Hershey

Hershey, Pennsylvania, transcends a mere town; it stands as a living testament to the vision of Milton S. Hershey, a man who forged a chocolate empire and, with it, a community. Affectionately known as 'The Sweetest Place on Earth,' Hershey presents a singular blend of amusement, horticulture, and history, all infused with the aroma of chocolate. From its distinctive Kisses-shaped streetlights to its globally recognized amusement park, the town offers an immersive experience that delights visitors of every age.

This unincorporated community in Derry Township, Dauphin County, serves as a monument to Hershey's philanthropic spirit and his conviction in cultivating a flourishing environment for his employees. What began as a factory in the early 1900s swiftly expanded into a model town complete with modern amenities, schools, and recreational facilities. Today, Hershey continues to embody that spirit, providing a diverse array of attractions that commemorate its sweet heritage while delivering entertainment and education.

## A Sweet Beginning: Milton Hershey's Vision Milton S. Hershey, born in Derry Township, Pennsylvania, in 1857, was a persistent entrepreneur who navigated multiple setbacks before achieving widespread success. He commenced an apprenticeship with a master confectioner at age 15 and, after two unsuccessful attempts at launching his own candy company, found his rhythm with the Lancaster Caramel Company in 1894. It was there that he refined his milk caramel recipe.

However, Hershey's true innovation emerged when he recognized the potential of chocolate, then considered a luxury item. In 1900, he divested his caramel company for a considerable $1 million to dedicate himself entirely to chocolate manufacturing. His ambition was to make milk chocolate accessible to everyone, not solely the affluent. In 1903, he returned to his birthplace in Derry Township with a vision to construct the world's premier modern chocolate factory.

## Building a Model Town Hershey's vision extended beyond simply chocolate. He believed that a prosperous company depended on content employees, and so he embarked on creating a town around his factory. Officially established in 1903 and largely completed by 1905, the town of Hershey was conceived with its workers in mind, offering residences equipped with modern amenities such as electricity, indoor plumbing, and central heating. The community rapidly grew to encompass a public trolley system, a free school for employees' children, and a vocational school for orphaned and underprivileged boys. This dedication to his community also led to the establishment of Hersheypark in 1905, initially as a leisure spot for his employees and their families, which opened to the public in 1906.

## A Lasting Legacy Milton Hershey's philanthropy was profound. He and his wife, Catherine, bequeathed their entire fortune to the Hershey Industrial School, now known as the Milton Hershey School, which continues to provide education and a home for income-eligible children. Throughout the Great Depression, Hershey continued to invest in his town, constructing landmarks like The Hotel Hershey. Today, the town of Hershey, with its chocolate-themed attractions and community-focused institutions, stands as a sweet legacy to a man who truly believed in giving back.

Begin your visit at Hershey's Chocolate World, a year-round attraction offering a complimentary Chocolate Tour ride that explains the chocolate-making process, complete with singing cows. Here, you can also craft your own candy bar, experience a chocolate tasting, and discover distinctive Hershey's merchandise.

For those seeking excitement, Hersheypark presents over 70 rides and coasters, including a water park, and operates seasonally. Adjacent to Hersheypark is ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, home to over 200 animals from five regions of North America.

Find serenity at Hershey Gardens, a 23-acre botanical garden founded by Milton Hershey in 1937. Explore various themed gardens, including a historic rose garden with 3,000 roses and a children's garden with interactive features. Do not miss the indoor tropical butterfly atrium, one of only 25 in the country, where you can observe hundreds of butterflies from across the globe.

To delve into the life of the town's founder, visit The Hershey Story Museum, which offers interactive exhibits detailing Milton Hershey's journey from modest origins to chocolate magnate and philanthropist. The museum's permanent collection includes personal items of Milton and Catherine Hershey, chocolate-making tools, and historical product packaging.

The most pleasant time to visit Hershey for warm-weather activities is from mid-June to late September, when temperatures are agreeable. For a less crowded experience at Hersheypark, consider visiting on weekends in May or during the month of June, preferably on weekdays. The autumn brings Hersheypark in the Dark with Halloween-themed events and cooler weather, while the winter months offer Hersheypark Christmas Candylane and Hershey Sweet Lights, a drive-through holiday light display. January is often less busy, making it a good time for indoor attractions and dining.

Hershey is situated approximately 14 miles east of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. While the town itself is compact, having a car is advantageous for exploring all the attractions, especially those slightly beyond the main Chocolate Avenue area. Parking rates apply at Hersheypark. Many attractions, such as Hershey's Chocolate World, suggest booking tickets online in advance, particularly for weekends and holidays, to secure your spot and potentially receive discounts. Arriving early in the day at popular attractions like Chocolate World can help you avoid crowds. Hershey holds no legal status as an incorporated municipality; all municipal services are provided by Derry Township. The area code is 717 and the ZIP Code is 17033.