I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Hershey Entertainment and Resorts. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

We all know that Hershey’s makes some pretty spectacular chocolate. Hershey Kisses are staples in the candy and dessert worlds, Hershey’s candy bars complete countless s’mores enjoyed on camping trips and backyard bonfires, and their almond chocolate bars never last long in my house. But if you live in or around Pennsylvania, you know that chocolate is just the beginning.

Hershey, PA is packed with a ton of amazing attractions that lure families from all around throughout the summer. As a life-long Pennsylvanian, I have visited Hershey several times throughout my life and have some really great memories of the time I’ve spent there.

Growing up, my father made it a priority to take our family to a theme park every summer. That day-long trip was something that I looked forward to every single year, and Hersheypark was one of the four theme parks we annually frequented. I remember taking a ride through the Hershey Factory Tour and learning all sorts of cool things about the transformation beans go through to be turned into bars of amazing chocolate.

The first “adult” roller coaster I rode was the Great Bear at Hersheypark. I was terrified, but somehow my dad convinced me to agree to ride it. He has always had a way of getting me to try something before making my mind up about it–especially if I was motivated by fear. As we waited in line, I only grew more and more anxious and scared by the reality of getting on this thing and being hurled along its tracks and through a loop at high speeds. By the time it was our turn to board, I had convinced myself that there was absolutely no way I was getting on it; but while I had convinced myself, there was no convincing my dad. We had waited in line and we were going to ride. And that was that. You know that kid in the middle of a theme park in hysterics and causing an epic-sized scene? That was me. But you know what? I rode the Great Bear and I absolutely loved it. Halfway through the ride, I was laughing, having a great time, and I think I rode it at least ten times that day.

When I was a teenager, me and my high school boyfriend attended the annual Warped Tour in the summer. One particular year, we decided to take a road trip and see it in Hershey. I saw some of my favorite bands, and it definitely ranks high on my list of favorite shows that I have been fortunate enough to see.

Today, Hershey is even more exciting and packed with even more summer fun sure to delight everyone in the family.

Families can turn their one-day Hershey, PA adventure into an extended vacation at the Hershey Camping Resort, a 55-acre resort with more than 300 open, shaded sites and 37 cabins complete with amenities like heat, air conditioning, a flat-screen television, and DVD player.

If camping isn’t your style, the Hotel Hershey is said to be Milton Hershey’s ultimate expression of grandeur where visitors can expect to experience the finest in elegance and service. The Circular, a restaurant with a signature circular shape that sits within Hotel Hershey, has been recently renovated to include a circular bar with interactive pastry kitchen and more.

The next time I have the opportunity to visit the Hershey, PA area, I absolutely must check out ZooAmerica. I have never been, but I am completely inspired by and in constant awe of our Earth and the animals that share our world.

ZooAmerica is an 11-acre walk-through zoo adjacent to Hersheypark. Visitors are given an up-close and personal look at over 200 animals from five regions of North America. Open year-round, ZooAmerica hosts tours, group educational programs, and daily events five times a day throughout the summer.

If you’re in the planning stages of your annual summer vacation and are still looking for the perfect place where everyone can get in on the fun and live in or around Pennsylvania, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t check out Hershey, PA and treat your family to the thrills and entertainment at the Sweetest Place on Earth!