Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Getaway

November 7, 2018 by Admin 17 Comments

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Casino, their motto is “Expect the unexpected” and visitors should!

If you are planning a trip to Pennsylvania there is no better destination than the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. Stay, dine, and adventure all at one location. You can’t go wrong and there are options for every family member, even the canine ones. Luxury and activity come together to offer stimulation and relaxation.

The first step is choosing the accommodations that work for you and your family. Nemacolin offers three rooming options, the Chateau Lafayette, Falling Rock, and their Lodge. Or if you want more they have townhouses and luxury vacation homes available. Traveling with a four legged companion? Try Nemacolin Wooflands Resort and Spa. No matter which you pick there is no wrong answer when every one is so lovely a retreat from the every day.

Once you are on the grounds and your vacation has begun it is time to select between all of the possibilities Nemacolin has for its guests. Want to get some dirt on your boots? Try the Adventure Center. Hiking, bike rentals, paintball target practice, even a Jeep® Off-Road Driving Academy are some of the adventures that keep your feet on the ground. Or you can adventure up high. Fatbird SuperFlyer is over 3,000’ of dueling zip lines, or give the elevated Ropes Tour and Climbing Wall a try. Maybe keep it simple with a family round at the Fallingbrook Mini Golf Course.

Your kids can get so much more from their trip to the Nemacolin Wildlife Academy than just time in the outdoors. With a Safari Tour, on foot, or horseback, there are many ways to experience the wild life at Nemacolin. They are dedicated to giving a safe home to animals such as bison, zebra, a bengal tiger, lions, wolves and bears. There is also a nursery of more than 40 species of smaller animals like the two toed sloth, fennec foxes, rabbits and reptiles. There is always something new to learn and discover.

Maybe an art class or tour is more your speed. Well there are enough options to keep you busy throughout your stay. Enjoy the Hardy Family Art Collection on display at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort as you move around during your visit or really delve deep with the Indoor Curator’s Tour or Outdoor Sculpture Tour. Want to get your hands dirty? There are classes offered in ceramics, painting, and even stained glass. Take home a personal creation from your stay.

In the summer it’s pools and in the winter snow sports that will get you moving. Whether you are an expert skier or novice snowboarder the 6 slopes at Mystic Mountain has an option for you. Or try something really different and take a dog sled ride across the snow covered terrain. Every season has its own appeal at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort.

Now my favorite part of any vacation is the food. Delicious taste adventures after I have burned off calories with all the activities around the resort. With so many options at Nemacolin there was’t enough time to try them all! Looking for a Five Star dining experience? Lautrec at the Chateau Lafayette ranks amongst the top dining experiences anywhere in the country. Their Autumn restaurant specializes in farm to table meals that could not be fresher. There are also casual food options like Otis & Henry’s Bar & Grill to be enjoyed during your stay and even PJ’s Ice Cream Parlor.

No mater you culinary tastes or your appetite for adventure Nemacolin Woodlands Resort has you covered. Vacationing in Pennsylvania has been taken to a whole new level.

Learn more about Nemacolin Woodlands Resort on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Woodloch Resort and Folds of Honor Expand Their Five-Year Partnership

June 6, 2018 by Samantha Leave a Comment

Since its original opening in 1958, Woodloch Pines, an award-winning, all-inclusive family resort located in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, has always remained committed to honoring those who serve and defend this country’s freedom, many of whom have been and continue to be loyal guests. Hence, it was a natural fit when the Pocono resort’s championship golf course, Woodloch Springs, teamed up with Folds of Honor five years ago to host an annual golf tournament. The nonprofit organization provides educational scholarships to families of military men and women who have fallen or been disabled while on active duty in the United States Armed Forces. Since its inception, Folds of Honor has awarded nearly 16,000 educational scholarships to military families.

