Love chocolate, amusement parks and historic towns?  This post is for you.  If you’re looking for a family friendly getaway with activities and amenities sure to please chocoholics and adventure seekers alike, you’ll love a summer getaway to Hershey, Pennsylvania, The Sweetest Place on Earth.

Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth – Part 1

I recently took a multi-generational road trip to Hershey with my 4-year old daughter, my mom and sister and it was a perfect spot for a girl’s getaway.  I visited Hershey years ago (before marriage, before kid) and had the most relaxing, pampering stay at The Hotel Hershey where I enjoyed chocolate-themed spa treatments, gigantic chocolate covered strawberries, fancy dinners with late night chocolate martinis and a carefree day of roller-coaster rides at Hersheypark. Fast forward to 2014, add a kid into the mix and this trip was a little different.

Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth – Part 1

We decided to stay at Hershey Lodge, The Hotel Hershey’s sister property, which offers all the Hershey Resorts VIP Perks at a more affordable price point.  The staff was great and gave us a warm welcome complete with Hershey bars as our luggage was whisked up to our room in the Kisses Tower. Our room was spacious with two queen beds, ample closet space, a large bathroom with plenty of counter space and all the necessary in-room amenities (WiFi, refrigerator, coffee maker, safe, hair dryer, etc). Best of all, the beds were super comfortable, the towels were fluffy and everything was spotless. Oh and the bath lotions and potions were chocolate scented and turndown service included Hershey Kisses. Yum.

The Hershey Lodge really caters to families and my favorite kid perk was the “kids’ check-in” where kids signed in to register for their stay, entered guessing game contests to win prizes and left with a selection of kid-friendly goodies and of course chocolates. Check the schedule of events for complimentary activities like character greetings in the lobby (so much fun and no lines), family bingo, daily crafts, pool games and safari searches. Families can buy make-your-own S’mores kits at the Cocoa Beanery for a fun after-dinner activity.

Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth – Part 1

Hershey Lodge amenities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, Fitness Center for guests 16 and up (my sister checked it out every morning), golfing at the Hershey Country Club and access to The Spa at The Hotel Hershey, just five minutes away. Complimentary shuttle service is available to nearby attractions so you really don’t need to drive anywhere but if you do, parking is easy and plentiful.

For dining, there are more than a dozen restaurants at Hershey Lodge, The Hotel Hershey and downtown Hershey. Most mornings we were eager to explore so we just grabbed a quick and simple breakfast at the Cocoa Beanery (think bagels, muffins, oatmeal, cereal, coffees, etc.) but more elaborate breakfast can be found (with or without chocolate chips) at Lebbie Lebkicher’s or Hershey Grill in the Hershey Lodge. My mom and daughter loved the Hershey Grill so much we ended up eating there every night which wouldn’t have been my choice but when you’re on a multi-generational trip, you’ve got to pick your battles. It was nice how the waitstaff recognized us visit after visit and went out of their way to meet our special requests (no pineapple in the fruit cup…vanilla ice cream, rainbow sprinkles, a cherry AND candle to celebrate the big 4.5…more coloring pages, please). The food was innovative and tasty (perhaps the best sweet potato fries I’ve ever had) plus every meal started with bread and chocolate butter, yes…chocolate butter.  Mmmm.

Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth – Part 1

If you stay at the Hershey Lodge, be sure to visit The Hotel Hershey for a memorable meal (I recommend the Fish and Chips at Harvest), pampering spa treatment or walk around the grounds which feature some beautiful photo ops.

Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth – Part 1

All Hershey Lodge and Hershey Hotel guests enjoy free admission to Hershey Gardens, a 23-acre garden featuring 11 distinct theme gardens as well as the Children’s Garden so be sure to stop by for a visit. For a $10 fee, kids can participate in a scavenger hunt around the Children’s Garden which is great for kids of all ages.  This is a nice option for the end of a busy day since kids can run around the interactive exhibits and adults can sit back and relax.

Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth – Part 1

Summer is a perfect time to visit and now through July (blackout dates apply), Hershey Lodge and The Hotel Hershey have a Kids Stay, Play & Eat Free promotion that includes deluxe accommodations, admission to Hersheypark (one day) for the entire family, free breakfast for kids 17 and under, plus admission to Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story’s Museum Experience. This is a great deal considering these perks are worth approximately $350.

Later this week, I’ll write about family-friendly attractions in the Hershey, Pennsylvania area as well as family friendly tips for visiting Hersheypark.

Bon voyage…