Exploring Hershey, PA: A Sweet Road Trip from Easton, Maryland
Introduction
In 2019, I took a delightful road trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania, with the goal of visiting the iconic Hershey Chocolate Factory and Museum. While I had been to Hershey before in 2014, there were several things I missed during that trip, and I was eager to make up for it this time. This journey was special, not only because of the nostalgic allure of chocolate but also because it provided an opportunity to explore the sweet side of Hershey that I had overlooked in the past.
In this blog post, I’ll take you through my Hershey adventure, focusing on the chocolate-filled experiences that make this town so famous.
Road Trip from Easton, Maryland
The drive from Easton, Maryland, to Hershey, Pennsylvania, was a smooth and scenic one, taking us a little over three hours to reach our destination. For road trip enthusiasts like me, the journey itself is a part of the experience. I always enjoy the freedom of being on the open road, and this trip was no different.
We took the most direct route, which passed through rural towns and picturesque landscapes, perfect for a quick stretch or snack break. Hershey was our main goal, but like most road trips, we had a few impromptu stops along the way to enjoy the beautiful weather and stretch our legs.
Hershey’s Chocolate World: The Ultimate Chocolate Experience
The main event of our trip was, of course, the Hershey Chocolate Factory, officially known as Hershey’s Chocolate World. This is where the magic of chocolate comes to life. Since I hadn’t visited the factory’s attractions back in 2014, I was excited to explore everything this sweet destination had to offer.
Hershey’s Chocolate Tour
Our first stop was the famous Hershey’s Chocolate Tour, which takes you through a simulated chocolate-making process. The experience is free and family-friendly, with animated characters guiding visitors through the journey of how Hershey chocolate is made. It’s an interactive and educational experience that blends the rich history of Hershey’s chocolates with the sweet delights they create. The smell of cocoa beans and chocolate was simply divine, and we were treated to a free sample of Hershey’s chocolate at the end!
Create Your Own Candy Bar
Next, we visited the Create Your Own Candy Bar experience, where visitors can design their own candy bar. This is a fun, hands-on activity where you choose the ingredients, mix them together, and then wrap up your custom creation. It’s one of the most popular attractions at Hershey’s Chocolate World, and rightfully so! Whether you like your chocolate with peanut butter, caramel, or crispy rice, this experience allows you to be as creative as you want with your confectionery.
Hershey’s Chocolate Tasting Experience
After working up an appetite for more chocolate, we participated in the Hershey’s Chocolate Tasting Experience. This guided tasting experience was a great way to learn about the nuances of different Hershey chocolate products. The knowledgeable staff walked us through a series of chocolate samples, explaining the flavor profiles and the importance of the chocolate-making process. It was a truly refined way to enjoy chocolate and helped me appreciate the subtle differences between the various types of Hershey’s products.
The Hershey Museum: A Sweet Slice of History
No trip to Hershey would be complete without a visit to the Hershey Museum. While Hershey Chocolate World is all about indulging in chocolate and fun, the Hershey Museum is where you learn about the origins of the town and the man behind the chocolate empire, Milton Hershey.
Milton Hershey’s Legacy
The museum highlights Milton Hershey’s incredible journey—from his humble beginnings to becoming the founder of one of the most famous chocolate companies in the world. Through exhibits and multimedia displays, visitors get a glimpse into his vision of creating a company that not only produced high-quality chocolate but also enriched the lives of the people of Hershey. I was especially fascinated by his efforts to build a company town for his workers and his philanthropic endeavors that still impact the region today.
Historical Artifacts and Interactive Exhibits
The museum is home to an impressive collection of historical artifacts, including vintage Hershey products, advertisements, and photos from the early days of the company. Interactive exhibits also allow you to delve into the history of chocolate itself, learning about the origins of cacao and how the sweet treat became a global sensation. It was both fun and educational to see how much the world of chocolate has evolved over the years.
Exploring Hershey: Beyond Chocolate
While Hershey is best known for its chocolate, there is more to the town than just sweet treats. After we indulged in our sugar rush, we took some time to explore the town itself.
Hershey Gardens
Just a short walk from the Hershey Hotel, we visited the Hershey Gardens. The beautiful 23-acre botanical garden offers a peaceful retreat with lush gardens, a butterfly house, and stunning views of the surrounding area. The gardens were a lovely contrast to the bustling chocolate factory, offering a serene environment to relax and reflect on the history of the town.
Hershey Park
Although we visited during the off-season, we couldn’t resist taking a stroll through Hershey Park, the renowned amusement park that offers fun for all ages. The park was closed, but we still enjoyed the nostalgic feeling of walking past the rides and attractions, imagining how much fun it would be to visit when the park is open for the season.
Conclusion: A Sweet Memory in Hershey
Our 2019 road trip to Hershey, PA, was a sweet and memorable adventure. From learning about the history of chocolate to creating our own candy bars and indulging in the finest Hershey products, the experience was nothing short of delightful. If you’ve never visited Hershey before or if it’s been a while since your last trip, I highly recommend making the journey. The town’s rich history, charming atmosphere, and, of course, the delicious chocolate make it a must-visit destination for anyone with a sweet tooth!
Have you been to Hershey, PA? What was your favorite part of the experience? Let me know in the comments below!
Related Posts:
- 10 Must-See Attractions in Hershey, PA
- A Guide to Pennsylvania’s Best Road Trips
- The Best Chocolate Destinations Around the World