Why Locals Love Hershey, Pennsylvania (And You Will Too)

Hershey, Pennsylvania, may be small, but it’s not sleepy. Just ask the locals, who are never at a loss for things to do.

“Hershey draws thousands of worldwide visitors each year,” says Ashley Davidson, who was born and raised in the city known as “The Sweetest Place on Earth.” “We have an amusement park that seems to grow every year, indoor and outdoor concert venues that attract the biggest names in the music industry, and a professional hockey team.”

Laura Barta agrees. Founder and president of Whole Wide World Toys, Barta has lived in Hershey for over 10 years and loves it. “Hershey is a town with a real identity because it was founded by a man who had a real vision for the place,” she says. “Milton Hershey built a company and a town and always wanted to make it better. People have pride in living here.”

Just a few hours away from Philadelphia, New York City, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Hershey is home to entertainment and cultural activities that both residents and visitors claim rival those of their big-city neighbors. For your visit to the area, they suggest these four must-visit Hershey attractions.

Ride a roller coaster at Hersheypark

Take a whirl on a roller coaster at Hersheypark.

In 1894, Milton Hershey established what would become the world’s largest chocolate manufacturing plant, complete with state-of-the-art equipment and mass production techniques. But that wasn’t enough for the generous entrepreneur, who quickly started work on how to give back to his employees and the residents of Hershey. They needed a park, he decided, filled with amusement rides, a swimming pool and even a ballroom.

Today, Hersheypark is home to more than 65 rides—including 11 roller coasters. The Boardwalk area hosts nine water attractions and a VIP area with 27 waterfront cabanas. After you conquer the rides, kick back, relax and watch a live song-and-dance performance or a marine mammal presentation. And don’t leave the gates without checking out ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, which houses more than 200 North American animals.

Tour Hershey’s Chocolate World

The best way to get an authentic taste of The Sweetest Place on Earth is to visit Hershey’s Chocolate World, where you can take a tour and explore how chocolate is made, sample some of the city’s signature sweets, and even create your own candy bar. For first-time visitors, locals recommend a ride on the Hershey trolley—this 75-minute rolling history lesson is the best way to get your fill of Hershey. You’ll drive by the original chocolate factory, Mr. Hershey’s birthplace, his Highpoint Mansion, Chocolate Avenue and Hersheypark.

Have dinner (and dessert, of course) at The Circular

Yes, Hershey does dessert better than most places—but don’t skip the rest of the menu. Davidson says that no trip to her town is complete without a full meal at The Circular. Sip inventive cocktails and savor small plates, or go big with entrees like the cabbage-wrapped striped bass or pan-roasted Pennsylvania lamb loin.

We promise, dessert will be worth the wait. The chocolate cherry bread pudding—made from dark-chocolate custard-soaked croissants and dried cherries, vanilla ice cream and buttered brandy sauce—should not be missed and pairs perfectly with a Hershey’s Special Dark chocolate martini.

Stop and smell the roses in Hershey Gardens

Enjoy a chocolate break at the Hershey Gardens—a 23-acre botanical garden.

Perfectly perched on a hill that overlooks Hersheypark, the 23-acre Hershey Gardens feels like the crowning jewel of Milton Hershey’s vision for this city. What started as his personal rose patch back in 1937 has since blossomed into a sprawling botanical garden and arboretum featuring a breathtaking collection of flowers, rare trees and an indoor butterfly atrium. If you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss the interactive, hands-on Children’s Garden. You and your little ones can cool off under the refreshing Hershey’s Kisses-shaped misters as you wander through dozens of themed mini gardens within this special, fun area of Hershey Gardens.

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