I've been visiting Hersheypark for over 30 years. Here are 12 things I do whenever I visit the Pennsylvania gem.

Business Insider | 07-08-2026 04:01pm |

I've been going to Hersheypark for over 30 years and still love the attractions, food, and drinks.Carly CaramannaI've been visiting Pennsylvania's Hersheypark for decades, and I love a lot of its offerings.I always stay at the Hershey Lodge because of its cozy vibes and great amenities.When visiting, I always get a chocolate martini and dine at The Chocolatier in Chocolatetown.Hersheypark is a massive amusement park nestled in south-central Pennsylvania. It's got thrill rides, a water park, on-site resorts, and more.It was founded by Milton S. Hershey and has tons of attractions and decor inspired, of course, by chocolate. I've been going to Hersheypark for over 30 years, and love it.Here are some of my favorite things to do, eat, and drink whenever I visit.One of my favorite parts of Hersheypark can be found at the entranceI start each trip to Hersheypark at the height-measuring board.Carly CaramannaSince I was a little kid, I've begun every visit at the park's height-measuring board.Hersheypark uses different candies, including Twizzlers and Kisses, to mark each height range and determine who can ride each attraction. It's always a fun photo opportunity and a helpful way to figure out what you can ride while in the park.The park's Dutch-style pretzels are some of the best baked goods I've hadThe hand-rolled pretzels at Pretzel House in Hershey are delicious.Carly CaramannaThe Pretzel House snack bar inside Hersheypark has the best hand-rolled pretzels I've ever had.They're soft and buttery, made from a classic Pennsylvania-Dutch recipe. The pretzels come in a variety of flavors, including cinnamon sugar, and are accompanied by dips, from cheese to chocolate.I love the classic plain pretzel with cheese dipping sauce. The Kissing Tower is an iconic stop for any visitorThe Kissing Tower is visible while driving through Hershey.Carly CaramannaHersheypark's Kissing Tower is one of its most iconic attractions, and it's been around for more than 50 years.Standing at 250 feet, visitors can see it looming in the distance as they approach the park.The Hershey's Kiss-shaped windows provide a 360-degree view of the park and the surrounding town as the enclosed cabin slowly rotates high in the sky.Chocolatetown is a fantastic park area, tooChocolatetown offers even more dining options and amusements.Carly CaramannaInspired by the legacy of Milton S. Hershey, Chocolatetown is the largest expansion in the park's history. It's attached to the theme park, and paid admission is not required for select parts.It's home to a few attractions, a large merchandise store, plus several dining options that pay homage to the chocolatier's history.Milton's Ice Cream Parlor is my favorite stop for its use of 100% local dairy and its delicious, creamy, house-made treats.Ice cream makes for the perfect dessert while in Chocolatetown.Carly CaramannaChocolatetown also features a vintage-car display, which is fun to explore and a great place to snap a cool photo.When visiting Chocolatetown, I always eat and drink at The ChocolatierThe Chocolatier is carousel-themed.Carly CaramannaOne of the best eateries in the park is The Chocolatier. With a carousel bar as its centerpiece, the unique space uses ride elements as decor and even as tables for diners.I usually order the Cocoa Cuban, which uses Hershey's cocoa-rubbed pork shoulder.The Cocoa Cuban is one of my go-to orders at The Chocolatier.Carly CaramannaI also enjoy the restaurant's chicken and waffles. Plus, there's a wide variety of fun drinks at The Chocolatier barThe Reese's Cupfusion Old Fashioned is another unique chocolate-themed treat.Carly CaramannaIn addition to rotating seasonal cocktails, I love the Reese's Cupfusion Old Fashioned, which combines rye and peanut-butter whiskeys and is garnished with a Reese's peanut-butter cup.I always stay at the Hershey LodgeI've stayed at the Hershey Lodge since I was a kid.Carly CaramannaHersheypark houses four official resorts: Hershey Lodge, The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Inn & Suites, and a camping retreat.I've always enjoyed staying at the Hershey Lodge. Though the converted motor lodge has been upgraded throughout the years and now has upscale amenities, it's still cozy.Adorned with welcoming nooks and fireplaces, the resort offers several dining options, including Fire & Grain, as well as an indoor water park.I love ending the day with a chocolate martini at the bar and enjoying Hershey treats upon check-in.It's also fun to stop by the glamorous Hotel HersheyThe Hotel Hershey is a luxurious housing option.Carly CaramannaThe Hotel Hershey is a beautiful historic, luxury resort complete with a Spanish garden-inspired courtyard and a variety of dining options, including the Iberian Lounge.The artwork at the Hotel Hershey is stunning.Carly CaramannaInspired by Milton S. Hershey's travels around the globe, the Iberian Lounge features stunning artwork, internationally inspired bites, and a selection of over 100 whiskeys.My trip isn't complete wit

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