On Monday, July 9^th, Woodloch Springs will host the fifth annual Folds of Honor Golf Classic. The tournament kicks off with a shotgun start at 11:30 AM, and the $145 cost per golfer includes: golf fees, cocktail hour, dinner featuring a military keynote speaker and a special memorial gift. To date, the Folds of Honor Golf Classic has raised over $60,000 to support families in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

In addition to this year’s annual golf tournament, the family resort is excited to announce that it will host its first-ever Folds of Honor Weekend fromNovember 2-4, 2018 to further support the foundation and its efforts with a portion of Woodloch’s revenue being donated. During Folds of Honor Weekend, guests can look forward to:

Boot Camp Obstacle Course Olympics which will have teams of guests going head to head in various physical challenges
Military-Themed Baking Wars, a team versus team event that has “bakeries” competing in both resource management and creativity all under time constraints
Woodloch’s Broadway-style Theme Show, complete with a full orchestra, elaborate costumes and professional choreography, will pay special tribute to veterans and active military
Some of the family resort’s most popular amenities including a zip-line and climbing wall, go-karts, bumper cars, game shows and trivia, and the Indoor Pool Complex complete with slide and splash zone

In addition to the activities mentioned above, on the evening of Sunday, November 4^th, Woodloch will host its “A Night of Heroes” event to further benefit Folds of Honor. The cocktail party will feature a special Folds of Honor guest speaker, and guests can enjoy tasting stations, a cash bar and silent auction and raffle.

“Our goal is to provide scholarship opportunities for the children and spouses of our local heroes. Supporting this event helps to ensure that their legacy lives on. May we never forget that freedom isn’t free! We hugely appreciate the support of everyone involved in this tournament as they continue to honor all who have given the ultimate sacrifice in our community,” remarked John Pillar, PGA, Director of Golf at Woodloch Springs.

To obtain more information about Folds of Honor Weekend, please visit www.woodloch.com. To learn more about The Folds of Honor Foundation, visitwww.FoldsofHonor.org.

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: PA, travel

PHILADELPHIA’S TOP SPOTS FOR SOUVENIRS

March 19, 2018 by Samantha Leave a Comment

Visitors seeking a tricorn hat, feather quill pen or mini-Rocky can certainly find such souvenirs in and around Philadelphia’s best-known historical and cultural sites. Then again, those who prefer artisan-made goods and foods, cool T-shirts or locally made jewelry can stop into stylish shops all over the city to pick up unexpected Philly memorabilia. Here are some of the city’s best places to scoop up merchandise and more:

Fashion-Forward Finds:

Cheesesteaktees specializes in fun, cheeky Philly-themed tees, hoodies and decals. Patrons can pick up an iconic “illadelph” decal or go for a sports team raglan emblazoned with Sixers great Allen Iverson’s face and the word “Practice.” With the Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl win in 2018, Cheesesteaktees introduced a slew of tees to celebrate the occasion: “City of Champions,” “Try Our Philly Special,” “Grease the Lamp Posts” and “We Won This Jawn,” to name just a few. The company also offers custom designs. cheesesteaktees.com
No need to leave one’s heart in Philadelphia when the LAGOS Heart of Philadelphia charm lets visitors bring Philly home. The locally based jewelry designer incorporated architectural details from four city landmarks—City Hall, Independence Hall, Philadelphia Museum of Art and Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts—into a must-have sterling silver heart that’s available on a necklace or bracelet. 1735 Walnut Street, (215) 567-0770, lagos.com
Phillies, Eagles, Flyers, 76ers and Union. Whatever the sport, whatever the team, neighbors Mitchell & Ness and Shibe Vintage Sports arethe spots for cool, authentic sports gear. To show their team spirit at a game or from a comfy sofa, celebrities and fans stop by to stock up on throwback jerseys, snapback caps, hoodies and other clothing licensed by major-league sports. Shibe also carries its own made-in-Philly line of retro T-shirts celebrating classic Philly landmarks, athletes and more, with new additions in stock thanks to the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII win. Mitchell & Ness, 1201 Chestnut Street, (267) 273-7622, mitchellandness.com; Shibe, 137 S. 13^th Street, (215) 566-2511, shibevintagesports.com
Philadelphia pride is runway-ready with designer Nicole Miller’s collection of scarves, neckties and bowties, all in silk and all bearing logos and images of Philly icons, landmarks and institutions. Miller’s trademark bright colors on a dark background make the items fashionable keepsakes. The Bellevue, 200 S. Broad Street, (215) 546-5007; 4249 Main Street, (215) 930-0307, nicolemillerphiladelphia.com
Carrying everything from authentic, licensed Phillies, Eagles, Flyers, 76ers and Union apparel to team-themed Christmas items, postcards and novelties, Rittenhouse Square’s Philly Team Store is a home run for die-hard Philadelphia sports fans. Some of the most coveted souvenirs at the store include the Mike Schmidt plush player doll and Richie Ashburn and Maikel Franco mini-figures. 1720 Chestnut Street, (215) 941-5002; Suburban Station, 1515 Market Street, #117, (215) 279-9289, phillyteamstore.com

