HARRISBURG HERSHEY PA AREA VACATION
Are you planning a long, romantic weekend or a family trip of fun in the Harrisburg, PA or Hershey PA area?
Consider Hershey PA as a destination. It’s Central PA’s tourism hot spot, especially in the summer months. Affectionately known as the “Sweetest Place on Earth” or Chocolate Town USA. It has tons of options for you, whether is a long weekend or a week of fun and frolic away from the day-to-day routine.
In order to understand any product, you need to see how it is made. You need to know the true history of the place and understand the significance of the brand. You need to visit in order to find the story behind the chocolate brand and its universal attraction to young and old alike. You will also learn about the magnificent legacy left by Central PA’s own, Milton S. Hershey.
For starters, plan a trip to Chocolate World. It’s a great destination for “children” of all ages. At the original Chocolate World, you can take a tour, build your own candy bar, taste chocolate, participate in a 4D Chocolate Mystery Show and book a Trolley Works tour for a historic journey through the town built on chocolate. Of course, Chocolate World has other “sweet” activities, including a bakery, shopping, food court and a photo studio.
Once you are in Hershey PA chocolate sweetness is there for you to savor and enjoy. Right next to Chocolate World, plan a visit to Hershey Park. Hershey Park is a historic amusement park with modern excitement and amenities. It is a treat for all. In addition to the world-class roller coasters, The Boardwalk has a huge wave pool, lazy river and a lot of other water activities for all to enjoy to during the summer months. Do not miss the treats made with Hershey chocolate throughout the part. This is a wonderful place to be in during summer months. Comfortable, relaxed and clean. There are a number of rides, activities and attractions for younger children, too. All of the rides are designated for riders by famous Hershey products. Are you a Kiss or perhaps a Twizzler? You and your party will find out upon entering the Park.
Included in your Hershey Park admission, check out Zoo America. You can also opt to go there separately. Zoo America boasts a number of exhibits and attractions related to animals of North America. You will find mountain lions, wolves, alligators, reptiles, bears, eagles and other birds and so many more. The river otters are an especially fun and amusing sight.
Looking for lodging in Central PA, check out the world famous Hotel Hershey or the nearby Hershey Lodge. The Hotel a historical landmark built by Milton Hershey and completed in 1933. It boasts beautiful Mediterranean architecture and is located on a hilltop overlooking Hershey, providing scenic views of the surrounding area including Hershey Park and the Gardens. The Hotel Hershey boasts its famous Spa, Fountain Lobby and Iberian Lounge along with several on-sight restaurants and many leisure and recreational activities for guests. The hotel hosts hundreds of celebrities every year and provides a great location for Wedding ceremonies and receptions, as well as corporate events, reunions and social events, throughout the year.
Adjacent to the Hotel Hershey is the world famous Hershey Gardens. Just a short walk down the hill from the main entrance of the Hotel. The twenty-three acre site is home to a botanical garden and arboretum featuring The Children’s Garden, Japanese Garden, Butterfly House, Rose Garden and more. In addition to the fragrance of flowers, you are likely to smell the sweet aroma of chocolate in the air. A great way to spend a morning or afternoon and a popular location for Wedding ceremonies.
The nearby Hershey Lodge is a hotel and convention center. The Lodge is a great place to stay with the family, along with a popular location for corporate events, trade shows and conventions. With onsite restaurants and leisure activities, The Hershey Lodge is a great destination and very close to all of the famous Hershey attractions. One of the newest featured attractions of the Hershey Lodge is a giant, year round, indoor waterpark. It’s sure to make a splash.
Hershey Park Stadium is Central PA’s premier destination for concerts and entertainment. In 2016 alone, acts include: Beyoncé, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Luke Bryan, Def Leppard, Blink182, the Zac Brown Band and more. In addition to hosting concerts, the Stadium hosts PIAA State Championships in football and soccer, along with the Big 33 Classic.
Adjacent to Hershey Park is the Giant Center. The Giant Center is home to the most successful AHL Hockey franchise, the Hershey Bears. The Bears have won 11 Calder Cup Titles in its storied history. In addition to being the home of the Hershey Bears, the Giant Center hosts year round events and entertainment, including Ringling Bros. Circus, Cirque du Soleil, Keith Urban and many more.
Still looking for more to do, there’s so much more. The Hershey Story is an interactive Museum and attraction, great for families and kids. The Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) Museum offers vintage vehicle displays and exhibits throughout the year. It has also become a popular destination for social events and Wedding receptions, as well.
Staying at one of the hotel properties and like to play golf? Make a Tee Time at the Hershey Country Club. The Country Club boasts two challenging courses, East and West, and has been the site of a PGA Championship, LPGA Events and the Pennsylvania Open Championship. Head golf pros have included Hall of Famers Henry Picard and Ben Hogan.
There are plenty of vineyards and breweries in the area, as well. Close to the Hotel Hershey you will find the Troeg’s Independent Brewery. Here, you can take brewery tours and visit the tasting room while having a great meal. In Harrisburg, you will find the Appalachian Brewing Company. Nearby wineries include, The Vineyard in Middletown, Nissley Winery in Bainbridge, The Vineyard at Grandview in Mount Joy, and Cassel Winery. Check out http://www.hersheyharrisburgwinecountry.com/ for more great options.
Feeling lucky? Just a couple of miles outside of town you can play slots and table games at the nearby Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in Grantville, PA. Play the ponies or try your luck at Blackjack. You will find great food, entertainment and excitement all day long in the casino. Check out: http://www.hollywoodpnrc.com/ for special promotions, dining, entertainment and racing information.
Raining day? Tired of the all of the fun and activities. The Central PA and the Hershey area will allow you to “shop until you drop.” Among great locations for deals, deals, deals are the Tanger Outlets in Hershey and the Tanger and Rockvale Outlets in Lancaster, PA. The nearby Susquehanna Shops in Harrisburg are great location. Of course, there are plenty of other retail stores and Malls in the area, including the Harrisburg East Mall, featuring Bass Pro Shops and the Park City Center in Lancaster. Interested in antiquing, there are plenty great antique shops, antique malls and farmers markets located all through Central PA.
There are so many things to see and do in Central PA and the Harrisburg area. Hence you will not have a moment of boredom when you are in this place. There is a lot for kids, as well as adults. There are huge variety of options available for staying, eating and for excursions. Just know more about the history of historic brand and region, and revel in its glory that still carries on!