Best things to do in Hershey

Open since 1937, Hershey Gardens features 9.3 ha (23 ac) of flowers, trees, shrubs, and butterflies. Stroll 11 themed gardens, such as the rose garden with 5,600 roses, the seasonal garden with 30,000 flowers, and the herb garden with medicinal, aromatic, household, culinary, and dye-making plants. You can take a moment for reflection at the Japanese reflective pond set in a field of giant sequoias and exotic plants. You'll find yourself surrounded by hundreds of butterflies, and have the chance to observe their typical life cycle, at the butterfly house. For the youngest visitors, an area of 32 themed gardens offers an array of interactive programs and activities, hiding spots, play areas, and learning opportunities.

Learn the legacy of Milton Hershey and his chocolate confections at The Hershey Story Museum through interactive exhibits and activities. Watch the process of creating a chocolate bar, from planting cocoa beans to making your own delicious treat. Sample warm chocolate flavored drinks, such as fruity African and Indonesian caramel. Younger guests can become apprentices and engage in scavenger hunts. See the collection of chocolate-making tools and machines, molds, promotional materials, and numerous non-confectionary artifacts related to Hershey. Browse through rare and historical sweets and souvenirs at the museum shop.

Explore the chocolate wonderland of Hersheypark, founded in 1906 as a leisure park for employees of the Hershey Chocolate Company. The park's first roller coaster ride opened in 1923, and today the venue contains a total of 70 rides and attractions, covering a vast area of over 45 hectares (110 acres). The six themed areas offer rides ranging from low-speed, gentle adventures for young children, to high-speed experiences for adrenaline junkies. You can also explore a section featuring a large water park, and a walk-through zoo dedicated to North American wildlife. Be sure to drop by the visitor center, containing restaurants and chocolate shops, and offering free chocolate factory-themed tour rides.

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park houses 200 animals from all five natural regions of the United States, including the swamps, Big Sky Country, and the Southwest. The park offers a behind-the-scenes tour that offers an insider's look at the animal care and a night tour that showcases nocturnal animals in motion. Visitors of Hersheypark get free admission to the zoo, so consider making Hersheypark your first stop.

See automobiles ranging back to 1800s, when you visit AACA Museum, Inc.. Explore constantly changing exhibits featuring automobiles like a buggy from the 1800s. Explore the bus transportation section, where you'll see buses with crank starts and wicker seats, or venture to the special exhibits section to see what's new. You may choose between exploring the museum on a self-guided tour or with a tour guide. For food, the upper level rotunda offers panoramic views of the countryside but may need to be booked in advance.

Located on the site of one of the bloodiest episodes in American history, Gettysburg National Military Park preserves the landscape of the historic 1863 battle between the Union and Confederate forces. Though the battle resulted in the largest number of casualties in the entire American Civil War, it became the turning point of the dramatic conflict when the Union army turned back the Confederate attempt to invade the North. The military park contains most of the original battlefield, as well as many support areas, including the supply and hospital locations. Start your exploration at the park's museum and visitor center, where you can see over 40,000 war artifacts and an enormous cyclorama painting of the battle by French artist Paul Philippoteaux.

Founded in Pennsylvania in 1996 by brothers John and Chris Trogner, Tröegs Independent Brewing is driven by a sense of adventure and curiosity. From the beginning, our brewery has been built by family, friends and kindred spirits who share a love of great beer. 100% independent.

www.troegs.com

One of the United States' premier botanical gardens, Longwood Gardens spans over 436 hectares (1,077 acres) and is home to 11,000 different types of plants and trees. The Longwood conservatory hosts 20 indoor gardens, with one of the world’s most impressive greenhouse structures. The greenhouse spans 0.8 km (0.5 mi) and boasts an array of colorful plants from around the world. Outside, the chimes tower and waterfall and the Italian water garden make fantastic places to sit and relax. End your visit with a cup of coffee and a pastry at The Lodge, where you can enjoy superb views of Longwood.