“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Hershey Entertainment and Resorts. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.”

Hershey PA

When I was a little girl, my grandfather traveled a lot for business. He worked on MRI and CT machines. One of his frequent stops was the Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, PA. Every time he’d come back from there, he’d bring me chocolate. Even though I theoretically could have gotten the same chocolate in the store, it was more special when it came from Hershey, PA and my grandfather.

I’ve lived about an hour and a half from Hershey, PA most of my life, with the exception of a few years back in my early 20s. In the last few years, I’ve been there several times. Two of my favorite attractions are Hersheypark Christmas Candylane and the Hershey Chocolate World attraction. I’ve gone to Chocolate World a few times. During one of my most recent trips in December 2009, though, we also went to Candylane. My friend and I took Jake and her daughter (who, egads, is now a teenager!)

Hershey Chocolate World

Hershey Chocolate World

Once upon a time, you could actually tour the chocolate factory and see how the candy was made up close and personal. I’m not sure when they stopped that, but they replaced it with a really cool experience at Hershey Chocolate World, so I forgive them for doing away with the tour before I got to see it! The best thing about the Chocolate World experience is that it’s free. Well, until you get to the store anyway! The actual ride (which is in little cars on a conveyor belt type thing, perfect for all ages)  through the simulated factory, though, doesn’t cost a dime. In fact, you even get a free piece of yummy chocolate at the end!

Check out a few of my favorite pictures from the ride:

Hershey Cows Reeses Cups Hershey Syrup Hershey Characters

After finishing the ride, we spent some time touring around the facility, which was all done up for Christmas! We even got to see a special guest! Jacob was 4 back then, I can’t believe how little he looks! That house in the background was made of candy. It was so awesome!

Visiting Santa at Hershey Chocolate World

I could show you dozens of pictures just from Chocolate World, but my favorite part of that trip was Candylane. Every year, Herhseypark decorates the park like an old-time Christmas village. They even rename the rides. Not all rides are operating, so don’t expect to go on rollercoasters, but they do have quite a few fun rides for kids.

Candylane Rides

We went on a very cold night, so please excuse our bundled up attire. I know I’m not fashionable and my scarf doesn’t match my coat, but hey, I was warmish at least! Alas, the majority of my pictures of the lights didn’t come out great because my camera back then was even worse than the one I have now. We took several breaks inside the buildings to warm up. Jake and I had to take our picture with a Hershey Kiss!

IMG_1889

If you ever have a chance to do Hersheypark Candylane, I highly recommend it. It’s extremely inexpensive. I think we paid $9 per person. It may be up to $11 now, but you can usually find good discounts if you buy a family pack.

Summer Fun in Hershey, PA

Of course, Hershey, PA is just as much fun to visit in the summer. Actually, since more is going on, it’s really the perfect time to visit with the family! Take a look at a few exciting events coming to Hershey this summer as part of their concert series:

  • Catch a great comedy show on  Friday, June 21 at 8:00 PM when Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood from ABC’s “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” appear at Hershey Theatre.
  • Your preteens and teens will love seeing One Direction on Friday, July 5 and Saturday, July 6 at 7:30 PM at Hersheypark Stadium!
  • Schedule a little “parent-time” and catch the Dave Matthews Band on Saturday, July 13 at 7:00 PM at Hersheypark Stadium.
  • Remember the days of the mixed tape? I know I do! Catch some of your old favorite bands, plus a few newer ones, at the Mixed Tape Festival on Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27 at the Hersheypark Stadium

There are more great bands coming to Hershey, PA during the summer, so check out the calender of events on Hershey, PA: The Sweetest Place on Earth website.

 

Hershey, PA really is a gorgeous and fun town to visit. Aside from the amazing park experience, just touring through the town is neat. All the streets are named after different Hershey candy, and the lamp posts are shaped like Kisses on Chocolate Avenue! Plus, there are so many other attractions close by. From the outlet stores with major deals to Dutch Wonderland (an amusement park geared towards younger children) to Gettysburg a little further south, you can stay in Hershey and check out so many other attractions during one trip. Hershey really is the “sweetest place on Earth.”