Adventures in PA: Come Visit the Sweetest Place on Earth—Hershey, PA

Chocolate. Just the word can start my mouth watering. Chocolate chip cookies, hot chocolate, and the plain old chocolate bar—no matter what form it takes, chocolate is addictive. And Hershey, PA, known as “The Sweetest Place on Earth” is no different. With the scent of chocolate wafting through the air and the streetlights shaped like those famous Hershey kisses, the town is more than just a destination, it is truly an experience.

Of the myriad of things to see and do, the all-time favorite—for children anyway—is Hershey Park (https://www.hersheypark.com/). With 71 rides—from water rides to roller coasters to kiddie rides, restaurants, and gift shops—one day is often not enough to do it all. One price includes entrance into the ride park, the waterpark, and Zoo America, Hershey’s own 11-acre zoo, home to over 200 animals.

But what if you, like me, are not a fan of roller coasters yet you are a fan of animals? Not a problem. You can purchase tickets to Zoo America (https://www.zooamerica.com/) separately and enjoy the animals without the need to experience whiplash. From owls to rattlesnakes to mountain lions, animals from across North America are showcased. And if you are hankering for more, they also offer several different behind-the-scenes tours, including a Photography Tour.

But Hershey, PA, is not just about fun. It’s also about flavor—chocolate flavor to be precise. And Hershey’s Chocolate World (https://www.chocolateworld.com/en_us/things-to-do/hersheys-chocolate-tour.html) is the perfect place to start. They have multiple tours available from taste testing to creating your own candy bar. But our family’s two favorites are the Chocolate Tour and the Trolley Works.

The Chocolate Tour is a FREE, 30-minute ride in a “car”—think of it as a tame substitute for the roller coaster. This ride follows the cocoa bean from the rain forest to the factory, how it is transported and transformed into delicious milk chocolate with a complimentary sample awaiting you at the end of the ride!

The Trolley Works combines theatre with a tour of the town and is a fun way to learn the history of Hershey’s chocolate. The trolley stops at various places around the town of Hershey, and costumed narrators board at each stop to explain the history of the Hershey Chocolate Bar, from its inception to its rightful place as a worldwide phenomenon.

So far we have excited the adventurers and tantalized the hungry. Have patience my history-loving friends as Hershey has you covered as well. The Hershey Story (https://hersheystory.org/) is an interactive museum that takes you on a journey through the life of Milton Hershey, the creator of Hershey chocolates and the founder of the Milton Hershey School for underprivileged children.

Our eldest son enjoying himself at Hershey Gardens’ Butterfly Atrium – Photo submitted by Beth Mellott

And one last, must-see attraction for all ages and interests is Hershey Gardens (https://www.hersheygardens.org/). Twenty-three acres of gardens, each garden with a different theme, draws you into the beauty and peace of flowers and shrubs designed to calm the soul. The Children’s Garden is a one-and-a-half acre area, which offers hands-on activities for little ones including a water mister in the shape of a Hershey Kiss! The Conservatory features three distinct areas: the Welcome Pavilion, the Educational & Horticultural Wing, and—our children’s all-time favorite—the Butterfly Atrium. Home to hundreds of butterflies, allowing an up close and personal encounter with those delicate and amazing “flying flowers,” the Butterfly Atrium was always the highlight of our family’s visit.

From the smells to the sights to the vertigo, it is obvious that this town engages all your senses. So, no matter what your interests, Hershey, PA, will not disappoint.