Tasty Take-Home Treats:

Among the 80 merchants inside Reading Terminal Market, the Pennsylvania General Store serves as a go-to spot for Philly food gifts. Shoppers can snap up local favorites such as Wilbur Buds (originally made in Old City), Hope’s Cookies, Tastykake and Horn & Hardart coffee. These treats, along with “Welcome to Philly” and Eagles “Super Bowl Champs” tins and baskets are available online or through a mail-order catalogue when supplies need replenishing. The store also carries a full line of non-food souvenirs: glasses, mugs, T-shirts, books, charms and the like. 12^th & Arch Streets, (215) 592-9772, pageneralstore.com
Half the fun of Shane Confectionery is the time travel—it kicks in when visitors see the turn-of-the-century décor. Otherwise, it’s all about the sweets. Handmade in this legendary shop that was restored by brothers Eric and Ryan Berley, the signature buttercreams and caramels, old-fashioned clear toy candies and more Wonka-esque goodies satisfy any sweet tooth. In 2014, the brothers began making their own chocolate, and visitors can reap the sweet benefits via bars, bon bons and drinking chocolates. 110 Market Street, (215) 922-1048, shanecandies.com
Among the over-21 set, Philly’s Yards Brewing Company is a name to know—even more so now that they’ve relocated to a 70,000-square-foot facility in the city’s Northern Liberties neighborhood. After touring the brewery and eating and drinking in the taproom, brew lovers can pick up a six-pack or growler of one of Yards’ award-winning craft beers—including their Ales of the Revolution Series: a Thomas Jefferson tavern ale, Benjamin Franklin spruce and a George Washington porter. Back at home, the growler can serve as a fond memory of one of the nation’s great beer cities. T-shirts, sweatshirts, pint glasses and other swag are also available. 500 Spring Garden Street, (215) 525-0175, yardsbrewing.com

More Must-Haves:

Guests can load up on Duross & Langel’s scent-sational natural soaps, hair and skin-care products and Philly-themed soy candles. The colorful line is handmade at the charming shop, where concoctions include Moroccan cedar, blood-orange margarita and black pepper. Add in their rubber ducky soap collection, natural care products for dogs, upstairs hair salon and men’s grooming lounge, and D&L serves as a one-stop inner-and-outer beauty shop for the whole family. 117 S. 13^th Street, (215) 592-7627, durossandlangel.com
On the always-buzzing 13^th Street, Open House—owned by partners Valerie Safran and Marcie Turney—scores big in the cool souvenirs department. TheWe Heart Philly line includes items such as framed graphic prints of Philly neighborhood names, pint glasses adorned with local landmarks, “I (Pretzel) Philly” baby onesies, LOVE sculpture necklaces, Liberty Bell ornaments and Philly dish towels, mugs, bottle openers, pillowcases, flasks and totes. 107 S. 13^th Street, (215) 922-1415, openhouseliving.com
Old City’s Philadelphia Independents combines the compellingly collectible, absolutely functional works of dozens of Philly ceramicists, silkscreeners, illustrators, jewelers, knitters and other modern makers so emblematic of the city’s rising artisan community. The shop, owned and curated by Tiffica Benza, Ashley Peel and Jennifer Provost, rotates its selection of all-handmade, all-local offerings often. 35 N. 3^rd Street, (267) 773-7316, philadelphiaindependents.com
Across the street from Open House and also owned by the Safran-Turney powerhouse, Verde attracts shoppers with its line of Marcie Blaine Artisanal Chocolates. The Philadelphia series features Philly icons on the candies: LOVE sculpture (with raspberry ganache), Liberty Bell (70 percent cacao, vanilla bean), soft pretzel (peanut butter and pretzel ganache) and Philly skyline (hazelnut, milk chocolate praline). 108 S. 13^th Street, (215) 546-8700, verdephiladelphia.com

