NEW YORK – Inspiration and Sweet Adventures at Hershey Park
As a native New Yorker, I occasionally like to escape the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. In a previous post, I shared my wonderful experience in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, visiting the charming land of the Amish. While my friends and I were there, we realized Hershey, Pennsylvania, was only a 42-mile drive away. None of us had ever been to Hersheypark, so we made it a particular part of our Sunday adventure!
Our first stop was The Hershey Story Museum, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of inspiring! We were all so moved by the story of Milton Hershey, a man whose vision, determination, and compassion left a lasting impact on the world.
Milton Hershey’s journey is the perfect example of never giving up, even when the odds are stacked against you. By age 26, he had already faced two failed businesses and was left penniless. Many people might have given up at that point, but not Milton. Fueled by curiosity and a deep belief in his dream, he turned his life around. He eventually sold his caramel company for $1 million and poured his heart and soul into creating the world’s first affordable milk chocolate.
Armed with a vision to make chocolate accessible to everyone, he bought equipment from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition and began experimenting. Within a few years, he perfected the recipe, and by 1903, his factory was taking shape in the town we now know as Hershey.
But Milton Hershey wasn’t just focused on building a business—he wanted to create a better community. Unlike other industrialists of his time, he invested in the people around him. He built homes, parks, schools, and transportation for his employees, enriching the town in every way. His heart was full of generosity and responsibility toward others.
When Milton and his wife Catherine discovered they couldn’t have children, they turned their attention to helping others in a way that still inspires them today. They founded a school for orphaned boys, where young lives could find hope and opportunity. In 1918, Milton Hershey endowed that school with his entire fortune, making his legacy about so much more than just chocolate—it became about happiness, kindness, and helping others.
Milton Hershey’s life reminds us that success isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about lifting others along the way. Visiting the museum and learning his story left us feeling genuinely inspired, and I hope it also touches your heart.
Here are some images of that experience.
Then, after a fascinating learning and interactive experience at The Hershey Story Museum, we walked a short distance to Hershey’s Chocolate World!
Hershey’s Chocolate World is full of sweet surprises, starting with their free Chocolate Making Tour Ride. Trust me, after you see how that delicious Hershey Bar is made, you’ll never look at chocolate the same way again! You’ll also get to meet some of their fun candy characters, which is always a treat (and yes, it’s free, too!).
And if you’re ready to dive even deeper into chocolate heaven, you can try some fantastic experiences for a small fee. You can create your very own candy bar at the Make Your Own Candy Bar station, hop on the Hershey Trolley Works for a charming tour, or even craft your own Giant Reese’s peanut butter cups! Plus, the store is massive—full of Hershey goodies and unique items found nowhere else.
Whether you’re there for the free fun or want to make your own chocolate creations, Hershey’s Chocolate World will leave you smiling and craving just a bit more sweetness in your day!
Here are some photos of the inside of the area.
So, for a delightful weekend, take a trip to Hershey!
You’ll learn a lot and have fun!
Inspiration and Sweet Adventures at Hershey Park
Hersheypark
100 W. Hersheypark Drive,
Hershey, PA 17033
Readers may also enjoy our reviews of Pencil Works Studio, The Smith Restaurant and Birthday Surprise, Pasta Bar in SOHO, Laser Wolf in Brooklyn, Mother’s Day at Blackbarn, Rosemary’s, Gene’s Italian Restaurant, Le Rivage on Restaurant Row, Dowling’s at the Carlyle, and Ethos Greek Restaurant.