Happy Foodie Friday y’all! This week I decided to celebrate Candy Month by sharing one of my favorite places. That place is known as The Sweetest Place on Earth, but better known as Hershey, Pennslyvania. That’s right, Hershey isn’t just a chocolate and candy manufacturer but a city in southeastern Pennsylvania!
A Brief History of Hershey, PA
The community was established in the early 1900s as a model town for the employees at the Hershey chocolate factory. Unlike other industrial housing situations of the time, Milton Hershey wanted his employees to have a sense of home and a future. His newly formed community offered inexpensive public transit, quality education, and recreational activities.
One of those recreational activities was a park that opened in 1906 and included rides, a swimming pool, and a ballroom. Over the years, the park has grown and changed but with the same basic principles of recreation.
My History with Hershey, PA
As a child, my family would make many road trips through Pennslyvania along I-81. There are signs along the interstate advertising Hersheypark, and I remember begging my parents to make the detour on our travels and stop for even a little bit in Hershey. The answer, sadly, was always no.
Fast forward several years, and my parents were inquiring about vacation ideas for the following summer. My husband knew of my desire to visit Hershey and suggested it. Imagine my surprise when it was agreed upon, and we all made the trek to Hershey the following summer.
We have made three trips to the Hershey area, with only two to Hersheypark. But that is okay, as there are many things to do in the Hershey area other than Hersheypark.
Things to Do in Hershey, PA
The biggest attraction in Hershey is Hersheypark. Homepage | Hersheypark
Not into amusement parks and thrill rides? That’s okay; there is one place that I enjoy going even more. And it’s free to go! Yes, some activities cost money, but there is no entrance fee. And that is Hershey’s Chocolate World. Unwrap Your Chocolate Adventure | HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE WORLD
More of a history buff? Check out The Hershey Story!
There is also an Outlet Mall for all that non-Hershey shopping you may need to do.
Places to Stay in Hershey, PA
There are three official Hershey Resorts that offer perks like transportation to and from the park, special hours at the park, and discounts to various attractions.
Do you like camping? With RV sites, tent sites, and cabins, Hersheypark Camping Resort may be the place for you!
Prefer a hotel complete with an indoor waterpark? Then Hershey Lodge may be the place for you.
Are you looking for something a bit grander and luxurious? You need to check out The Hotel Hershey!
Scattered around town, and the surrounding countryside, are various campsites, B&Bs, and chain hotels.
Wrap-Up
Hershey, PA, is genuinely The Sweetest Place on Earth! The air smells of chocolate and always brings a smile to my face. I haven’t been there since 2018, but I do hope to return there soon! Have I convinced you to visit? Even for a weekend?
Are you looking for more food-related content? Check out my other Foodie Fridays posts.
I have in-laws out that (approximate) direction. Maybe I’ll have to arrange a visit next time we travel to see family…
I’ve never been to Hershey Park, but I would love to!