Hershey: An International Oasis Within Reach

Visit the Hershey History Center: They do a fantastic job of curating and tracking family lineages to discover what cultures and humans have shaped Hershey (aka Derry Township). They also have a fantastic annual set of events they put together to continually fund the preservation of their artifacts. A can’t miss is the La Festa Italiana event held in early autumn each year.

Walk around Hershey Gardens and the Hotel Hershey properties: Milton Hershey, affectionately known as “Uncle Milty” to some locals, was an avid gardener. Both properties maintain a breathtaking arrangement of some of the most vibrant plants you’ll find! Taking a stroll through the rose garden or the peonies is the most five-sense experience you might have in Hershey. You can’t miss the Butterfly House, where you can walk through the fragile and gentle habits of the most colorful insects around. Did I mention that it has the highest and most relaxing view of the town and park?

Indulge in the American lifestyle: Hershey has the best of the American lifestyle represented in relaxed and energetic ways. Ever target practice with an ax? Forget what it might sound like—I promise Stumpy’s Hatchet House will give you a unique experience and you’ll always walk out with a smile.

If you enjoy cooking, then you’d agree that it’s an activity all its own! If that’s you, I’d highly recommend stopping by The Hershey Kiss, and shopping at Pronio’s Market to create the most unique Italian cooking experience all your own!

Take in countryside living at its best: Maybe not an ounce-for-ounce compliment to the Provence region of France or the Irish emerald rolling hills, but I’ve been told it comes close! To make a decision between cozying up in The Londonderry Inn or riding horses at The Inn at Westwynd Farm… eh, simply an agonizing decision.

Or maybe you’d like to take in the train and holiday lights at the locally famed The Star Barn at Stone Gables Estate. Ever experience the zoo life on rolling hills or in a chopped school bus? If either of those pique your interest, Lake Tobias Wildlife Park is a must. It’s smaller than most zoos, but unique in the safari adventure you can take guided (on the chopped school bus) or drive your own car through! I’ve spent time at each of these, and have never come close to being disappointed.

Crown your favorite authentic Greek cuisine! Will it be Simply Greek, or Soda Jerk? While there are a few other local Greek locations, for me, it came down to these two finalists. Interestingly, they both have different approaches to their restaurants: Simply Greek started as a cafe-style location focusing only on Greek food options, while Soda Jerk has made its name by offering amazing diner fare and ice cream sundaes but has Greek heritage and food offerings behind it. Both are excellent and maybe unexpected finds in Hershey.

The South & East Asian cultures! The food from India gets my mouth watering every time. You have to try out Bollywood in Hummelstown (soon closing), Hershey Spice Restaurant & Bar, Khana Indian Bistro. Never a wrong choice with any of these, though the naan at Bollywood is amazing! Asia is quite large so going from south to east varies quite a bit so I probably shouldn’t group them, but if you’re looking for Japanese-inspired dishes, Rising Sun & Bar in Campbelltown has some of the best options around!

Central Pennsylvania is an epicenter of Italian cuisine. The cuisine I’ve had at the Hershey Italian Lodge (not to be confused with Hershey Lodge), Lazzaro’s Italian Bistro, Mangia Mangia, and Fenicci’s are literally second to none. I could highlight my fave dishes from each, but it would be an entire menu. You can’t go wrong at any location.

The best of American fare: Hop over to Stuff’d Steaks or YAH BREW, both walkable from the square. For something even more unique, you might be interested in Tony’s Mining Company or Blue Bird Inn, both in the quaint historic town of Cornwall. Feel like enjoying pastries al fresco—Desserts, etc. has got you! Dining in the woods? You’ll crave Mount Gretna Craft Brewery or Mt. Gretna Hideaway. But, who are we kidding, sampling is not a traditional American trait, so sit back and fill up!

The best sips in the area: If you’re looking for a caffeine fix, Cleona Coffee Roasters and Suzy Q’s Coffee are unbeatable (sorry Starbucks!). For a healthier, more natural sugar swig, go to Just Juice or Oola Bowls. I wish I could live on this stuff, but apparently I have other things to pay for!