Posted July 7, 2009 by Kate Hamman
There's no denying that Hershey is America's very own chocolate town. Stay in an affordable lodge with cocoa perks, then satisfy your chocoholic craving at the Chocolate World. Just when you think you've had enough, end the night by sipping a dessert martini at the Hotel Hershey.
Stay
Hershey Lodge: Chocolate lovers of all ages delight in the Hershey Lodge, where you're greeted with a Hershey's Bar and possibly a Hershey's character. Along with the many perks of staying at the lodge, including early entrance to Hershey Gardens and best-price tickets to Hersheypark during the summer, there's a range of package deals to make your stay even more economical and enjoyable. Non-package room rates start at $299 in the summer and kids under 17 stay free.
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Hershey's Chocolate World: Step into the realm of all things sweet at Hershey's Chocolate World, where you'll discover the largest collection of Hershey's chocolates, collectibles, and clothing in the world. Not only can you hop aboard a free ride that takes you through the history of chocolate, you can also have Hershey bars personalized with your own message. The Marketplace Shops sell the traditional Hershey's Chocolate standbys, as well as a range of items not sold in the U.S. such as the green tea Kisses.
Drink
Iberian Lounge: Located inside the luxurious Hotel Hershey, the Iberian Lounge takes a sugar high to new heights, with its famous Hotel Hershey Martini made from rich chocolate and liquor with a Kiss. The lounge serves an array of other cocoa-inspired cocktails, as well as a double chocolate stout and a chocolate wine. While the hotel might be too expensive to stay the night, you can sit around the fireplace and celebrate your trip with something sweet.
Use our price-comparison tool to search for flights and compare prices to Harrisburg and Philadelphia, which are home to Hershey’s nearest major airports.
(Photo: Scott Dingman)
Posted May 19, 2009 by Kate Hamman
Located at the point where southeastern Pennsylvania meets northern Delaware, the Brandywine Valley overflows with history and culture. Within a single day, you can dine in a Civil War meeting place for Union soldiers, tour one of the Du Pont mansions, and sleep in an antique bed. When you travel through the Brandywine Valley, you travel back through time.
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Winterthur: At Winterthur, the Du Pont's country estate, you don't simply tour the impressive collections of antiques, you also get to experience them hands-on. In the Touch-It room, school children learn to appreciate handcrafted goods, with activities based on lighting, kitchenware, and crafts. Outside, take a self-guided stroll through the 60-acre gardens featuring plants from around the world hand-picked by the founder, Henry Francis du Pont, or learn more on a narrated tram ride. Admission costs $20 per adult for two consecutive days, and includes entrance to the gardens, galleries, and house. Your ticket also entitles you to an introductory tour, rides on the garden tram, special exhibitions, the Campbell Collection of Soup Tureens, and the Enchanted Woods.
Stay
Cornerstone Inn: Built in 1704, the Cornerstone Inn showcases its long history with period decorations, including 18th-century furniture and antique canopy beds, and a stone facade originally fashioned by Quaker masons. Guests are welcomed by candles in the windows, traditionally used to beckon weary travelers. Visitors can relax in the perennial and herb gardens or sit next to a blazing fire on a cold day. Weekend rates start at $130 per night, and include a hearty country breakfast.
Eat
Arsenal at Old New Castle: When it comes to history, the Arsenal at Old New Castle is one for the books. Since its completion in 1811, the building has housed civil war troops, cholera patients, high school and elementary students, and most recently hungry patrons. Today, guests can eat in the Eagle and Cannon Tavern, where Union Soldiers once gathered, or dine in the elegant 1812 Dining Room. Dinner entrees start at $18 and include duck breast with mushroom risotto and braised pork loin.
Use our price-comparison tool to search for flights and compare prices to Baltimore and Philadelphia, which are home to the Brandywine Valley’s nearest major airports.
(Photo: Jeanette Lindvig)
Posted May 13, 2009 by Kate Hamman
In the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, you'll find Lancaster City, which offers the appeal of big city culture at small town prices. The city will woo you with its rich art community, modern hotels, and hip cafes located amongst the rural background of open fields and farmland.
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CityFolk on Prince: At CityFolk gallery, you'll find an array of contemporary and traditional folk art, including carvings, paintings, crafts, and antiques. The eclectic and ever-changing space is part of Gallery Row, which is the art beat of Lancaster city. Though the gallery is always free to enter, don't miss the first Friday of every month, when it and more than 90 other galleries and shops celebrate with evening events. Prices depend on each individual piece of work.
Stay
Lancaster Arts Hotel: The Lancaster Arts Hotel has revitalized a tobacco warehouse to create a loft-like space, which combines modern design with a historical foundation. The boutique hotel's sleek furniture set against exposed brick feels like an artist's minimalistic dream. You can explore the first-floor art gallery, where works of local artists are proudly displayed. Rooms start at $179 per night.
Eat
Prince Street Cafe: Many great artists throughout time have found their muse at the bottom of a cup of coffee. Prince Street Cafe not only provides the liquid inspiration, but also a comfortable place to sip a warm beverage and experience art. The walls are adorned with the works of local artists and photographers, and live musical performances are common. If you're in need of something more substantial than just caffeine, the cafe also serves breakfast, sandwiches, and desserts. Prices range between $6 and $8 for sandwiches.
To search for flights and compare prices to Philadelphia, which is home to Lancaster’s nearest major airport, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Pennsylvania Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau)
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