Classic Souvenirs:

For more than 150 years, Humphrys Flags has been manufacturing all manner of flags in Philadelphia (including the City of Philadelphia’s flags, of course). Directly and appropriately across the street from the Betsy Ross House, the retail arm of the now international company stocks petite to enormous versions of Old Glory, along with flags from other nations, states, organizations and even times. Custom flags are also available. 238 Arch Street, (800) 227-3524, humphrysflag.com
Two of Philly’s most famous citizens, Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross, still boast rock-star status in their city, and the choices for take-home items are endless at the Independence Visitor Center and the Betsy Ross House. Young patriots can purchase kid-sized mob caps (women’s fabric caps traditionally worn indoors by women) or tricorn hats, while parents can go home with coasters imprinted with some of Ben’s favorite quotes about beer at the Visitor Center’s soon-to-expand store. And flag fans can choose from 13-star flags like Betsy’s original design or cross-stitch needlepoint versions for do-it-yourselfers at the Betsy Ross House’s pint-sized store. Visitor Center, 6^th& Market Streets, (800) 537-7676, giftshop.phlvisitorcenter.com; Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street, (215) 686-1252, historicphiladelphia.org/betsy-ross-house
On a cobblestone side street in the shadow of historic Christ Church, Old City T-Shirts and Souvenirs, “Home of $5 custom-made Philadelphia T-Shirts,” offers serious bargains on custom screen-printed T-shirts and active apparel. Since 1977, guests have been able to choose from a variety of styles and colors, then pay a mere five bucks to have Rocky, the Liberty Bell, a Philly team or local attraction printed on it within 30 seconds. 233 Church Street, (215) 925-7860, oldcitytshirts.com
When the goal is a Philly tchotchke, Xeno’s Candy ’n’ Gifts delivers—pint glasses, plates, key chains, mugs, thermoses, sweatshirts, chocolates, mini statuary and knickknacks galore. Also in stock Old City emporium of souvenirs: comic book character goods and, for no charge at all, maps, directions and advice from the friendly staff. 231 Chestnut Street, (215) 922-1445, xenosgifts.com

VISIT PHILADELPHIA^® is our name and our mission. As the region’s official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia’s image, drive visitation and boost the economy.

On Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog, visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: PA, Philadelphia, travel

Mount Airy Casino Resort in the Poconos

February 1, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains are home to the Mount Airy Casino Resort. Centrally located just 90 minutes from Philadelphia, NYC, and Northern NJ the casino offers 1,800 slot machines and 80 table games for visitors that are looking for some excitement. Mount Airy spa and golf course will appeal to visitors looking to relax and be pampered, or get out on the course for some sunshine. Catch a show or go for a swim while you escape to the pleasures of a casino resort.

Water features, sculptures, and a 51,000 square foot pool will be a highlight for hotel guests. A four season attraction complete with indoor/outdoor access, poolside bar, and luxury cabanas will keep you and your party occupied, relaxed, and refreshed. Families should keep in mind that kids and teens need to be accompanied by an adult while in the pool area. They also need to be escorted by an employee when on the main floors and between rooms and restaurants- this might be a location that is best suited for couples or a girlfriend getaway/men’s weekend away.

Enjoy the food network? Check out one of their star’s restaurants Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen. No matter what time you start to feel a craving for American favorites like hearty chicken soup or chicken fried steak you can head to Guy’s. The kitchen is open 24 hours as day. Another option is Bistecca by Il Mulino. Open for dinner every night the experience and luxury will make any evening a special event.

