Whether you're planning a vacation to Hershey or you just want to learn more about Chocolatetown, U.S.A., you'll want your own copy of Hershey: A Guide to the Town Built on Chocolate.
The book, which is available at Amazon (pre-order now for significant savings!), was penned by Patriot-News entertainment columnist Sara Bozich.
February is Hershey's secret season. No, Hersheypark isn't open. Visitor counts are low. We're a little short on hours of daylight.
But that makes February one of the best months to visit! You can get into some great restaurants without a wait, there's an impressive new museum to explore, the trees are often covered in snow or frost at the Hershey Gardens (half-price admission and the makings for some awesome wintry photographs!) and last, but not least -- you can hit some Chocolate-Covered February events!
Chocolate-Covered February is in its fifth year, and it's not just some random tourist bureau "event." There are some outstanding special chocolate-themed meals, seminars and treats around town in February. Whether you'd like to take in a $55 chocolate and cognac pairing with dessert buffet or you want to take the kids to Hershey's Chocolate World for free samples after the ride, there's something for every age and every budget. Guest chefs and notables often appear during the month to offer their expertise as well -- and it's a real treat to watch Joseph Schmidt or John Scharffenberger talk about their passion for chocolate, or to enjoy a meal of Alison Barshak's inspired creations.
So check out the event list and choose a few. Don't forget that many events require pre-registration. And immerse yourself in Chocolate-Covered February.
The Hershey Bears are battling to stay alive in the first round of the playoffs. Down three games to one against in-state rival Wilkes-Barre, the Bears return home for Game 4 on Wednesday, April 22. I could never figure out why the Bears' regular-season games sell out so frequently and the teams playoff games (more exciting, and usually better hockey) feature half-empty stands, at least in the early rounds. So go see those Bears on Wednesday! Good seats are still available, and there's even a promotion that night (a free ticket for NASCAR Weekend at Pocono Raceway).
Also on Wednesday, and probably appealing to an entirely different crowd: Dolly Parton brings her Backwoods Barbie Tour to the Hershey Theatre. This one is a sell-out, sorry...but you can always hang around the back door after the show if you'd like to score an autograph!
It's Biergarten time at the Hershey Gardens! This year's event takes place on Sunday, April 27 from 1-4 p.m., rain or shine, and features live music, beer tasting from some of the region's best craft brewers, and plenty of activities. Each attendee also gets a commemorative pilsner glass. It's best to call for reservations (717-298-2208), since the Gardens limits the tickets sold at the door.
Although Hersheypark has been open for private parties the last couple of weekends, the park will not open to the public for the season until May 2, and the new Fahrenheit coaster is not expected to open before May 24. Adjust your countdown clocks accordingly.
And finally, if you live in Central PA and enjoy all things Hershey, the upcoming weekend may be a good one to visit and take advantage of all the activities that get overrun with tourists in the summer: take a ride on Hershey Trolleyworks; visit the Museum or ZooAmerica; wander through Chocolate World without feeling like a pinball; play a round of golf at Spring Creek; have a drink at the Iberian Lounge; linger over dinner at a Hershey restaurant.
It's a good weekend to be a sports fan in Hershey. If you can tear yourself away from The Masters television coverage, there are two excellent opportunities to see pure sports at a more local level.
On Saturday morning, Hershey Little League will hold its opening ceremonies beginning at 9:00 a.m. at North Field. The event is open to the public, and the first games of the new season will follow. Go treat yourself to baseball the way it once was -- free of steroids and multi-million-dollar contracts, just the crack (OK, the "ping") of the bat and the sounds of happy families enjoying the day.
If you're looking for more sports fun, catch some Hershey Bears hockey at the GIANT Center on Saturday and Sunday evening as the team wraps up its regular season. A playoff spot is on the line, so you'll see a hungry team playing hard and finishing its checks. No prima donnas here!