I just spent three days in Hershey, Pennsylvania. It is a cool little town that is based around the world famous chocolate company of the same name. The factory for Hershey Chocolates is headquartered there. They also have a theme park and other attractions nearby. Much like Disney, Hershey is much more than just a theme park. There is golfing, spas, and even a zoo. Also, the Hershey Bear's minor league hockey team plays within walking distance of the amusement park. Unlike Disney however, The Hollywood Casino is just a short drive from the family friendly action of Downtown Hershey.
Hershey Park is probably the main attraction of the whole town. It boasts 11 roller coasters, with number 12 currently in the works, due for a 2012 unveiling. The coasters are a nice blend of nostalgia and modern excitement. The Great Bear, Fahrenheit, and Storm Runner are three state of the art, high excitement coasters. Storm Runner was by far the most intense roller coaster I have ever experienced. It goes from 0-72 MPH in 2 seconds, and almost immediately goes into a complete vertical assent, followed by a full vertical drop. It really was a thrilling ride unlike any I've ever experienced. Fahrenheit follows a similar theme, without the shotgun start. The Great Bear is much different. It is also a high speed, steel coaster, but hangs below the track. This setup gives you a flying experience like no other. And to the people on the ground, every time the ride passes, it lets out a sound not much different than an angry bear roaring his warning. For the purist, there are some old-fashioned wooden coasters to be enjoyed. The Comet, The Wildcat, and The Lightning Racer will take you back to a simpler time when Big Band Music ruled, and cotton candy cost a nickel. The most unique coaster in the park is The Roller Soaker. This is a steel coaster in the water park area known as The Boardwalk. The Roller Soaker is equipped with water cannons that can dump up to 4 gallons of water on unsuspecting patrons walking below. As the ride progresses, plumes of water will occasionally shoot up from the ground at the riders. Spectators may also take up arms with their own water cannons to blast riders with a heavy dose of H2O.
Next door to Hershey Park is a fun little place called Hershey's Chocolate World. In addition to buying every imaginable Hershey's product, this is a great place to learn the history of Hershey's candy company. Hershey's Great American Chocolate Tour is a cute ride, very similar to Disney's It's a Small World. It takes you on a journey through the entire lifespan of a Hershey's Chocolate bar. From bean to candy bar, this ride was beloved by the ten year old child in our group. It is complete with a catchy song that will never leave your head. Another popular attraction here is the interactive Make Your Own Chocolate Bar exhibit. Here, you will don an apron and hairnet to design your very own candy bar. First, choose your special ingredients and design your package. Then watch as your chocolate bar rolls down the conveyor belt and is created in front of your eyes. Sound like too much work? If you just want to sit back, relax, and enjoy some chocolate, then Hershey's Chocolate Tasting Adventure is for you. This class is designed to teach your palate the intricacies of different types of chocolate.
Once you tire of Chocolate, there is still plenty to do. As I already mentioned, the Hollywood Casino is a short drive from the park. This is a beautiful casino with a full arsenal of slots, and table games, as well a 16 table poker room. If shopping is your vice, there is The Outlets at Hershey. There are a lot of high quality stores in this outlet mall. Under Armour, J. Crew, Gap, and Coach are just a few of the shopping gems to be found here. For the history buffs, Gettysburg is a mere 40 miles from Hershey. Where else can you ride amazing roller coasters, play some poker, and see the site of one of the most important battles of The American Civil War all in one day?
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