The food at Mt. Airy is delicious- every restaurant we tried was better then average at worst, while most of the dishes went into the “amazing” category. We ate more then we should have, and more then we intended. It was a filling kind of weekend.

The resort also offers live shows and performances by all sorts of artists and musicians- both the general public and hotel guests are able to attend. There are many acts and much variation in types and genres, so something will surely appeal to nearly everyone.

If you are looking for a good time in a nearby local, this is certainly one to look into. Valentines Day is right around the corner, see what they still have open and book a romantic weekend!

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: PA, poconos, travel

Fall and Winter at Woodloch

January 10, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Enjoy the Seasons in the Pocono Mountains

Woodloch Family Resort has it all this season and there is no better way to see the Pocono Mountains than with a family trip to Woodloch. Whether the trees are tipped with crimson leaves or topped with pure white snow, you could not imagine a more lovely local to get away to, and now is the time to plan your getaway!

Fall is a great time to take a ride through the countryside, and kids will love the horse or tractor drawn view. Halloween has the Haunted Hayride for those brave enough to face a fright in the night. Or maybe come for the Holidays and get everyone outside for the Festival of Lights. Enjoy the evening air and glowing decorations before heading in for some hot cocoa. The Nature Trail is lit up for the Holiday Season to give the ride a whole new feel. No matter the time you pick, there is always something going on at Woodloch.

The food served at Woodloch Resorts will keep everyone in your family happy- especially those who can take a vacation from cooking.

You can also join in the Yule Log Hunt, holiday caroling, and more before enjoying cookies and eggnog. The fun doesn’t stop! There are tons of winter sports to keep everyone going or the spa to stay put and enjoy. If hitting the slopes is on the agenda then there are snow tubes and nearby skiing. Ice skating can also be on the agenda. Woodloch will be opening an EZ Glide 500 synthetic ice rink for year round enjoyment too.

Tubing is available seasonally right outside the main restaurant area, weather permitting.

With all inclusive options for meals or a-la-cart dining there is a package to match your needs. A room or guest house, accommodations cover those with families or couples looking to take a romantic trip. Woodloch Family Resort takes care of everything while you sit back and enjoy your vacation.

Bumper Cars (indoors) is year round fun for everyone

Find out more on the Woodloch website Woodloch.com

Or take a look on Social Media – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: family travel, PA, resorts, travel

Woodloch Poconos Resort

April 24, 2017 by Admin 5 Comments

all inclusive resort

An all-inclusive family resort, located in the Pocono Mountains, Woodloch offers the best in lodging, dining, and entertainment for all four seasons. Rent a cabin or a room and enjoy time with family and friends. With views of Lake Teedyuskung and mountain vistas a vacation here is a chance to relax and renew yourself.

Kids will never lack for indoor or outdoor adventures. In warmer months, hit the mountains and climb the hills. In winter, you can ski or snow tube. Too cold outside? Try the six sided rock climbing wall which is available any season. Swimming is always an option as well, as the resort has indoor and outdoor pools. For those that like a little speed and some motorized fun there, are the bumper cars, go karts, and even bumper boats! If you crave some quiet, you can glide silently through the water on a kayak trip and experience a new view of nature and the surrounding wildlife. You might even catch a peek at an American Bald Eagle flying the skies.

Fishing, golfing, skiing, hiking, boating, and horseback riding can fill your daylight hours. After dark there is more still to come. Comedy acts, live music, magicians, and jugglers are just the start of family-friendly show options. Many nights, they show a family friendly movie as well.

If you like, there is also skeet shooting, paintball, and bow and arrow shooting for both kids and adults- some age restrictions do apply, so check in before you head over.

Between all these options day and night, you will need to keep your energy up. The family-style meal service is an original feature of the resort, and started with the owners back in 1958. Sit down to your meals in the main dinning room, which serves up three squares a day year round. Feel good while you eat knowing that Woodloch is part of a national “seed to fork” and other initiatives that pride themselves on using regionally grown ingredients. The full American Plan offered makes every meal an all-you-can-eat feast.

Make your trip as easy to plan and enjoyable as possible with an all inclusive vacation. Quality time together with family and friends is the best part of escaping the distractions and demands of our daily schedules.

