When my daughter Charlotte’s dance team was invited to compete at the Backstage National Competition in Hershey, Pennsylvania this summer I was excited to book a trip there for just the two of us to spend time with her teammates. Despite having Hersheypark on my shortlist of destinations to bring my kids to, I actually hadn’t been there since high school. This trip was definitely way overdue.
Hersheypark is a family theme park located about 2.5 hours from Bridgewater. The park was founded in 1906 by Milton S. Hershey as a leisure park for the employees of the Hershey Chocolate Company. This historic family amusement and water park has something for everyone. Genuine hospitality, thrilling rides and attractions, water fun and live entertainment are all part of the authentic Hershey experience.
After doing a little research, I decided to book our stay at Hershey Lodge, one of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark, alongside The Hotel Hershey and Hersheypark Camping Resort. I figured “When in Rome” and knew that if I was going to Hersheypark that I might as well book a hotel that would satisfy my sweet tooth. Our guest room accommodations did not disappoint. It included chocolate-themed artwork and decor, chocolate scented soap and Hershey's bars for each of us.
The sweetness didn’t stop there. Dining at the Hershey Lodge means sugar overload. The sugar spike started first thing in the morning with my daughter indulging in an oversized cookie and decadent hot chocolate from the Cocoa Beanery all-day coffee shop—vacation breakfast rules—meanwhile I finished off the night with a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Martini served at Fire & Grain, a stylish yet relaxed hotel restaurant with a fireplace and communal tables for American and Italian eats. This was the best chocolate martini I’ve ever had in my life. It was also a bit dangerous because it tasted like I was drinking chocolate milk but was actually consuming Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, Marie Brizard Chocolat Royal, Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur and Buttershots Schnapps. Again, vacation rules.
In between dance performances, my daughter and I kept busy with various activities: miniature golf, family bingo, arcade games, Hershey’s Character appearances and more. My daughter’s favorite part of the resort was their indoor pool complex, Hershey’s Water Works. She enjoyed over 30,000 square feet of splashing good times featuring the Twizzler Twists water slides and Reese’s Water Walk!
On her off day from competing we ventured over to Hersheypark. Our Free Resort Benefits included Hersheypark Sweet Start (extra park hours), a free shuttle from the hotel and three parks in one: Hersheypark featuring more than 70 rides and attractions; The Boardwalk At Hersheypark water park (open May 29-Sept. 6) with one million gallons of water; and ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park.
While the rides were certainly a lot of fun, I think my daughter’s favorite part of the trip was when we headed to Hershey’s Chocolate World, located next to Hersheypark. We both thoroughly enjoyed the one-of-a-kind Create Your Own Candy Bar Attraction and the free Hershey’s Chocolate Tour. It’s also home to the world’s largest Hershey’s Store, where we of course stopped for a few souvenirs.
When we arrived home with the souvenirs my other daughters were none too pleased to have been left out of this excursion, so it looks like we will be heading back as a full family soon!