Hershey, Pennsylvania, affectionately known as “The Sweetest Place on Earth®,” offers visitors an incredible blend of chocolate history, thrilling attractions, and delightful dining experiences.
Hersheypark: A Chocolate-Themed Wonderland
Attractions and Rides:
Hersheypark is a world-class destination featuring 15 incredible roller coasters, including:
- Candymonium: The park’s tallest and fastest coaster, reaching 76 MPH with a 210-foot lift height
- Great Bear: An iconic inverted roller coaster with a unique roaring sound
- Breakers Edge: A water coaster combining thrilling water park excitement
Additional Park Experiences:
- ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park
- The Boardwalk water park
- Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction
Exploring Hershey’s Chocolate History
Milton Hershey’s journey began in 1894 when he founded the Hershey Chocolate Company. His vision was to create affordable milk chocolate for everyone. By 1905, he had established a chocolate factory in Derry Church, Pennsylvania, which would later become the town of Hershey.
Must-Visit Attractions
Historical and Educational Sites:
- The Hershey Story Museum
- Hershey Gardens
- High Point Mansion Tour
- AACA Museum
Top Restaurants in Hershey
Fine Dining:
- The Mill in Hershey
- Offers exquisite dishes like seared duck breast
- Signature Hershey’s Chocolate cheesecake
- Rustic, intimate atmosphere
- Fenicci’s of Hershey
- Oldest restaurant in town
- Famous for upside-down pizza
- Located across from the Hershey Story Museum
Casual Dining:
- Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
- Chocolate Avenue Grill
- Troegs Craft Brewery
- Wasabi Grill for Asian cuisine
Additional Experiences
- Spa Treatments: MeltSpa by Hershey offers chocolate-themed treatments
- Falconry Experience at The Hotel Hershey
- Shopping in local boutiques
- Golfing at Hershey Country Club
Practical Tips
- Best time to visit: Summer through early fall
- Purchase multi-park tickets for best value
- Book restaurants and attractions in advance during peak season
Hershey offers something for everyone – from thrill-seekers and history buffs to chocolate lovers and families looking for a unique vacation destination.
Sources
[1] Family Attractions – Hershey, PA https://www.hersheypa.com/things-to-do/attractions/
[2] Guide to 15 Coasters at Hersheypark – Hershey, PA Stories https://stories.hersheypa.com/hersheypark-roller-coaster-guide-2024/
[3] Origins of Hershey’s Milk Chocolate – Hershey Community Archives https://hersheyarchives.org/encyclopedia/origins-of-hersheys-milk-chocolate/
[4] 10 Best Restaurants in Hershey, PA – Retirement Travelers https://retirementtravelers.com/the-ten-best-restaurants-in-hershey-pennsylvania
[5] Things to Do in Pennsylvania – Hershey, PA https://www.hersheypa.com/things-to-do/
[6] The Hershey Company – Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hershey_Company
[7] Best Hershey, PA Restaurants :: Top Dining Selected By Locals https://www.westwyndfarminn.com/best-hershey-pa-restaurants.html
[8] Rides, Roller Coasters & Family Attractions | Hersheypark https://www.hersheypark.com/explore-the-park/rides/
[9] History of Hershey’s Chocolate Timeline | Hersheyland https://www.hersheyland.com/about/history.html
[10] Free Things To Do – Visit Hershey & Harrisburg https://www.visithersheyharrisburg.org/things-to-do/family-fun/free-things-to-do/
[11] The Poor Farmer Boy Who Invented Hershey’s | History and Evolution https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pON6nxV0ZDg
[12] Things to do near Hersheypark? – Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Hersheypark/comments/13bhmu3/things_to_do_near_hersheypark/