Indoor Children’s playground- this is a great place for cold weather, rainy days, and running off any random energy the kids have when you don’t.

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: family travel, PA, travel

Hershey’s Sweet Welcome To Do and The Zoo (America) #HersheyPA

December 8, 2016 by Pam 1 Comment

There is so much to do in Hershey Park. If you need a break from the rides and pampering you really should visit ZooAmerica. ZooAmerica is an active zoo, educates the public about conservation and protection of animals native to North America.

One of the very interesting things you can do at ZooAmerica is to go on an after hours tour. During the after hours tour you can visit nocturnal animals who are normally asleep during the day.

This is the space where the quail and roadrunner live. Also there are live owls flying around. It’s kinda creepy at first but the owls don’t bother you.

Part of the tour includes an educational segment.

This little critter is called a chuckwalla. He’s a lizard. He came by to say hello but I declined to pet him. He seemed nice enough though.

The moment I had been waiting for was the chance to befriend an owl named Luna.

She didn’t bring my letter from Hogwarts but she did make friends with everyone. Her eye is damaged so she will never be able to live in the wild. That’s what is so great about ZooAmerica. They care for animals and also use them to teach.

On the tour we saw an alligator.

This guy is an American Alligator. Don’t let that smile fool you. He was waiting for the snacks to come through the little door off camera.

We saw an ocelot, blood drinking bats, ferrets, coati, and snakes. At night they are active so we it was a special treat that doesn’t happen during the regular zoo hours.

The highlight of the tour was feeding Murphy and Chief, black bears. Murphy was especially friendly and hd learned hand signals to give kisses. He even held my hand.

I think he likes me!

Did I mention we fed otters? So much to do at ZooAmerica; it’s fun for the whole family!

If your idea of live entertainment doesn’t include wild animals, you should totally check out Hershey Theatre. Amazing holiday shows will be featured at Hershey Theatre during the holiday season. The dates and times are listed below:

Straight No Chaser – December 4 at 2:30 and 7:30 PM
Elf – December 6-8 at 7:30 PM
The Piano Guys – December 10 at 3:00 and 8:00 PM

Visit www.HersheyEntertainment.com for tickets and more information.

The Hershey Story Museum

Little Elves Workshop – The elves have once again set up their workshop, where kids of all ages can create their own unique ornament out of chocolate clay. Participants will roll, cut and ice their creations and design their own packaging. $5.00 per ornament; adults many accompany participating children at no charge.

Available select dates November 12 – January 1 at 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Snowball Saturdays – Friendly indoor snowball fights are the centerpiece of this holiday event! In addition, kids can visit with a snowman and Coco the Bear, and hear stories about wintertime fun. Free; admission to the Museum Experience not required.

Available December 3, 10 & 17.

Holiday-Themed Chocolate Lab Classes – Guests can enjoy a 45-minute class where they learn about chocolate and make their own chocolate treat. Ticket purchase required; children must be at least four years old to enter the lab. Class themes are as follows:
- Candy Cane Bark, Chocolate Reindeer, Create a Kris Kringle and Make a Very Merry Bar

Available daily beginning November 12 – January 1, 2017, class times vary.

* Classes offered on Snowball Saturdays only (December 3, 10 & 17): Let it Snow Chocolate and Marshmallow Mischief.

NYE Bubble Wrap Stomps – Kids can celebrate the New Year with bubble wrap stomps on Saturday, December 31, 2016, at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Stomps take place in the museum’s patio, weather permitting. (In the event of inclement weather, stomps will take place in the museum’s Grand Lobby.) Free; admission to the Museum Experience not required.

Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction

Hershey’s Chocolate World is filled with great indoor family-fun activities:

Start your day the merry way with Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus, Saturdays & Sundays from November 11 through December 24.
See the unique and magical 8^th annual Hershey’s Holiday Chocolate House! Every inch is covered in Hershey’s confectionery products and a sweet donation is made to Children’s Miracle Network.
Take a cozy trip on the Christmas Trolley Adventure which is guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit with caroling, stories, and even a special visit from a certain jolly, old elf.

