The Hershey Insider

Blooms are Bustin' Out All Over

Around Hershey, petunia flower boxes and hanging baskets have debuted for the season at the MHS Alumni Memorial Grove, and plenty of homeowners and local businesses have planted their annual beds. Every day, I drive down Chocolate Avenue and check to see whether the hanging baskets are up yet. It's that time of year, and the baskets and fresh American flags should be installed on their summer posts any day now. Of course, when they appear, you'll be the first to know -- and I'll add a few details about the history of those hanging baskets and the foundation that sponsors them.

Reese's Peanut Butter Bats

It looks as though Hershey is jumping on The Dark Knight bandwagon as far as 2008 summer movie promos are concerned (at least I haven't seen any Hershey /Indiana Jones products yet). These Reese's Peanut Butter Bats popped up in Chocolate World recently. I noticed Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Bats and Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bats, in miniature sizes and individual bar sizes. What I like most about the miniature versions is the ratio of chocolate to peanut butter: there's more chocolate there!

The Circus is Coming!

It's that time of year again: the GIANT Center transforms into The Big Top as the Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus comes to Hershey next week!

Because we have children, we try not to miss this annual event. For the kids, the Animal Open House and opportunity to go on the floor for the pre-show event is just as exciting as the show itself.

And even MORE exciting (is that possible?!?) for train fanatics like my two-year-old and me is the arrival of the circus train and the parade of the animals from the tracks to the GIANT Center. This year, the circus train is scheduled to arrive near ZooAmerica on Park Boulevard on Monday, May 19 in the early afternoon. It's not widely publicized -- and the arrival time is subject to change -- but if you have some time next Monday, it's a great event!

Far from the Madding Crowd

If you need to get away from the crowded attractions in Hershey for an hour or two, there's a quiet place closer than you might expect. In the shadow of Founder's Hall, you'll find the Alumni Memorial Grove of the Milton Hershey School.

This is where I go when I need a break from the world. Despite being within sight of a busy road, this really is a peaceful place; I never hear the traffic when I'm here. This year, since we've had a surplus of rain, Alumni Memorial Grove is more lush and green than usual. Even before the annuals are planted there, the spring green on all the surrounding trees and shrubs gives the Grove a garden feeling.

Of course, Founder's Hall itself is well worth a stop, too. A magnificent tribute to Milton S. Hershey, this imposing marble building centers the Milton Hershey School's main campus. Take a peek inside and learn about the man who founded our town and left such a lasting legacy.

Then leave the tourists and take that walk in the Grove. You'll be happy you did, I promise.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

And the entrance to the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center has never looked better. New branding, tulips and flowering trees, beautiful landscaping -- that'll guarantee a good first impression!

Different Varieties of Bliss?

Although the official Hershey site lists only three varieties of Bliss, I believe there are at least two additional kinds of Bliss to be found: the Raspberry Meltaway, and a Milk Chocolate Almond variation.

I know for sure the Raspberry Meltaway Bliss exists, because I'm looking at a bowl full of it right now.

As for the Milk Chocolate Almond Bliss, I have only this small photo received from a reliable source via email this morning. Hmmmmmm...

A Bowl of Bliss

Because I like the Hershey Bliss Milk Chocolate so much, and because I always enjoy a little added berry or orange flavor with my chocolate, I was thrilled to discover the newest variety of Bliss at Target last weekend: Milk Chocolate Raspberry Meltaways. And I'm happy to tell you, they're darn near as good as the milk chocolate Bliss.

I've noticed that Hershey seems to have developed a special relationship with Target. It was the only place I could find those elusive Candy Corn Kisses last year, and since then, I've seen other unique Hershey's products on Target shelves, too: the Cacao Reserve Ultra-Thin Squares, for example; the Limited Edition Kisses for spring (Lemon Creme, Orange Creme, Vanilla Creme and Coconut Creme); Hershey's Champagne Truffle Kisses were on Target shelves for Valentine's Day, too.

So whether you're looking to find your (raspberry) Bliss, or you're in the market for some of the more limited Hershey offerings, I highly recommend making a run to your local Target!

Mars + Wrigley =

The rumored acquisition of Wrigley by Mars was announced today (link to New York Times article here). The acquisition would solidify Mars' position as the #1 chocolate company in the world and create a global confectionery force to be reckoned with..

What does this mean for Hershey?

Some speculate that talks with Cadbury will resume. There are rumors out there that those talks have been ongoing, despite the leadership turmoil at The Hershey Company and turnover at the Trust. Whatever the status of the Cadbury-Hershey relationship, the next year or two will be interesting to watch...and speculate.

Countdown to the 2008 Hersheypark Season

Just four more days before Hersheypark officially opens for the season! All the hardcore Hersheypark fans will be at the gate when it opens at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 2.

Although the park is open for weekends only until May 23, and Fahrenheit is set to run for the first time on May 24, there's plenty of play value to be had starting Friday! This is Hersheypark's best time: the crowds are lighter, the ride lines are shorter, the humidity is lower.

And the Amphitheatre features some surprisingly good bands this weekend -- all included in your park admission:

Friday, May 2 -The premiere jazz ensemble of the United States Air Force, The Airmen of Note, performs in the Amphitheatre at 4:00 PM.

Saturday, May 3 -EVERCLEAR
Listen as this 90's rock band plays songs including "Wonderful," and "Father of Mine."
Show times: 4 PM and 6:30 PM

Sunday, May 4 -MATT NATHANSON
Enjoy a blend of rock and folk music from this current singer songwriter as he performs songs including "All We Are," "Car Crash," and "I Saw."
Show times: 4 PM and 6:30 PM

That's gonna draw a different crowd than Sha-Na-Na. And hey, I'd pay good money to see Everclear or Matt Nathanson in a small venue, so I promise to be at the Amphitheatre this weekend looking all Hersheypark Happy!

Tulip Time!

The tulips at the Hershey Gardens are blooming in waves this year, and it's a great time to go see them.

Even if you're not headed to the 2nd annual Biergarten event  this weekend, the Gardens are a worthwhile stop. And if you can get there right at 9 a.m. when the gates open, you may catch the tulips with a little dew still clinging to the blooms. Niiiiiice for photography! (click on the image to see a larger version, if that's your thing)