The Hershey Experience

 “There are three things you can never have enough of in life, Lieutenant: chocolate, friends and the theatre.”

― Jessica Fletcher  (For those of you who don't recognize her name, Jessica Fletcher is the protagonist played by Angela Lansbury in "Murder She Wrote."

My first true experience in Pennsylvania was a chocolate experience. I visited Hershey World. There were several available options, such as Hershey Park (an amusement park), gardens, a small zoo. I chose just to do the "museum experience." I bought a ticket package online ahead of time, enabling me to skip the ticket counter on site. I bought a ticket which included parking and then discovered upon leaving that they weren't charging for parking. I'm not sure what was going on with that; I probably over-paid. If you are planning a visit, check into that more carefully than I did.

When you enter the building, you are assaulted (in a good way) by the sights, sounds and smells of Hershey's chocolate. There are several photo-op stations scattered around. The actual experiences are spread throughout the area and are well-identified. There are also LOTS of items for sale! 

I was so proud of myself for not giving in to temptation. I bought one sticker for my journal and a puzzle. That's it. I promise!!! I did wander around through all the areas tempting myself though. It was kind of a Disneyesque experience with all things Hershey being sold -- stuffed animals, cups, shirts, caps, games, etc. and CANDY!

I actually took part in four separate experiences -- the free chocolate tour, the 4-d movie, Hershey's Unwrapped, and Create Your Own Candy Bar. I wanted to do the trolley ride, but it was sold out for the time I was there. Of the four things I did, I think that the tour and the create your own candy bar were the most fun. The tour was also a little like Disney, kind of a Small World ride teaching the history of Hershey's candy bars and how they are made now. It was interesting and I learned some things which I list below. Creating my own candy bar was very interesting, and I documented it in pictures below.

In the creation process, you are allowed to choose white or milk chocolate and one or more items to mix inside the bar. You can also elect to have sprinkles at the end. I chose milk chocolate with heath bar chips inside and SPRINKLES on the outside. The whole process was so interesting! You can even design your own personal wrapper to be put on at the end. It is all enclosed in a nice metal box making it easy for transport and packing. 

Here are a few of the facts I learned about Hershey's:

• Hershey's is the only chocolate company to use fresh milk in their candy bars. They purchase it mostly from Pennsylvania dairy farmers.
• It takes 270 beans to make 1 lb of chocolate. 
• Kisses are named that because of the shape of the machine that drops the chocolate out.
• Hershey's owns Reese's, Twizzler, and Jolly Rancher

Overall my Hershey experience was a good one. It is of course very touristy. I usually prefer a more unique and out-of-the-way adventure, but for the sake of chocolate....

**I have since learned of another chocolate factory in Pennsylvania that I now plan to visit. More to come!

Link to Hershey World

Traveling to Pennsylvania

 “Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference” – Robert Frost  

If you know me, you know that I do not like interstates. I only travel by interstate under duress. I prefer the longer routes, those that go through towns, wind alongside rivers, or just meander across countrysides. In my route from Greensboro to Chambersburg, PA, I was able to follow such a route. This trip was composed of several non-interstate roads. For part of the time, I even drove along Highway 11. I always get a kick out of being on a road that I know is also in Mississippi. As ridiculous as that sounds, it makes me feel connected to my roots somehow. It took me two hours longer to make the trip, but I enjoyed getting a glimpse of several interesting small towns in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Some of these you may end up reading about in the future because I might go back for an actual visit.

This time my road choice paid off with a little surprise roadside adventure. Outside Front Royal, Virginia (which was a quaint little town) I happened upon a spot on Highway 340. It was called Skyline Caverns. I pulled in to investigate. They offer cavern tours, a mirror maze, and a small train ride. There is also a store onsite and a nature trail. I love a good cavern tour but didn't really want to take the time. I did however choose to take the train ride.

The ride costs $6 and makes three loops around an area about the size of a football field. The loop goes through the woods and even through a short tunnel. For your average adult, it wouldn't be such a big deal. For your average child aged 1-7, it would be a fun break from riding in the car on a long road trip. For your average roadside attraction-loving nerd, it was the high spot of my day! 

Overall, I recommend this roadside attraction. Click here to find out more: Skyline Caverns  

I arrived in Chamersburg and checked into my hotel just as a big rainstorm was moving in. That being the case, I can't share much about the town. I rushed to unpack my car and then searched online for a place to eat. I chose Bistro 71 which was about a 5 minute drive from my hotel. I made it inside just as the rain began to pour. 

The restaurant was small and "casual fine-dining" meaning that attire is casual but the food is upscale and kind of expensive. What I got was totally worth it. I ordered the Grilled Bistro Parm Salad with a grilled shrimp addition. The cost was $20. It was delicious, and I was totally full after I finished. You can't ask for much more, especially with current price increases. The restaurant was quiet, with some background music playing. The server was attentive but not overly so. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. I've never seen Romaine lettuce served just this way, but it really worked. I'm going to try doing this at home. 

After this lovely dinner, I ran for my car and drove through sheets of rain back to my hotel. The hotel itself was just a place to lay my head for the night, nothing to even write about. It was safe, clean, and affordable which are the top three criteria on my list. Now I'm looking forward to Sunday's exciting adventure...