One of the greatest things about living in NEPA is the close proximity to Philly, New York and Baltimore. All of these are just a short 2-3 hour drive, perfect for a day trip or a quick weekend getaway. Hershey is another one of those great places to visit, especially during the Christmas season. The town that chocolate built comes alive for Christmas. From the sweet aroma of chocolate wafting through the air and the thousands of twinkling lights all along Hersheypark Drive you just can’t help but be happy.
A trip to Hershey at Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Hersheypark, Hershey Sweet Lights and visiting the Hershey Hotel for hot cocoa. It is truly magically seeing the park all lit up with thousands of twinkling lights, hot chocolate in hand, listing to the carols being played.
Hershey is so much more than just an amusement park however. Be sure to head to Chocolate World, at the entrance of Hersheypark, and take in the 3-D show. When the show is done head over to the chocolate tour, where every ride ends sweetly with a piece of chocolate.
Looking for a bit of nature? Then be sure to visit ZooAmerica . Now that the weather is cooler most of the crowds are gone and the animals are typically more active. This North American Wildlife park offers close up views of bears, buffalos, gray wolves and so much more. With wide open pathways this is a great place for your kids to run around and get some exercise.
The Hershey Gardens may not seem like a logical choice for a fall/winter visit but this is a can’t miss. The absolute best view of Hershey can be had from the Gardens. Be sure to visit the Children’s Garden, where you can see the dancing pig and stand on the kid sized sundial. Visit the Bonsai tree exhibit and stroll the grounds viewing the National Christmas Trees—where dozens of trees decorated with ornaments from all 50 states and the District of Columbia will be on display.
Want to learn more about the town of Hershey—like why it is called Hershey but is really named Derry Township? Want to thrill your little ones with an authentic trolley ride? Want a chocolaty snack? Then be sure to hop on the Hershey Trolley for a 35 minute tour of Hershey. Your kids will love this ride and many an infant has been lulled to sleep from the gentle swaying of the trolley.
After your trolley ride head over to the brand-new Hershey Museum a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the life and legacy of the founder of the Hershey empire—Milton Hershey. Learn about his life and his failures in the chocolate world before his great success—the Hershey Bar. Learn about his legacy—not just of chocolate but of his school for underprivileged children– called the Milton Hershey School.
And last but not least, shopping. What would a get-away be if there wasn’t shopping. While in Chocolatetown be sure to stop at the Outlets at Hershey. With a great assortment of shops for every member of your family and a to-die-for scrapbook store you definitely won’t leave empty-handed.
Have a great time whatever you decide to do and I hope you go home feeling like Hershey truly is “The Sweetest Place on Earth!”
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