Hotels in Hershey, USA

Hershey: Chocolate Oasis with World-Class Theme Park

Hershey, PA is the self-proclaimed ‘Sweetest Place on Earth’, which is due to its association with the renowned chocolate manufacturer Hershey’s. The area popular amongst travellers due to its chocolate-themed fun, with the world-class Hersheypark being the main draw. Add in an additional dose of entertaining attractions, comforting food at numerous restaurants, and charming hotels, and Hershey is understandably a popular destination for visitors that want to satisfy their craving for adventure and sweet treats!

Chocolate Heaven

Chocolate + theme park = heaven? Well if you believe they are the perfect match, the formerly mentioned Hersheypark is not to be missed. This expansive theme park welcomes approximately three million visitors per year, and this is largely helped by its selection of rides. The park boasts over 70 rides, ranging from gentle rides for younger visitors to high-speed rollercoasters – including temptations for thrill seekers in the form of Storm Runner, Great Bear and Lightning Racer. Hersheypark also features live shows and the revered ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park. This wildlife park is a small, yet lovingly crafted zoo that showcases over 200 animals from North America. Adjacent to the park is Hershey’s Chocolate World, where, amongst other things, you can go on an interactive chocolate tour, create your own candy bar and go on a chocolate tasting experience. It is one of the closest things to replicate the wonder of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory!

History of Hershey

As Hershey is an unincorporated community that’s identity is based around chocolate, it is fair to say that this area of Pennsylvania has a fascinating history. With that said, and if this aspect of the place interests you, it should be noted that there are some appealing attractions that expand on this history. The Hershey Story is arguably the best way to start things off. Alongside the fun of a hands-on class at the Chocolate Lab, this museum will teach you how Milton Hershey invented a community whilst bringing his brand of chocolate to the masses. And to learn more of Mr. Hershey’s legacy beyond chocolate, the Founders Hall at the Milton Hershey School is the ideal choice. First opened in 1970 and displaying one of the most wonderful and unique pieces of architecture that central Pennsylvania has to offer, the Founders Hall stands as a stately monument and is open each day to the public (minus school holidays) for tours.

More than Chocolate

It might not seem immediately obvious, but Hershey has more things to do than those that are directly related to chocolate. For one, the Antique Automobile Club of America Museum is one of the most highly regarded attractions in the area. This museum showcases vintage vehicles from the 1890’s through to the 1980’s and frequently changing the displays. Another museum of note is the Pennsylvania State Police Museum, which provides a captivating insight into the state’s police history. For a change of pace, the Troegs Brewing Company is where visitors can get a first-hand observation of their brewing process, while the Cullari Vineyards and Winery – where wine tasting is a given – is the only such establishment in Hershey. To catch a show, the historic Hershey Theatre has been a regular venue for live acts over the last 80 years. To get a break from it all, a spot of tranquillity can be achieved at the acclaimed Hershey Gardens, which features a picturesque 23-acre outdoor garden and indoor tropical butterfly atrium.

Shopping Fun

While shopping may not be the forte of Hershey, this doesn’t mean that you should disregard this side of the community. And as it’s referred to as ‘Chocolatetown, USA’, being able to acquire some chocolaty goodness is a given. The main port of call for such sweet treats is the aforementioned Hershey’s Chocolate World, seeing as it contains the brand’s largest candy store in the world! But chocolate is not all that can be found, and there’s a small – but exciting – collection of independent stores populating the area. Regarding such establishments, the Crossroads Antique Mall is one of the most well-known, where you can browse and purchase a huge array of collectable items. But if a more extensive shopping experience is what you seek, the one-stop destination is the Tanger Outlets Hershey. This shopping outlet contains a sizeable variety of famous brand stores, where you can take advantage of great savings on designer goods.