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Things to do in Hershey that are not Hershey Park

M

missyrcrews

TUG Review Crew: Elite
TUG Member
Joined
Aug 5, 2014
Messages
1,218
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Location
West Bath, me
Resorts Owned
Cold Spring Resort, Acadia Village Resort, Samoset Resort, Attitash Mountain Village Resort
I'm headed to my first ever trip to Hershey, PA this weekend. :) I do not intend to go to Hershey Park...not my jam. Things on my list: Zoo America. The Civil War Museum in Harrisburg. The outlets. Gettysburg for a day or maybe even two. What should I absolutely not miss? I LOVE museums and history in any way, shape, or form. Not much of a hiker, though a nature walk is nice now and again. Any thoughts?
 
Lancaster isn't far, Amish country is interesting, go for a buggy ride.
 
Do take the trolley tour and the ride at the center itself, which is sorta like Small World at Disney.
The tour highlights Mr. Hershey's legacy and is very interesting.
Near to Hershey is the Ephrata Cloister which is not at all a nunnery but a historical settlement.
Tour Snyder of Hanover's pretzel making facility. Also Harley-Davidson has a tour available.
 
beejaybeeohio said:
Do take the trolley tour and the ride at the center itself, which is sorta like Small World at Disney.
The tour highlights Mr. Hershey's legacy and is very interesting.
Near to Hershey is the Ephrata Cloister which is not at all a nunnery but a historical settlement.
Tour Snyder of Hanover's pretzel making facility. Also Harley-Davidson has a tour available.
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Ah...I'd forgotten about Snyder's! And I've never heard of Ephrata. Hmm. I think I will have to look for a trip back to this area. I never realized there was so much to do that is NOT Hershey-related!
 
Nothing much to do in Hershey and much of it has seen better days. I second Lancaster. Lancaster has Amish Country, good farmers markets, and a theme park called Dutch Wonderland if that suits your fancy. If you like minor league baseball, the Harrisburg Senators play on City Island.
 
Big Matt said:
Nothing much to do in Hershey and much of it has seen better days. I second Lancaster. Lancaster has Amish Country, good farmers markets, and a theme park called Dutch Wonderland if that suits your fancy. If you like minor league baseball, the Harrisburg Senators play on City Island.
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I DO like baseball sometimes. The Senators are in town at the start of the week...and they play the Fisher Cats from NH. :) Hmm. A choice I hadn't considered. :)
 
I remember going to Hershey for nationals and we stopped at a place called Duck Donuts - you could customize your donut. Turns out they're are a franchise - but still it was fun - and they still don't have them in my area!
 
Lancaster has the Sight and Sound Theatre near an Amish Country town.

Daniel from The Bible is playing live on stage at the Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, PA right now. Excellent live stage performance.
 
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Troegs Brewery for a tour and/or flights
Turkey Hill experience is down my York. We keep saying we are going to do it on our way home but the times never work out for tours.
Strasburg railroad is also about 55 minutes away.
 
I'm here! What a beautiful unit! Getting ready to go exploring and find a grocery store. YAY! Should be a really fun week!
 
missyrcrews said:
I'm here! What a beautiful unit! Getting ready to go exploring and find a grocery store. YAY! Should be a really fun week!
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Enjoy! We will be there 8/16!
 
pedro47 said:
Lancaster has the Sight and Sound Theatre near an Amish Country town.

Daniel from The Bible is playing live on stage at the Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, PA right now. Excellent live stage performance.
Click to expand...
I looked at that...I'm familiar with Sight and Sound from my Branson days in Missouri. :) But they are sold out this week. :( I think I'm going to have lots to fill my days, though. Can't believe I haven't been here before!
 
missyrcrews said:
I'm headed to my first ever trip to Hershey, PA this weekend. :) I do not intend to go to Hershey Park...not my jam. Things on my list: Zoo America. The Civil War Museum in Harrisburg. The outlets. Gettysburg for a day or maybe even two. What should I absolutely not miss? I LOVE museums and history in any way, shape, or form. Not much of a hiker, though a nature walk is nice now and again. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
For me, I liked the Amish country. Have also been to Gettysburg. I also remember a tour of the Hershey factory. It was long ago we were there.
 
Well...the answer to the question is YES, there is a ton to do in the area that is not Hershey Park! ;) I am heading back to Maine in the morning. I MUST come back to this area, though. I still have so much that I'd like to see. I'll be trolling the sightings board for sure!

I will do a review when I get home, but as far as activities: Zoo America, National Civil War Museum, Chocolate World for the Stuff your Cup activity and the ride through the simulated factory, the Historic Trolley Tour that is booked through Chocolate World, the Hershey Story museum downtown, Sunday morning worship at First United Methodist, Hershey Gardens, Gettysburg (museum and bus tour), Hershey (the town...not the chocolate) Historical Society Museum, Ephrata Cloister, a visit to Lititz and PRETZELS there as well, Intercourse for a buggy ride and a trip to Stoltzfus Meats, and loads of thrifting. And there's still so much that I left undone. Yes, most things are a little ride away. But not far, and there are generally other interesting things on the way if you keep your eyes open. Suites at Hershey was an amazing place to stay. I felt very safe as a middle-aged gal on my own. So many friendly folks encountered around Pennysylvania this week. Now for a week of work, and then the last (sigh!) trip of summer to Pollard Brook. I love timesharing!
 