While at Chocolate World, we made our own personalized chocolate bars. First, they suit you up:

Then you choose your chocolate bar options and watch as the machine makes it.

Adds ingredients if you want them.

I did not add any sprinkles, or jimmies or anything. I’m a purist.

Finally your chocolate is cooled, then wrapped in a special box with your name on it.

After that you pick up your bar where it’s wrapped in your unique design that you made and you’re ready to go.

Mine isn’t very creative but I made it!

Not everything is chocolate themed at Hershey. Aside from the ZooAmerica, Hershey PA is home to Hershey Gardens, a 23 acre garden of roses. It was much too cold to tour the gardens while we visited, but we did visit the spectacular Butterfly Atrium. We saw so many beautiful butterflies up close; it was amazing.

You can get close up and personal with any butterfly you like.

They are so amazing! But don’t touch. And don’t try to sneak one home with you.

Such a great time in Hershey PA; so much to do and you can visit the zoo!

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: candy, conservation, hershey, Hershey Park, PA, sweet welcome, travel

Sweet Welcome: Dining and History in Hershey #HersheyPA

December 7, 2016 by Pam 5 Comments

Just when you think Hershey couldn’t get any better, think again. You’ll want to eat while at Hershey. In fact, you’ll want to eat a lot when you’re in Hershey. If you want a holiday themed dinner and a show you could try Holiday with Dickens at The Hotel Hershey Sunday, December 4 at 3:00 PM Holiday Tea ($40) and 6:30 PM. Holiday Dinner ($99).

This heartwarming show-of-the-season is performed by Gerald Charles Dickens, the great, great grandson of literary master, Charles Dickens. During his energetic one-man show, Dickens brings A Christmas Carol to life. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 717-534-8800.

If it’s just you and your significant other, put on your best outfit and eat at The Circular, at The Hotel Hershey. I love The Circular breakfast because of the omelet station and the fresh squeezed orange juice. The decor is so breathtaking, restored to look as glamorous and beautiful as it did in the 1920s. Also? Chef Cher Harris was crowned Pastry Queen in the World Pastry Championship in Italy. She’s the chef for The Hotel Hershey so no matter what restaurant you eat at The Hotel Hershey, it’s sure to be delicious. While at the spa we noshed on an array of desserts that were awesome.

There are four other restaurants at The Hotel Hershey: Trevi 5 featuring Italian, Harvest, featuring American, the Cooca Beanery for your breakfast needs and the Iberian Lounge, which is a dark after hours bar, that looks like someplace Hemingway might enjoy.

hotel-hershey-views

Everywhere you turn there is something spectacular to look at.

If super fancy meals aren’t your style then you’ll still find something to suit at The Hershey Lodge. There’s Hershey Grill, The Bear’s Den, Coca Beanery Debbie Lebkicher’s, and The Forbear. While we didn’t eat at The Forebay, we heard that if you’d like to try wild game (boar, rabbit, venison) that The Forebay is the place for you.

As much as I enjoyed the chocolate, my favorite meal was Devon’s Seafood + Steak, located in The Hershey Press Building. Chef Hellberg greeted us and he couldn’t have been cuter or nicer. I really valued that given my non dairy limitations they provided a meal that was as fulfilling and as beautifully plated as everyone else’s.

No matter where you dine, you should totally try the chocolate martinis.

chocolatini

After a great meal, I think the next thing you should do is take the Chocolate & History Trolley. This trolly is THE best sightseeing tour you’ll ever go on! Seriously, the staff dresses up in period costumes and “cover the inspiring story of Milton Hershey and the main sites of the town of Hershey (the original chocolate factory, Mr. Hershey’s birthplace, his home Highpoint Mansion, Chocolate Avenue, the Hershey Kiss Streetlights, HersheyPark, and Milton Hershey School).” They are entertaining AND they hand out chocolate every few minutes, what’s not to love? It’s incredibly charming and informational. It’s the best 75 minutes you’ll ever spend.

Whatever you decide to do, let Hershey give you a sweet welcome.