I’m pretty sure the first thing I wanted to do upon arrival in Hershey was eat chocolate. I mean seriously, even their street lights are Hershey Kisses! One fantastic way to satisfy your chocolate craving is to stop at The Hershey Story, the Museum on Chocolate Avenue. Highly recommended is the flight of warm chocolate drinks from around the world. Yeah. Exactly. After that head over to Hershey’s Chocolate World and try the Chocolate Tasting Adventure or the very fun Create Your Own Candy Bar attraction. (This is also a great place to pick up a little something something for the kids at the gift shop.) I swear they are pumping chocolate into the air. The place just smells magical and if you can’t satisfy your chocolate cravings here there is something wrong.
I also recommend a stop at Founders Hall to learn more about Milton Hershey and the chocolate empire he built. Did you know that Milton Hershey founded the Milton Hershey School in 1909 and that the school provides a free, top-notch education, preK-12th grade, to income-eligible students? Really inspiring. They currently serve over 2,000 students and every piece of Hershey chocolate you buy helps kids in need attend this school. (As if I needed another reason to go buy a chocolate bar!)
One of the things I enjoy most when I’m away from my kids is eating a nice meal. Not that I can’t enjoy a nice meal with my kids, but I have to say that not immediately scanning the Kids Menu and ordering as quickly as possible, praying one, or both, of my kids doesn’t throw a fit causing us to leave without actually eating is really nice sometimes. So bring your appetite because if you’re in the Hershey/Harrisburg area you are going to eat and eat well! One of the big trends right now is farm-to-table restaurants and this area does not disappoint. A must stop when in Hershey is Harvest at Hotel Hershey. Not only are the surroundings stunning, but the menu is 100% inspired by local and regional ingredients. Millworks in Midtown Harrisburg and Harvest Seasonal Grill are also fantastic choices if you are looking for locally inspired cuisine. If you’re looking for something a little more upscale try Bricco in Downtown Harrisburg. Honestly one of the best meals I’ve eaten in a very long time. I still dream about it.
So, you’ve hit the gift shop, done some chocolate tasting, and eaten a few fantastic meals, now how about a little relaxation? I highly recommend a visit to Saltefx. I had never been to a salt spa before and really wasn’t sure what to expect, and I dare say that after just one visit I’m hooked. Salt therapy is used to treat all sorts of ailments (allergies, asthma, cystic fibrosis, and more) and is safe for kids. They have rooms large enough for several people so you and your gal pals can all hang out together, which is really cool. And yes, I did bury myself in the Himalayan salt! I also fell in love with Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa. Top-notch service and pampering. Let’s just say I was so relaxed during my facial I may or may not have fallen asleep briefly.
I think we may be getting to my favorite part of the girls’ weekend ... wine tasting in Hershey Harrisburg Wine Country! As if chocolate wasn’t enough, they have their own wine country, too! One thing you for sure need is a driver who knows their way around and Premier #1 Limousine will hook you up and take care of all the details (ask for Ginny, she rocked!). While there are over 15 award winning, family-owned wineries in the area, I recommend checking out Spring Gate Vineyard, The Vineyard at Grandview, The Vineyard & Brewery at Hershey, and a last stop at Troegs Brewery. Spend about an hour at each to enjoy the wines, the views, sit out in the sunshine on spacious decks overlooking the vineyards, and if you time it right even hear some live entertainment. It’s really one of those afternoons with your girlfriends you just don’t want to end.
But, alas, it does have to end, and you for sure want to end up somewhere comfortable for a good night’s sleep, like the Hilton Harrisburg. (The Hilton Harrisburg had me at “Your room with a king bed is ready Mrs. Clark.”) It’s the little details (not just the king size bed) that matter to me and the facts that I was offered water as I waited in the lobby, room service was lightning quick, and the staff was always helpful and genuinely kind go a long way in my book. The location is great, too. Walking distance to many restaurants, shops, and the historic area including the PA State Capital.
Honorable mention: I also have to give a shout out to US Hot Air Balloons. While we had hoped to fit in a hot air balloon ride on our Girlfriend’s Weekend, the weather conditions were not cooperating (silly wind). If you’re the adventurous type go see them and knock this off your bucket list when you visit the area! I’ll for sure be trying again upon my next visit to the Hershey Harrisburg area.
The Hershey/Harrisburg Regional Visitor's Bureau provided a complimentary weekend stay and all activities and meals were included. All opinions are the writer's own.