Lake Tobias Wildlife Park is 45 minutes away and a great place with kids.
The safari is wonderful.
Only $19 per person for park and safari but make sure you buy the carrots to feed the animals.
www.laketobias.com

Family Animal Attraction in Halifax, PA | Lake Tobias Wildlife Park

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, fun family activities, animal attractions for all ages, 150-acre zoo in Central PA.
www.laketobias.com
 
BargainTraveller said:
Lake Tobias Wildlife Park is 45 minutes away and a great place with kids.
The safari is wonderful.
Only $19 per person for park and safari but make sure you buy the carrots to feed the animals.
www.laketobias.com

Family Animal Attraction in Halifax, PA | Lake Tobias Wildlife Park

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, fun family activities, animal attractions for all ages, 150-acre zoo in Central PA.
www.laketobias.com
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This is on my list of "still to do!" It looked like fun. Also, I enjoy caves, and meant to get to Echo Dell, but didn't have time this week. Like I said...must book another stay here. :)
 
All that has been mentioned - a little late - Look up Kitchen Kettle if you like to browse shops, antique shops, Amish furniture, lunch, etc. It's good for a a few hours. We took yearly trips (usually 3 or 4 nights) when the kids were young to Lancaster/Hershey/Renaissance Fare, Dutch Wonderland, Gettysburg, tour Amish farm/school house, Strasburg Railroad, Outlets, popular Shady Maples restaurant, etc.). We also did a cave tour (I don't think I can do that today). Every year we would find something new to explore/do (corn maze, there is a home you take a tour and each room has all Christmas (old ones) decorations/can't think of the name now/tried).

Next time...... - looking forward to your thoughts. Safe travels.
 
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missyrcrews said:
Well...the answer to the question is YES, there is a ton to do in the area that is not Hershey Park! ;) I am heading back to Maine in the morning. I MUST come back to this area, though. I still have so much that I'd like to see. I'll be trolling the sightings board for sure!

I will do a review when I get home, but as far as activities: Zoo America, National Civil War Museum, Chocolate World for the Stuff your Cup activity and the ride through the simulated factory, the Historic Trolley Tour that is booked through Chocolate World, the Hershey Story museum downtown, Sunday morning worship at First United Methodist, Hershey Gardens, Gettysburg (museum and bus tour), Hershey (the town...not the chocolate) Historical Society Museum, Ephrata Cloister, a visit to Lititz and PRETZELS there as well, Intercourse for a buggy ride and a trip to Stoltzfus Meats, and loads of thrifting. And there's still so much that I left undone. Yes, most things are a little ride away. But not far, and there are generally other interesting things on the way if you keep your eyes open. Suites at Hershey was an amazing place to stay. I felt very safe as a middle-aged gal on my own. So many friendly folks encountered around Pennysylvania this week. Now for a week of work, and then the last (sigh!) trip of summer to Pollard Brook. I love timesharing!
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How was it when the train went by? This resort is near the top of my local bucket list for places I haven't stayed. It seems really nice based on what I have read, but having a DW that is a light sleeper the train is the one thing in reviews that makes me a bit nervous about the trip. It wouldn't bother me -- I could easily sleep through the freight train going by. I have greatly enjoyed reading this thread.
 
I definitely heard the train. I was in building 3...closest to Hershey Park drive, but furthest from the train. However, I have NO issue going right back to sleep. I'm pretty much chronically sleep-deprived from working two jobs most of the year. :) I wouldn't let that deter you from staying at this resort. The unit was beautiful, and the location was perfect for day trips around the area.
 
missyrcrews said:
I definitely heard the train. I was in building 3...closest to Hershey Park drive, but furthest from the train. However, I have NO issue going right back to sleep. I'm pretty much chronically sleep-deprived from working two jobs most of the year. :) I wouldn't let that deter you from staying at this resort. The unit was beautiful, and the location was perfect for day trips around the area.
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Definitely on our bucket list ~ to do sooner than later. History fascinates me, and DHs a train nut .... so a must do.
 
susieq said:
Definitely on our bucket list ~ to do sooner than later. History fascinates me, and DHs a train nut .... so a must do.
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Strasburg should be on your list, then! I didn't make it there this trip. Another time.
 
missyrcrews said:
Strasburg should be on your list, then! I didn't make it there this trip. Another time.
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LOL!! Have done that ~ and Steam town, and Allentown, and Bethlahem, and Altoona, (and numerous others, but those are in the area........), but revisits are always a good thing!! :ROFLMAO: We stayed at Quail Hollow years ago, that was I think our second visit to Altoona, we also visited Intercourse on that trip. Did the buggy ride, lots of Amish country sightseeing, and visited Gettysburg on that trip. Have wanted to go back ever since. We'll get there one day..............
 
missyrcrews said:
I definitely heard the train. I was in building 3...closest to Hershey Park drive, but furthest from the train. However, I have NO issue going right back to sleep. I'm pretty much chronically sleep-deprived from working two jobs most of the year. :) I wouldn't let that deter you from staying at this resort. The unit was beautiful, and the location was perfect for day trips around the area.
Click to expand...
Did you trade in through RCI or do you own BlueGreen. Is it hard for exchangers to get building 3? Did you request it or was that luck of the draw?
 
I own the week after 4th of July at Acadia Village in Ellsworth, Maine. I love the location, but the unit is nothing special. However, I've discovered that it's a wonderful trader! I traded in through Interval. This resort is in both RCI and Interval. I used E-plus to nab this in August of 2023.

I generally don't request units when I travel, so this was luck of the draw. :) I have read in reviews that building 1 does not have the fireplaces in the units. In summer, that's really a non-issue. Other than that, not sure of the differences in buildings.

Truly, if you ever see this available...buy heavy duty earplugs if you're worried about the train, and just go. :) It was such a wonderful week.
 
I lived in Harrisburg for 20 years and you hit many of the highlights on your visit
 
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