Also known as the sweetest place on earth, Hershey is growing by leaps and bounds. Summer will be thrilling and chilling as you enjoy all that this quaint town in central Pennsylvania has to offer. Here are 10 reasons to visit Hershey Pennsylvania this summer to help you plan your own great trip.
Hershey has one theme park, Hersheypark, three excellent resorts, and a variety of restaurants to cater for even the pickiest of eaters. If you haven’t been there, you’re missing out on a slice of real Americana.
10 Reasons to Visit Hershey, Pennsylvania This Summer
I am lucky enough to live a short drive from Hershey and visit year round. When everything is open, Hershey comes to life in the summer, and the theme parks and resorts shine brightest.
From seasoned Hershey, Pennsylvania visitors, here are the top 10 reasons to visit Hershey this summer.
1. Wildcat’s Revenge Opening at Hersheypark
Pennsylvania’s largest amusement park is gearing up for a blockbuster summer. Revenge of the Wildcat, is an all-new hybrid coaster that adds a new steel track with unique elements to the wooden framework for a unique thrilling ride found only at Hersheypark. This addition to the lineup of iconic coasters means Hersheypark has the most coasters in the Northeast!
Wildcat’s Revenge is manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) and is the name that true coaster heads recognize. This part wood, part steel, all scary coaster will be a treat for coaster fans when they see this RMC roaring along the summer skyline. There is no opening date other than summer 2023, so please look forward to it!
2. Hershey’s Great Candy Expedition kicks off at Chocolate World
To mark its 50th anniversary on May 19, Hershey’s Chocolate World will open up an all-new cinematic experience that will excite train-loving families and candy lovers alike. Hershey’s Great Candy Expedition is North America’s first fully immersive interactive experience that embraces all the senses, featuring Hershey’s Kisses, Reese’s, Jolly Rancher, Kit Kat®, Twizzlers, Almond Joy & The Mound.
Only at Hershey’s Chocolate World can you walk through a chocolate factory, learn how cocoa beans are turned into world-famous chocolate, create your own candy bar, become a chocolate taster, and fill your own wreath cup. You can also try various chocolate treats such as ice cream and baked goods. Admission to Chocolate World is free, but some attractions require a fee.
3. Hersheypark is open more days than ever
hershey park is open more days each week than ever until January 1, 2024. Hersheypark’s spring season is eight weekends from April 1, 2023 to May 21, 2023, plus Fridays throughout May. Daily summer operations will begin May 25, 2023, and The Boardwalk at Hersheypark Waterpark will begin summer operations May 27, 2023. Hours vary, so check the app or online before visiting.
2023 also marks important anniversaries for top attractions such as the 50th anniversary of Coal Crackers, the 25th anniversary of The Great Bear and the 15th anniversary of Fahrenheit. Hersheypark is the world’s only amusement park focused on fun and chocolate. This includes life-size chocolate-inspired characters throughout the park, iconic The Hershey rides like the Candymonium hypercoaster inspired by his Company brand, incredible chocolate treats, It’s even been proven on board. Height category as a candy brand.
4. Stay at an official Hershey resort
there are three official resort At Hershey, everything is unique in its own way. Whether you choose Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge or Hersheypark Campground, staying at an official resort offers many benefits. From early access to the parks to free entry to area attractions, it’s worth staying at an official resort. One of my favorite perks is the direct shuttle to the park’s main gate. No trams, no long lines for parking. Inside or outside the parking lot, you can return directly to the resort.
5. ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park
ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is one of Hershey’s most fun activities. This 11-acre park is home to more than 200 animals, divided into five areas. Stop in Big Sky Country to see mountain lions and moose, and see black bears, otters and white-tailed deer in the eastern woodlands.
Other habitats include the Great Southwest, Northland, and Southern Swamps. The best part is ZooAmerica is included in his Hersheypark admission and has a private entrance inside the theme park.
6. Hershey Summer Concert Series
There’s nothing like sitting in Hersheypark Stadium in the summer and listening to your favorite band. You can also catch an encore when you leave the park at night if you’re visiting the park for the day. Gather at the stadium.
7. Catch a Broadway show at the Hershey Theater
Located in downtown Hershey, surrounded by the streetlights of Hershey Kiss, is the spectacular Hershey Theater. The theater is the region’s premier performing arts center, presenting touring Broadway shows, intimate concerts, classical music and dance attractions, comedy shows, and world-renowned entertainers. SIX: The Musical and Come From Away hit theaters this summer.
The Hershey Theater was conceived by entrepreneur and philanthropist Milton S. Hershey in the early 20th century. Lancaster architect C. Emlen Urban created plans for the Community Center Building in 1915. However, it was built from 1929 to his 1933 as part of Mr. Hershey’s “Great Building Campaign” during the Great Depression. This also resulted in Hershey landmarks such as Hotel His Hershey, Hersheypark Arena, and Hersheypark Stadium.
8. Explore Hershey Gardens
My favorite time to visit Hershey Gardens is June, when the Rose Gardens are in bloom, but this beautiful attraction shines all summer long. Hershey Gardens opened in 1937 at the request of Milton his Hershey to “create a lovely rose garden”. More than 80 years later, the small rose garden has blossomed into 23 acres of botanical beauty, offering visitors a unique experience and enriching opportunities. The gardens are perched on a hill overlooking Hersheypark and offer one of the most spectacular views in town.
Enjoy complimentary admission to Hershey Gardens when you stay at Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge. Please take advantage of it and experience it yourself.
9. Enjoy a unique dining experience
Dining in Hershey, Pennsylvania is one of the best restaurants in the area. Visit one of 16 award-winning, unique and delicious restaurants to taste the different flavors of Hershey. Enjoy farm-to-fork dining at Harvest at Hotel Hershey, chocolate and theme park-inspired dining at The Chocolatier, and spectacular small plates at Fire & Grain at Hershey Lodge.
10. Enjoy a spa day
Two spas at Hershey offer chocolate treatments and seasonal collections for soothing relaxation. The Spa at the Hotel Hershey A timeless elegance that mirrors the High Point mansion, home to chocolate mogul Milton Hershey and his wife Catherine. From the stained glass windows to the breathtaking views of Hotel Hershey’s magnificent gardens. If you really want to treat yourself, book a package and enjoy a one-of-a-kind spa experience.
Meltspa by Hershey is a luxurious day spa in downtown Hershey. We offer a variety of spa treatments and salon services at convenient times to suit any schedule. Change into luxurious chocolate brown robes as you enjoy sweet relaxation. This modern facility features nine premier treatment rooms, fully equipped locker rooms, a spacious open salon, and private relaxation rooms with refreshments and specialty hot cocoa.
As you can see, sweet escapes can be mild or wild.
This article was written and distributed by Wealth of Geeks Travel.