Travel Spotlight on Hershey and Its 5 Best Attractions

Less than three hours from Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and New York City, Hershey, PA, is a pretty convenient destination for your next family trip. From its humble beginnings as a small farming town called Derry Church to a fragrant, thriving chocolate-making community revitalized by its very own enterprising native son, Hershey has very quickly become the "Sweetest Place on Earth." When visitors head to Hershey, they can look forward to discovering the rich and delicious history of Hershey, a full day of rollercoasters at Hersheypark and, best of all, lots of chocolate!

Hersheypark is a pretty sweet place

For a good old fashioned Americana romp through an amusement park, hit the sweetest park on earth. Hersheypark, which started way back in 1906, features 68 rides, 11 of which are roller coasters. For a family friendly wander, there are nine themed areas, including the architecturally rustic Tudor Square, Minetown, which is modeled on a classic mining town, and The Hollow, the oldest part of the park. Hersheypark is not only a fun place to escape for the day, but an important piece of Hershey history.

Catch a show at the historic Hershey Theatre

This opulent Venetian-style building was established by Milton S. Hershey in the early 20th century during his "Great Building Campaign" in the Great Depression. Currently, it hosts Broadway plays, films and international performers, and the illustrious building itself is well worth a stop for fans of both architecture and classic theater.

Stop by the Antique Automobile Club of America Museum

The Antique Automobile Club of America Museum regularly holds exhibits dedicated to classic Buicks, hand-built and custom made hot rods dating back to the ‘50s through to the ‘70s, and Tucker automobiles. Don’t miss the Hershey’s "Kissmobile Cruiser," a 12-foot-tall, 26-foot-long truck modeled to look like three Hershey’s Kisses.

Enjoy a chocolate pancake as big as your face at the Hershey Pantry

With a reputation as the best brunch spot in Central Pennsylvania, the Hershey Pantry is a hit with both locals and tourists. It’s a cozy little breakfast and lunch nook on Chocolate Avenue that serves pancakes literally as large as your head, which is pretty hard to beat in terms of twee adorability. Also known for their homemade baked goods, the Pantry also sells take-out cakes.

Live in chocolatey luxury at the historic Hotel Hershey

Built in 1932 and commissioned by Milton S. Hershey during the Great Depression, the Hotel Hershey has enjoyed decades of prominence as the leading luxury hotel and spa in Hershey. Its architecture borrows details from Spanish and Mediterranean-style mansions, and its large property contains four golf courses, five eateries, an award-winning chocolate spa that features specialty treatments such as the Whipped Cocoa Bath and Chocolate Fondue Wrap, and specialty boutiques. The Hershey Hotel is the gourmet chocolate truffle atop a town of homey and accessible milk bars.

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