Harrisburg - Hershey Independent

Touted as "the sweetest place on earth," Hershey, PA, is a small town located outside Harrisburg, the state capital. Founded by Milton Hershey, the purpose of the town was to create a modern community for the employees of his business. It continues to thrive and attract numerous visitors who love the Hershey brand. The town is most famous for its amusement park and chocolate manufacturing facility. It's a popular destinationOpens in a new window for family holidays.

Things to see and do

Hershey Park

Begin your adventure at Hershey ParkOpens in a new window, the largest amusement park in the area. Besides the heart-pounding roller coasters, the park contains Zoo America, an 11-acre walk-through animal sanctuary. More than 200 species are on display. Adjacent to the park is Chocolate World. You can take a free tour that shows just how Hershey chocolate is made, and it’s also possible to create your own candy bar for sweet new memories. To save some money, visit local Giant Food Stores for discounted park tickets.

Hershey tours

For a special glimpse into the town's history, take a tour of the city with Hershey Trolley Works. All departures begin and end at Chocolate World. To avoid crowds, try visiting January through March.

Shopping

Down the road from the park is Tanger Outlet Center, filled with brand-name stores like The Children's Place, Aeropostale and Gap. For more upscale shopping, The Hotel Hershey offers an assortment of unique items including fine jewelry, home decor, apparel and decadent pastries.

Relaxation

Nowhere else but Hershey can a visitor receive pampering spa treatments made from chocolate. Enjoy a facial, manicure, pedicure or other relaxing treatment. The specialty is the Whipped Cocoa Bath.

Golf enthusiasts will enjoy a round among three distinctive golf courses.

Dining choices

Hershey, PA, offers a wide assortment of restaurants. Fine dining restaurants are located throughout the town and in Hershey hotels. Cafe Zooka offers toasted sandwiches, soups, salads and a chocolate tasting bar. For a quick meal or chocolate dessert, there is cafeteria-style dining inside the Chocolate World facility. A unique drink to try is the frozen hot chocolate; it goes great with a freshly baked cookie.

Sports

The Hershey region is home to a few professional sports franchises. The Giant Center hosts the Bears, Hershey's hockey team. Regular season games are held October through April. This venue houses various concerts throughout the year as well. The Hershey Park Stadium is the most prominent outdoor stadium in the area, where spectators can enjoy a PIAA football or soccer championship game.

Where to stay

After a busy day, it is essential to find a comfortable place to stay the night. There are multiple family-friendly Hershey hotels located near the top attractions, and couples may enjoy a local bed and breakfast experience. One of the premier resorts in town is The Central Hotel and Conference Center located near Hershey Park. Hotels in Hershey pride themselves on being able to accommodate guests of all ages, and are particularly suitable for a family vacation.

Recognized brands like Great Western, Hilton and Holiday Inn are nearby, and some offer free transportation to and from the park.

Special events in Hershey

Hershey Park is a wonderful place to celebrate the holidays. For Halloween, the park gets a spooky makeover. Once Christmas approaches, the entire town gets into the spirit. Candylane displays millions of lights, festive entertainment and holiday-themed rides. After leaving the park, visitors can drive through Hershey Sweet Lights with many illuminated displays, beginning a new family tradition or perhaps repeating a time-honored one.

Best time to visit

The weather in Hershey varies by season. Summer temperatures may approach the upper 90s. Winter is commonly cold with lows in the teens. The park and other attractions are very popular throughout the year. However, when planning a visit, bear in mind that August is Hershey’s busiest month. And regardless of the month, Tuesdays and Thursdays are the least crowded days of the week. To get the most for your money at the park, plan a two-day trip. Arriving after 7:30 p.m. earns you the right to stay until close and return the next day.