Hershey's Chocolate World

So we finally made it to Hershey's Chocolate World this week. If you go and if you want to know more about Mr. Hershey and the company, be sure to take the Hershey Trolley Works. Although it requires paying a fee, I thought we got our money's worth. You board an air-conditioned trolley along with an "Engineer, Conductor, and Conductor's Assistant" all dressed in period clothes. The jokes are corny and there is singing involved, but our guides were knowledgeable and entertaining. The tour lasted about 45 minutes around the general area of the factory, Milton Hershey School, and the home place.

Mr. and Mrs. Hershey truly gave back to their community and country. From giving homes to orphaned boys (later to include girls), jobs to the community during the great depression, and supporting our troops in times of war, you will find the Hershey imprint.

We also took a ride on the Chocolate Works attraction. This trip may be more suited to children, but was still fun for us. We learned more about Chocolate (can anyone ever really get enough chocolate?) from plantations to cows. Additionally this is a FREE trip.

Of course the visit included a trip through the "Market Place." Any and everything Hershey is up for sale. The market included clothing, key rings, etc., and lots of CHOCOLATE! The prices were no bargain but we did see several candies and syrups we hadn't seen in the grocery store. One that surpised me was the Twizzlers. Yes, I had seen the licorice, strawberry and cherry, but never Chocolate Twizzlers. Really different taste sensation.

Beyond the trinkets and candies, the Market included an Ice Cream Shop, Chicken Basket and Pizza Shops, and a couple bakeries. Something for every taste - from plain chocolate chip cookies to elegant French pastries and truffles.

I am certainly no fan of roller coaster rides, but can appreciate the wow factor as a spectator. The picture is of the newest Hershey Park ride. It is called 97 Degrees for the angle of decent. It looked like way too much fun. The park also boasts dueling coasters and water soaking coasters.


You can never have too much chocolate, right? So yesterday was a trip to the Wilbur Chocolate Company in Lititz, PA. Wilbur is most know for his "Wilbur Buds," similar to Kisses without the wrapper. The location was advertised as Museum & Factory Store. The museum was small but interesting. From the expected candy molds, old labels, and equipment, to a video presentation on a big screen showing the cacao tree to the finished product. I think I really learned more about chocolate production from this video than from the animated ride at Hershey Chocolate World. This was also a free attraction.

For fear of sounding too much like a travel agent, I'll leave off here. If you are visiting the Hershey PA locale, don't forget to check out the surrounding towns.

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Smell The Chocolate??

They say you can smell chocolate all over Hershey PA. I guess my nose isn't up to it or maybe they have already moved to Mexico? However, the kisses still line the streets and the amusement park sure looks full.

We haven't made it to the museum or to Chocolate Town, but it is definitely on our agenda this week. Yesterday took us to West Chester PA, the home of Q-V-C. We paid our $7.50 to take the studio tour. I thought it was very interesting. It is a huge operation (obviously) with over 2300 employees in one location. We learned that the best sales day took in over $80 Million and of that $65 million was in Dell Computer sales (the Today's Special Value that day). We also learned that they plan to broadcast from China during the Olympics.

I do have to admit I was a little disappointed in the Studio Store. I expected to see a much larger display of products available to buy on the spot. I think the Outlet Store in Lancaster had more products. Of course they were returns, demo units, and low quantity items. In any event, I'm glad I went.

Another fine Hershey institution is the Milton Hershey School. The school offers pre-K through high school education to Pennsylvania children. The students live in group houses with house parents and several other students. As I understood it, the education and living expenses are paid. The Hershey wealth is evident in many places throughout the city. Many people benefit from the various organizations and corporations.

The weather has been erratic at best. We arrived with temps in the 95-100 range and so humid you can taste the moisture in the air. Then we started getting some thunderstorms which helped to cool things down. Today we haven't had our air conditioning on at all. Gave me a chance to catch up on laundry. Given a choice, I'll definitely take cool.

As you follow us around, be sure to email us destinations in the area. We'll try to check them out and post information on our blog.

John's brother lives near Hershey so we got an opportunity to visit with him and his wife. We enjoyed catching up on all the news. Niece Sara is a recruiter at a North Carolina University and Nephew Adam is about done with his degree in Pittsburgh. That's another good thing about the full-time RV life - you can go visit friends and relatives and still have your house with you.

You all enjoy the rest of the week. See you next time.

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