Chocolate Town

A July 2002 trip to Hershey by thestickman23

Truly a beautiful small town in the chocolate capital of the world, filled with small town charm and hospitality.

  • 7 reviews

Chocolate TownBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Hershey Pennsylvania is a great place for your entire family. There is something for everyone. Hershey Park and Chocolate World are the highlights of the area. Here, you can just unwind and let yourself go. Try the Great Bear, the Wildcat, and the Lightning Racers -- all are great coasters. For those who are not in it for the thrills, take a trolley ride, take the tour of Chocolate World, go shopping, or catch a great show.

Quick Tips:

Go to Chocolate World as early as you can so you can see the 3-D show. This is where everyone goes first, so the earlier the better to beat those lines. Before you leave for your trip, see what concerts they have at the Hershey Amphitheater. In the summer, they have had Kiss, Aerosmith, N’Sync, country music stars, and more. In the winter, catch a hockey game at the Giant Center, the home of the Hershey Bears (Colorado Avalanche affiliate), or maybe the Globetrotters will be in town.

Best Way To Get Around:

Some hotels have a bus to take you to and from the park, but having your own car or a rental is still the best way to get around.

Addey's Inn of HersheyBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Addey's Inn"

There is a B&B and a hotel with guest rooms decorated for each month of the year. The inn is family-owned and run.

The guestrooms are availabe with one or two full-size beds, TV, and small bath and shower. The bathroom could use an update, as it was probably last decorated in the '70s. The quarters are comfortable and clean, and the staff is always available at your convenience.

  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by thestickman23 on January 13, 2004

Addey's Inn of Hershey
150 E Governor Rd Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033
(717) 533-2591

This is a truly exquisite restaurant with impeccable service. Situated in a windowed circular dining room, they have a nice view of the Hotel Hershey grounds. To start, they serve chocolate-flavored bread, which is a basic theme to the meal. Certain specials include chocolate in the dish, with the desserts as the highlights of the meal. It was a wonderful evening that I am looking forward to doing again.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by thestickman23 on January 13, 2004

Circular Dining Room
Hotel Hershey Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033
(717) 534-8800

Hershey ParkBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Hershey Park is the best amusement park in the Northeast for families. The Great Bear is the highlight roller coaster at the theme park. It is an inverted coaster (your feet dangle) with speeds up to 60mph. With water rides in the park, you can cool off on a hot day with the whole family – check out Canyon River Rapids, Rollersoaker (wet roller coaster), Coal Cracker (log flume), Tidal Force (slash-down), and more. There are a total of nine coasters for all enthusiasts.

There are games for the kids to win prizes and shops for the adults, including the Christmas shop and food courts readily available at all corners of the park. With paid admission, you get access to Zoo America, a zoo specializing in North American animals. Get a show schedule at the entrance or a shop so you can see your favorite shows throughout the day, including Nightlights (a musical laser spectacular) at 10pm nightly. There is also a dolphin show with other marine life. Once you go for the first time, you will want to go back every year. Try this website for information.

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by thestickman23 on January 13, 2004

Hershey Park
100 W. Hersheypark Drive Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033
1-800-HERSHEY

Hershey ParkBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Hershey's Chocolate World"

Free admission to the chocolate-making tour is the highlight of Chocolate World. Take a slow moving cart on a tour of how cocoa beans grow on the tree to the process of how a chocolate bar is made. It’s fun for the kids and adults. At the end of your tour, everyone gets a free Hershey bar. As you proceed down the ramp, you will find yourself in the middle of a mini Hershey mall, with clothing, mugs, ornaments, stuffed toys, and, of course, a chocolate shop, with all of Hershey’s products. They now have a Hershey 3-D show, which requires a fee of $4.95 for adults and $3.95 for children. I did not go into the show because of the long wait. Sign up early so you can see an early show. There is also a Hershey trolley ride, in which singing conductors take you on a fact-filled journey about Hershey’s history -- there is also a fee required for this. It’s a fun day for the whole family.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by thestickman23 on January 13, 2004

Hershey Park
100 W. Hersheypark Drive Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033
1-800-HERSHEY

Zoo AmericaBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

There are five regions in Zoo America: Eastern Woodlands, Grassy Waters, Cactus Community, Big Sky Country, and the North Woods. Each region represents a section of North America. The zoo is a great place to take a break from the park. There are park benches and picnic tables. You can get snacks and ice cream at a small food stand. There is a souvenir shop where you can buy stuffed animals and educational toys for the children. Overall, it’s a clean, fun place to get away for a while.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by thestickman23 on January 13, 2004

Zoo America
300 Park Blvd Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033
(717) 534-3860

Hershey GardensBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This is a 23-acre botanical garden with beautiful arrangements. There are seasonal displays, and rare plants and trees. They also have themed gardens for the children. You can also take a tour of the outdoor Butterfly Conservatory located on the property. Open April to September with admission for adults $7 and youths $3.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by thestickman23 on January 13, 2004

Hershey Gardens
107 Hotel Rd Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033
(717) 534-3492

About the Writer

thestickman23
thestickman23
Saddle Brook, New Jersey

Get the Word Out

Share this travel journal beyond IgoUgo with your favorite sharing tools.