely what we needed and we will plan to stay again.

We had a 1 night stay planned for the Boalsburg/State College area and we decided to go with the Rock Garden. Stayed in the Nittany Room. This place was built to be a B&B! Not a conversion. Everything is super clean and brand new! Joe and Laura were fantastic hosts and Sunday morning's blueberry blitz was awesome! We will definitely stay there again, as it's only a short trip from Harrisburg, and you can't beat value and welcome you get there.

Another great stay at Joe's B&B! I hate to give it such glowing reviews because Happy Valley's best kept secret will be out! Great food, nice people and soooo clean. I wouldn't stay anywhere else.

Great breakfast, beautiful room with a view. We were warmly welcomed and enjoyed the conversation with Joe. Good tips and help with reservations for dinner. Plan to stay there again.

If I ever go back to St. College Penn, this is where would definitely stay. Absolutely NO complaints. Everything was truly lovely. Didn't rent a car and should have.

looking for a clean, relaxing place close to the Penn State Campus

The innkeepers are friendly and hospitable. The rooms are country elegantly decorated. The rooms & baths are kept spotlessly clean with fresh, clean towels everyday. The breakfasts are prepared with fresh, home cooked foods with your preferences asked by the innkeeper; the breakfasts are plentiful with a number of dishes served. The inn is beautiful inside and outside with gardens and views of Mt. Nittany and Tussey Mountain, and a front porch to sit on in a rocking chair.

My husband and I just needed a night away to ourselves and we found the B&B at the Rock Garden was very nice. Beautiful location, good food, and great host! We would definitely come back!

It was beautiful. The owner was friendly. The food was great.

My wife and I decided to stay there for one night so we could catch up with some friends. As the owner, Joe, explained to us, the house was built specifically as a bed and breakfast and it showed. The downstairs is open with a nice warm fire and comfortable leather couch. We enjoyed this after taking a walk around their 17 acre property in sub freezing temperatures. The Nittany Room was spacious and very comfortable. The bed had sheets on it (can't remember the name) that were SO comfortable. They are only available through a dealer. The breakfast was a fantastic dish of stuffed french toast and sausage. We will most definitely be back during the summer months when we can enjoy all the gardens and outside amenities when the weather is nice.

Outstanding hospitality. Very nice rooms. Amazing breakfasts and tasty coffee.

My husband and I recently stayed here for our second time. I'm glad that we found this gem where we could stay while visiting our son at Penn State. The inn is new and beautiful. We arrived to a roaring fire in the fireplace, and brownies baking in the oven. The inn is in the country, surrounded by gorgeous scenery and landscaping. Joe, the innkeeper, is gracious and very helpful. The breakfast was plentiful and delicious. Couldn't ask for anything more!

A very nice place to stay. Peaceful setting yet close to the Penn State campus. The rooms were spacious and very clean and the innkeeper was very helpful with information regarding the area.

The Rock Garden, a 9 room B&B, where I recently stayed while attending my neice's wedding, was designed & built to the specifications of the Innkeeper owners 5 years ago. Their outstanding planning & forethought resulted in a B&B that is incomparable. Besides the splendid quarters, the delicious breakfasts were prepared by the Host, Joe Thomas - a true gourmet, whom Julia Childs would be envious of, prepared to individual requirements if necessary! The marvelous nursery, Laura's domain, also on the property - is a 'must' visit. It has a huge variety in everything plants, trees & more of which we bought many before heading back home in VA! One must try the 'guest' status in order to truly understand and experience my tributes to The Rock Garden and its owners. The nursery may be visited at any time! Mary O. Fitzgerald, RN (ret)

My wife and I had a perfect weekend getaway. Joe and Laura supplied an outstanding house, complimented with a fabulous breakfast. They also went out of their way to make you feel welcome

Not being a newcomer to a Bed and Breakfast I had an idea of what I should be expecting in my stay. All of those expectations were surpassed and blown out of the water. The Rock Garden was beautifully situated at the base of Mt. Nittany and Tussey Mtns. Joe was absolutely fantastic as an innkeeper, tending to our every need. The breakfasts that he created for us were unreal and filling. I don't have enough space to tell you how great the room was and quiet and peaceful the house actually is. Great place and can't wait to go back.

My wife and I stayed over at the Rock Garden for one night in June (we needed a place to crash after a wedding). So nice. Joe was very helpful, cooked us an amazing breakfast, even though we were the only guests there, and was very accommodating when we needed to check in early. My wife and I ate breakfast for two hours just relaxing before we left. Two hours! I'll be back next time.

Our adult children, coming from NJ, SC & AK joined us for our last PSU grad. We all felt as though we were truly "at home." Wonderful atmosphere, outstanding food.

My girlfriend and I spent one evening in this beautiful house just 5 miles south of State College. We were on a motorcycle trip and passing through, so our visit was brief. However, the house was spacious, clean, very accommodating whether lazing about on the deck outside complete with stunning views and Adirondack chairs or inside in various comfortable rooms. Our host was a bit talkative for my taste and I would have preferred someone more succinct and able to read when you want to engage in long conversation or not (and weirdly read us as young and cheap? gaging by his restaurant recommendations); but to be fair he was an extremely accommodating fellow and made an outstanding breakfast spread which we both enjoyed very, very much . I recommend the B&B at the Rock Garden for anyone in the area. Cheers~

Great place to stay. Would recommend to anyone, you won't be disapointed.

Outstanding Inn

I met Joe and his family over Memorial day weekend. Very accomodating and pleasant folks. The property is fresh and very clean. The view is just what you'd dream of in a small town mountain B&B. A person can sit on the porch and take in all the views overseeing the nursery in complete relaxation. It's quiet, great views, modern features, a complete departure from the corporate lodging industry. A welcome change. Joe was attentive and very interested in seeing we got anything we needed. I'd recommend this B&B to anyone that likes to be well tended. I liked the no smoking rules as any smokers fumes lingers and degrades a place in my book.

This place was sensational in all respects, especially the warmth and congeniality of the hosts. A true great experience in travel. Don't miss it if you need a place in Central Pa.