Did you know that Milton Hershey built a profitable caramel firm (the Lancaster Caramel firm) before perfecting the technique of chocolate making? That’s just one of the numerous historical treasures you’ll find on a visit to Hershey, Pennsylvania, often known as the “Sweetest Place on Earth.”
You’ll also learn that Hershey used his riches to develop the town we know today, including schools like the Milton Hershey School for poor children, The Hotel Hershey, and Hersheypark, which is now regarded as one of the top amusement parks in the United States. Nearly 80 years after Hershey’s death in 1945, the town he founded continues to thrive, with something new (and delicious) to discover each year.
Hershey’s Chocolate World
You haven’t fully experienced Hershey until you’ve done the free Hershey’s Chocolate Tour. The tour, which takes place indoors in a Hershey’s Kiss-shaped vehicle, provides visitors with a behind-the-scenes peek into the production of Hershey’s chocolate. The tour closes with complimentary chocolate for all guests, which is the pinnacle of the entire experience.
Even better is the marketplace of Hershey’s Chocolate World, where you can buy Hershey’s chocolates (including delicacies you won’t find at home), candy-themed souvenirs, and iconic milkshakes, ice cream, and pastries. You may also create a personalized treat at the Create Your Own Candy Bar station, take part in Hershey’s Great Candy Expedition (an immersive movie experience), and enjoy seasonal wine and chocolate pairings.
Hersheypark
Hersheypark has more than a dozen roller coasters, including Laff Trakk, the first indoor spinning glow coaster in the United States. The amusement park also has an outdoor water park, child rides, and rides and attractions that the entire family may enjoy. When it’s time to take a break, visit Simply Chocolate and purchase one of the park’s legendary King Size Shakes. The one-of-a-kind amusement park is especially spectacular during the holidays, when it presents Hershey Sweet Lights, a 2-mile lighted drive-through tour, and Christmas Candylane, where visitors can sip hot chocolate and meet Santa and his reindeer.
The Spa at The Hotel Hershey
Melt into The Spa at The Hotel Hershey (also known as The Chocolate Spa), which offers treatments such as a cocoa massage and chocolate fondue wrap. You don’t have to have the chocolate treatment, though; there are lots of other alternatives, like the Lomi-Lomi Four-Handed Massage and teen-specific treatments. An on-site salon offers hair, cosmetics, and nail services.
Take use of the spa’s amenities, which include an indoor pool, a hot tub, a steam room, a sauna, and The Oasis café and restaurant, which serves lunch (reservations necessary) and beverages.
MeltSpa by Hershey
MeltSpa by Hershey, another spa option, provides chocolate-infused (and non-chocolate-infused) massages, facials, manicures, and other services, as well as treatments for teenagers, males, and expecting moms. This day spa, located on Chocolate Avenue in downtown Hershey, also serves as a full-service hairdresser. Previous customers constantly mention the most vital word in every spa review: relaxation.
Tröegs Independent Brewing
Tröegs Independent Brewing is located in Hershey and is known for its award-winning beers, including as The Mad Elf, a popular Christmas ale. Guided brewery tours are offered for a closer peek behind the scenes. The cuisine is just as delicious as the beer, with options ranging from an Oktoberfest-style pretzel to seafood spaghetti. When you visit, be sure to taste a Scratch Series beer, one of the brewery’s most recent experiments, and don’t miss the goods store, which sells anything from four-packs to Tröegs beer-infused soap.
Hershey Trolley Works
Take a ride with Hershey Trolley Works, which offers narrated tours around town. Themed excursions include the 75-minute Historical Trolley Tour, which is available year-round; the Original Trolley presentation, a 45-minute family-friendly presentation that puts Milton Hershey’s tale to life (summer only); and seasonal Halloween and Christmas trolley tours. The personable tour guides receive wonderful ratings, and prior customers report learning new facts about the area.
AACA Museum, Inc
The AACA Museum, often called America’s Transportation Experience, is a Smithsonian affiliate. It has permanent displays such as the Hershey’s Kissmobile Cruiser, as well as rotating exhibitions that have ranged from unrestored antique vehicles to vintage go-karts. The museum is open all year (and makes an excellent rainy day activity in the summer). It consistently receives great feedback from visitors, and many claim you don’t have to be a car enthusiast to appreciate the museum.
Hersheypark Stadium
If you’re considering a summer visit to Hershey, make sure to check the calendar at Hersheypark Stadium, where big-name concerts are usually held from June to September. The outdoor arena has food and beverage concessions as well as VIP Boxes, which are the ultimate extravagance. Hersheypark Stadium has hosted everyone from Green Day to Post Malone.
Giant Center
If you’re searching for indoor entertainment in Hershey, check out the schedule at the Giant Center. Here you may watch a Hershey Bears hockey game, a WWE SmackDown event, a concert, or a comedy show. The Giant Center also hosts traveling tours like Disney on Ice.
There is no such thing as a bad seat at the Giant Center, with many reviewers stating that the views are fantastic no matter where you sit. The Giant Center is open year-round.
ZooAmerica
ZooAmerica, originally known as the Hershey Zoo, was one of Hershey’s earliest attractions to open in 1910. More than a century later, the zoo has grown to accommodate several hundred animals from various species and to support a number of wildlife and environmental conservation initiatives. For an extra-special experience, arrange an after-hours zoo tour. ZooAmerica is located within Hersheypark, and entrance is included with your park pass.
Founders Hall at the Milton Hershey School
Founders Hall commemorates Milton Hershey and his wife, Catherine, for their dedication to assisting underprivileged children. The Visitors Center, with its stunning marble interior dome, is worth a visit in and of itself, as are the property grounds. This Hershey landmark also has a 2,400-person theater for performances and symphony orchestras. Previous visitors recommend Founders Hall as a must-see in Hershey, citing their amazement at the history of the Milton Hershey School.
The Hershey Story Museum
Of course, The Hershey Story Museum is the best place to discover more about Hershey. Exhibits include Failures to Fortune, which tells the story of Milton Hershey’s childhood, apprenticeships, and business ventures; Sweet Innovations, which displays some of the equipment used in the original chocolate factory; and The Power of Promotion, which demonstrates how Hershey became the beloved candy brand it is today. The Hershey Story Museum also has a hands-on Chocolate Lab and seasonal chocolate samples. Reviewers praise about their experiences here, pointing out that you may spend hours visiting the museum and yet not see everything.
Hershey Gardens
Stop and smell the roses at Hershey Gardens, which is precisely what Milton Hershey wanted for guests when he asked to “create a nice garden of roses” in his town. Aside from aromatic flowers exhibited in seasonal and themed displays, Hershey Gardens has a fanciful children’s garden with interactive play structures and a butterfly atrium where you can get up close with butterflies – so close that they may land on your head or hands. Guided hikes and gardening courses are also offered. Travelers describe the gardens as not only stunning but also soothing.