Hershey
The ‘Sweetest Place on Earth’ is home to delicious chocolate and more
Some 15 miles east of Harrisburg the town of Hershey, true to its moniker, is quite literally “the Sweetest Place on Earth.” Named after entrepreneur and philanthropist Milton Hershey, the picturesque town unabashedly embraces its chocolate theme. With its storybook setting and colorful Hershey Bar characters, Hershey’s Chocolate World is about as close as you can get to a tour of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Within Chocolate World, Hershey Park offers more than 60 thrilling attractions (beyond chocolate) including 11 roller coasters, water rides, games of chance, candy stands purveying the full range of Hershey deliciousness and more than 20 rides for young children.
Highlights include the Great American Chocolate Tour ride, the engaging Factory Works Experience, the Really Big 3D Show, and an entertaining and informative trolley tour through the streets of Chocolate Town. Adjacent to Hershey Park, the highly praised 11-acre ZooAmerica is home to more than 200 animals native to the Americas.
Experience Hershey
Hershey Story
An impressive museum, the Hershey Story presents the fascinating life story of philanthropist and innovator Milton Hershey who, for nearly 40 years, dedicated himself to creating an enriching and aesthetically pleasing town for his employees, for tourists and himself. A wide selection of exhibits includes the Chocolate Lab, a workshop led by impassioned chocolatiers.
Children and adults can expand their knowledge of the chocolate-making process, including how Hershey’s ingredients are selected, the nature of the refinement process, and even gain some insight into why, for well over 100 years, the word Hershey has been synonymous with the Great American Chocolate Bar. Participants can have a stab at chocolate pouring and decorating before sampling their very own creations. The museum also offers classes on tempering, molding or making chocolate from scratch.
Hershey Harrisburg Visitors Bureau
Hershey Gardens
Overlooking the town of Hershey, Hershey Gardens is yet another embodiment of the philanthropic verve of Milton Hershey. In 1937, the “Chocolate King” set forth his vision to “create a nice garden of roses” that would beautify the town of Hershey for the pleasure of the residents. More than 80 years later, the rose garden has evolved into the 23-acre Hershey Gardens, an arboreal Eden with flowers, majestic trees and whimsical topiary.
For More Information
Hershey Entertainment & Resorts
800-437-7439
www.hersheypa.com
Pennsylvania Tourism
800-847-4872
www.visitpa.com