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While Hershey Pa. is most famous for its chocolate, today, Hersheypark and Zoo America are among the best known attractions in the city. DSCF1122Over the years, the amusement park has grown to include “The Boardwalk,” a separate section offering bathing suit-only water attractions, and an adjoining zoo. Although the amusement park is only open during the DSCF1099summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day), it also offers special events at other times of year, such as Spring Preview Weekends, Halloween and Christmas Candyland (during which there are limited rides, visits with Santa and skating on Rudolph’s Pond), as well as holiday entertainment and shopping.

Hershey Chocolate World, adjacent to Hersheypark, is a massive candy store and more. The free chocolate tour is a gentle ride and chocolate education all in one. Other activities, such as Create Your Own Candy Bar, The 4D Mystery, and Chocolate Tasting Experience are available for an additional charge. Trolley tours of town also depart from here.

The Hershey Story, a history museum detailing the life of Milton S. Hershey and the history of the town is well worth the time to visit. Even if you are not a fan of the chocolate, his story is inspiring. The museum also has interactive displays and a collection of memorabilia spanning decades which brought back several childhood memories. Besides detailing the history of chocolate, the museum looks at how manufacturing and advertising have changed over time. There is also a lengthy exhibit detailing Hershey’s philanthropic pursuits and the growth and successes of the area.

IMG_4376Nearby Hershey Gardens opened in 1937 as a “nice garden of roses” and has grown into an amazing display of flowers, trees and bushes spread over 23 acres with flowing paths. We received free tickets with our stay at Hershey Lodge, so we decided to check it out. Though I am IMG_4405generally not a big fan of public gardens, I enjoyed this one very much. I was most impressed by some of the unusual trees (which I was happy to see were labeled, so I could tell what I was looking it). There is also a rock garden and off by themselves, at the far end of the garden, the Four Seasons Statues. The exhibits areIMG_4383 gathered in their own individual themed gardens, with a path meandering throughout. “The Great Garden Adventure” and a children’s garden are especially designed for the little ones and the Butterfly House (open during the summer months) welcomes everyone to learn more about these pretty pollinators.

Besides chocolate, Hershey is home to the Hershey Bears hockey team. Other area attractions include concerts, golf, shopping and another amusement park, Dutch Wonderland (designed for families with kids 12 and under).

There are many hotels in the area as well as the collection known as the Hershey Resorts: The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and IMG_4370Hersheypark Camping Resort. The Hotel and Lodge are popular locations for conferences and events; all Hershey Resorts offer discounts to some of the Hershey attractions.

 

This was previously published as Hershey Pa Has More to Offer More Than Just Chocolate

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Hershey Pa Has More to Offer More Than Just Chocolate
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