Kid in a Candy Store—Literally!
They say some of the best adventures happen when you least expect them—and that’s exactly how my quick stop at Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey, PA, played out.
It was one of those days where the sky just opens up—raining cats, dogs, and probably a few cows too. I was this close to skipping the stop entirely. I mean, it wasn’t on my bucket list or anything. I wasn’t dying to go. But then I asked myself, “How often am I in Hershey, Pennsylvania?” Exactly. So, I pushed through the downpour and made the turn toward chocolate heaven.
The moment I walked in, it was like stepping into a real-life candy land.
We’ve all heard the phrase “like a kid in a candy store,” but I got to live it—literally. Candy everywhere. I’m talking wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling Hershey-branded everything. Not just chocolate bars, but Reese’s, Twizzlers, Kit-Kats… You name it. And that was just the beginning. The place is stocked with toys, clothing, games—basically anything and everything you can imagine with that signature Hershey twist.
But the real gem of the visit? The chocolate-making tour.
This isn’t your average walk-through museum setup. Nope. This was a ride. You sit in a moving seat like you’re hopping on a theme park attraction, and it takes you on a behind-the-scenes journey of how Hershey chocolate is made—from the cocoa bean to the final product. Animated scenes, fun narration, and even singing cows (yep, singing cows!) make it fun for all ages. And best of all? They hand you a piece of chocolate at the end. Sweet, right?
I didn’t have much time to explore every nook and cranny (the place is bigger than you think), but I got a good taste—pun fully intended—of what it’s all about.
So, if you’re ever driving through central PA and have a moment to spare—even if the rain is trying to convince you otherwise—go ahead and make the stop. Now that I know what’s waiting inside those big, chocolatey doors, if I’m ever in the area again and craving a little sweetness…
I know exactly where to go.
