Posted on February 20, 2019
TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN HERSHEY PA & LEBANON PA. Did you know Hershey is not just the name of a chocolate bar… but an actual town? And you can find famous Lebanon Bologna, the next town over!
BY MULTIPLE AMERICAN STRIPE CONTRIBUTORS
Every adventure needs a starting point, here’s our recommendation…
HERSHEY / LEBANON PLACE TO STAY TOP PICK:
Hershey PA
CLARION HOTEL – LEBANON HERSHEY EAST
625 Quentin Road, Lebanon PA (On the Main Road)
Call to Book: +1-717-273-6771
Book Online: www.ClarionHotelHershey.com
American Stripe Index™ (ASI 7) rating: 6.4 out of 7! (GREAT)
Ideal for: Families, Groups, Sports Groups, Leisure, Overnight, Lebanon County & Hershey Attractions
Featured amenities: Wi-Fi (Free!), Family & Business Suite Rooms, Restaurants On-site & nearby, Hot Breakfast with Waffles (Free!), Outdoor Pool, Parking (Free!)
Wi-Fi review: Fast (2-10 MBPS), Free
Location rating: on the Main Road (RT-72), Central to restaurants, hospital, and other local businesses, Very Safe
Goldilocks Bed rating: Middle of the road (Not too firm, not too soft), Triple-Sheeting
American Stripe Quick Take: Central Pennsylvania is an incredible place with a unique history. And this hotel is located within a short drive to much of it. Literally off the “Hershey” exit on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, the Clarion Hotel is a beautiful building on its own. It’s main “tower” is made of brick and concrete, built by the townspeople of Lebanon in a show of unity and development many years ago. And Lebanon PA is known for its famous Bologna all over the world… so its a must try when in the area. Afterwards, head over to Hershey Park, take a Hershey Bus Tour, or just enjoy the awesomeness of Hershey Chocolate World… the most fun we ever had “learning” about chocolate (by eating it!). Best Value hotel near Hershey and Lebanon County!
TOP 5 THINGS TO DO:
#1) HersheyPark
100 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033
www.hersheypark.com
Hersheypark® was originally created by Milton S. Hershey as leisure grounds for employees of Hershey’s Chocolate Factory. Today, the family theme park welcomes guests from around the world to experience Hersheypark Happy all year long! They host 4 Seasons of activities.
American Stripe Index™ (ASI 7) rating: 7 out of 7! (EXCELLENT)
American Stripe Quick Take: The place is the popular worldwide for families and people of all ages who want to experience the thrill of 14 unique rollercoasters, over 70 park attractions, an expansive Waterpark & ZooAmerica. We did the “sweet” job to bring you our thoughts! This incredible place is packed in summer, but even stays busy all year long. We tried to pack in an entire day of fun but with so many attractions in the park, we simply did not have the time to enjoy each ride, attraction, food option, and still get some coaster-time in! There are awesome chocolate-themed characters and rides from kid-level to thrill-seeker level including the “Wildcat” wooden coaster. Thank goodness for the waterpark, but be ready to “wet your bathing-suit” because there are huge slides to try there as well! When can you send us back?!
#2) Hershey’s Chocolate World
101 Chocolate World Way, Hershey, PA 17033
www.hersheys.com
See, smell, touch, do and, of course, taste, all the excitement at HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE WORLD Attraction in Hershey, PA. Admission is FREE and so is the Chocolate Tour attraction! Other experiences are also available as part of a package.
American Stripe Index™ (ASI 7) rating: 7 out of 7! (EXCELLENT)
American Stripe Quick Take: There is no where else that we know of where you can make your own custom-made Hershey’s Chocolate bar… and watch it get made in front of your eyes! Not only that, this place is a haven for people who love Chocolate, and those who enjoy a bit of history too. We took the full experience out for a spin including the Chocolate Tasting Experience, Trolley Works Tour, Create Your Own Candy Bar, 4D Chocolate Movie, and the Chocolate Tour. It easily made for a fun, family experience as well as learning about the incredibly heart-warming work of the Hershey Chocolate Company as a whole.
#3) Tanger Outlets in Lancaster and Hershey
46 Outlet Square, Hershey, PA 17033
https://tangeroutlet.com/hershey
311 Stanley K. Tanger Blvd, Lancaster, PA 17602
https://www.tangeroutlet.com/lancaster
Shops from A-Z (Areopostale to Zales) at outlet prices! Get your shopping done and have some money leftover for some fun. Plan ahead and locate your favorite stores before you shop (or park).Be sure to stop by Shopper Services when you arrive to pick up your Little Red Book of Big Savings and to learn more about the many ways to optimize your Tanger shopping experience. Stores Open Today 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
American Stripe Index™ (ASI 7) rating: 6.5 out of 7! (EXCELLENT)
American Stripe Quick Take: With not one, but TWO outlet shopping experiences nearby, we were totally excited. The outlets offer coupon books for savvy shoppers, but also a “Best Price Promise” and some of the most well-known brands. We were impressed with the size and upkeep of the shopping centers. The deals at the huge selection of stores were pretty good too!
#4) Mount Hope Estate & Winery – Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
2775 Lebanon Road, Manheim, P 17545
Mount Hope Estate and Winery, a year-round facility and home to the Swashbuckler Brew Pub, Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, Celtic Fling, Theater in the Mansion and other seasonal productions, specializes in unique entertainment and culinary experiences. 35 acre grounds recreate an Elizabethan village featuring costumed merriemakers, 22 Royal Kitchens, 13 spectacular stages, over 90 shows daily, manicured gardens, artisans, award winning wines and ales.
American Stripe Index™ (ASI 7) rating: 6 out of 7! (GOOD)
American Stripe Quick Take: Mount Hope Estate & Winery is the home of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire during the late summer but has events occurring all year long. We attended one of the Spring events where we tasted some great food, enjoyed a beautiful setting, and tasted some wine’s they had on offer. It was a good experience overall, and a nice stopover near our hotel, the Clarion Hotel in Lebanon PA.
#5) Dutch Wonderland
2249 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA 17602
www.dutchwonderland.com
Dutch Wonderland is the Pennsylvania theme park designed for families with young children in mind. With over 35 fun-filled rides and attractions, Duke’s Lagoon water play area, and live entertainment, Dutch Wonderland offers a host of fun things to see and do.
American Stripe Index™ (ASI 7) rating: 6.8 out of 7! (GREAT)
American Stripe Quick Take: This is the perfect stop for a family staycation. With kids rides galore, water rides, and learning experiences, Dutch Wonderland is one of the best Theme Parks for kids. The park has been open and growing since 1963. And we see why. We highly recommend it for growing families with young kids.