Hidden in central Pennsylvania (PA) is a gem of a city called Hershey.
It’s known for its chocolate, but Milton Hershey built many other amenities for
his staff and community. One of those was Hersheypark. It started as… a Park
(go figure) with a stream, pond, shady trees and picnic areas, trails, at some
point a carousel and ferris wheel were added, and the rest, as they say…
When I knew it, Hersheypark was of Six Flags standard, but nicer. Not
just a standard amusement park, Hersheypark simply added into its beautiful
natural setting of hills and flowers all the standard rollercoasters –
standing, sitting, hanging, wooden, reverse, vertical… you name it. No
record-holders for height or distance, but all the thrill necessary. With lovely, shady walks from one end of the
park to another.
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| Just a sampling of the care they took in creating beauty. |
My rollercoaster buddy and I would spend the entire day, and not all of
it was standing in lines! We predominantly rode rollercoasters, maybe
occasionally breaking it up with a trip on something tame right after eating,
but Hersheypark had so much beauty and variety of entertainment, that our stomachs didn’t
reject us!
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Rollercoaster, rollercoaster, aquatic mammal show, rollercoaster,
lunch, musical show, rollercoaster, bumpercars, rollercoaster, outdoor musical
show, rollercoaster, wander around the waterpark in the mist, rollercoaster…
occasionally meander through “Zoomerica” which was attached to the park, and
free with our SEASON PASSES. And beautiful. It truly is a beautiful park. (I've been to many amusement parks.)
Yep. For years I was a regular-enough visitor that I had a season pass.
Even after I moved down to Delaware I'd come back about 4-5 times a year. Well worth the expense.
Moral of the story: A beautiful setting is more important than record-breaking rollercoasters.
I've been to Hershey once, but didn't have time to get into the park. We did look over the fence. I wanted to, but it was a cold day anyway. A roller coaster would have frozen us.
ReplyDeleteDuring Christmas Candylane the park is open but coasters are closed. They understand.
DeleteI would like to go there. I like Hershey chocolate. I grew up on Ghiredelli chocolate from San Francisco. They don't have a amusement park, just a touristy square in the city, with shops and cafe's. Love their chocolate too. Yum.
ReplyDeleteThe park is right across from Chocolateworld, with a few attractions showing the history and process, and TONS of shopping - new things, test flavors, etc.
DeleteI am not at all into roller coasters. But I would love the park-like setting!!
ReplyDeletePaula from
Smidgen, Snippets, & Bits
That's one thing I loved. Went to Cedar Point with my sister's family and it's all in the sun. My sister spent most of the day trying to find a table with an umbrella for shade.
DeleteMy parents used to take my brother and me to Hershey Park when we were kids, back in the days -- 1940s and '50s -- when it was a simple shady park with few amusements, just a nice outing, and spelled with two words. We kids loved going there. What a thoughtful thing Milton Hershey did for his employees.
ReplyDeleteIt really is a great town in general. I've been to the Hershey Museum, too. I think the city shines best around the holidays.
DeleteI've never been there but it sounds like fun! I'd probably be too scared to ride that many roller coasters, though...
ReplyDeleteSarah Foster
Stormy’s Sidekick!
The Faux Fountain Pen
@Sarah_A_Foster
My stomach is a little weaker now, and I probably wouldn't attempt as many rollercoasters, either. That's one thing I loved about Hersheypark: The variety of things to do.
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