Hershey/Philly PA

[Donnask8pro]

Most pizza places make a good cheesesteak. Dont go to the tourist spots. Completely overated...

we go to Hersehy every summer. You'll love it

 

[shinysparklybubbles]

My vote goes to Tony Luks, although I've never had Jim's.

Mmm, Philly cheesesteak.

roast pork at Tony Luks!!!! oh man how I love them!

 

[andrews_dad]

How far is this from Sesame Place - we were thinking about doing both Hershey Park and Sesame Place with the grandkids who range in ages 2 -4 yrs old.

I would strongly vote for Dutch Wonderland OVER HersheyPark for 2-4 year old. STRONGLY. I am a season ticket holder for both (they are linked). I have off all summer so I am at each of these a time or two per week. Dutch is suited perfectly for that 1-6 age frame. ALL smaller rides, smaller-kid shows (i.e. Thomas), etc.

Dutch Wonderland and Cherry Crest Farms are the two spots you CAN'T skip with kids in the 2-4 years range if you raom toward Hershey/Lancaster. I also toss in a vote for Lake Tobias for this age frame. Cherry Crest and Tobias have BOGO offers in York/Lanc/Harrisburgh Entertainment books. Hershey Gardens is lovely and has a kid's area with some activities, and a butterfly house. The Gardens has a BOGO in the Ent book.

 

[HandOsmom]

About 30 minutes. make sure you go to SP mid week, and it is better if you go during hot weather as the majority of the attractions are water rides.

It's about 100 miles from Hershey to Sesame Place. It's closer to a 90 minute drive. It's not a bad drive, though.

I also agree that Dutch Wonderland is better for that age. We are season pass holders at both HP and DW and our girls are 2 and 4. They can ride almost everything at DW. With that said, there is still PLENTY for them to do at Hershey.

Have fun no matter where you go!

 

[HandOsmom]

I would strongly vote for Dutch Wonderland OVER HersheyPark for 2-4 year old. STRONGLY. I am a season ticket holder for both (they are linked). I have off all summer so I am at each of these a time or two per week. Dutch is suited perfectly for that 1-6 age frame. ALL smaller rides, smaller-kid shows (i.e. Thomas), etc.

Dutch Wonderland and Cherry Crest Farms are the two spots you CAN'T skip with kids in the 2-4 years range if you raom toward Hershey/Lancaster. I also toss in a vote for Lake Tobias for this age frame. Cherry Crest and Tobias have BOGO offers in York/Lanc/Harrisburgh Entertainment books. Hershey Gardens is lovely and has a kid's area with some activities, and a butterfly house. The Gardens has a BOGO in the Ent book.

I have lived in Lancaster County almost all of my life and I have NEVER heard of Lake Tobias. I googled it and it looks like a fun place. Thanks for mentioning it!

 

[Karenj2]

DH and I just stayed in Philly for a mini vacation for Valentine's Day weekend (we live about an hour outside of the city), and loved the Courtyard Downtown. It's next to City Hall, and within walking distance (if I wasn't pregnant) to the Constitution Center, the Liberty Bell, etc. I think we paid around $179/night, with free breakfast (very good buffet) and free valet parking for our car (a HUGE plus!).

There is a bus pass you can buy called the Philly Phlash that runs seasonally - I'm not sure if it starts back up in April or May, and you can get on and off as much as you want. I also *think* there is a National Treasure tour you can go on, or you can just look up the locations on your own and do it for free...

 

[dogcarbon]

Right between Hershey and Philly is Lancaster County.

All the Amish and related tourist areas... such as the town of Intercourse which has Kitchen Kettle Village.

And you could do a buggy ride too.

Remember in Lancaster most of the locally owned tourist shops close around 5pm all year long and most are not open on Sundays.

 

[SnowWhite2]

Hershey Park is only open for 5 days in April so make sure your plan includes being in town on those days.

Also remember that those days are spring break for most folks locally so it may be very busy at that time.

 

[andrews_dad]

I have lived in Lancaster County almost all of my life and I have NEVER heard of Lake Tobias. I googled it and it looks like a fun place. Thanks for mentioning it!

Never heard of Tobias, huh? Wow. We had field trips there when I was a wee tot. Now I go up with the kids. It improves every year. The animals come right up (and onto, at times) the tour bus for the safari ride. Great for photos and the kids love it. Great, great, great petting zoo area. Monkeys to watch. Lion. Also slides and swings for the kids. Ice cream is good. Great way to spend a day and not too expensive at all. No shade, so don't go on a HOT day.

I love being in a spot where I can get to Tobias, Cherry Crest, Hershey, Dutch, Lanc Outlets, Philly, and Baltimore/Inner Harbor all for day trips.

 

[disneymarie]

Everyone,

Thank you so much for all the great ideas and locations.

We will be traveling with our 2 girls, ages 8 & 17 (now that's fun trying to find something that they both will enjoy.) We will be traveling from near Chicago. The drive should take around 12 hours.

My 17yodd can't wait to go to Hershey. My 8yodd can't wait to get to Philly and see everything that was in the movie National Treasure.

The only requirements we have for the hotel are Wifi (17yo), indoor pool (8yo), Cont. breakfast (Dh).

We are planning on staying in or around Hershey for a couple of days, then heading to Philly for a couple of days.

Is there any don't miss things/places between the 2 places?

Thanks again for all the great help! You all rock!

Go online and check out city pass if it was not linked.
http://www.philadelphiapass.com/prices.asp
You have to keep in mind that everything closes at 5_00PM in Philadelphia. All the attractions. Even in July we had an issue finding some stores as there is no such thing as pulling in a Walmart. On South St. I did find shops and night life. DD went to school in Phila and lived there for 4 years so we have been down numerous times.

The Eastern Pennitenuary was featured on Ghost Hunters and they sell a season DVD there, it has a walking tour. I was lucky and found parking right in front at meters the day we were there.

Otherwise, the link to the city pass, there is a tour and will show your dd the steps that Rockey ran up, and point out the areas that are in movies. Online also. order for the day that you are there the free passes for Independance Hall. They go really early, better to have prior to arrival.

Liberty Bell is free, there are many places now you have to go through security and it does delay. When going into the Liberty Bell, try to leave as much behind or be ready for the hand searching.

You can take as much time as you choose in there so wait for your turn to get pic's without tons of folks in the background. I remember when it was at the old site and my kids could actually touch it.

Gp over the website of the city pass, on the route the bus takes, this will be your guide to the trip day. YOU WILL NOT FIND PARKING DURING THE DAY,
There may be meters on the street behind, coming down from Betsy Ross house, but it is a limit or 2 hrs. You do not want to be towed in Phikla.
Have you ever seen the show Parking Wars!!!!

Best thing, is to ride the Big Red bus and purchase that pass. This is good for 24 hours I believe. Start early!!!

There is meter parking at the Franklin Institute available, and there is paid parking at the zoo, you can find the parking downtown for the day at a $$$ fee. Right at the visiter center area.

We packed a lunch and sat in the courtyard and ate near Independance hall and visiters center. Very relaxing and did not need to worry about finding someplace to eat. We bought cold meet for our trip, drinks, and snacks so a small cooler was in my back pack. That way we could ride the trolley around down town historic site. The big Red Bus has a larger loop through all of Philly,

The trolley loops the historic area, it is on wheels and a bus type ride, not a true trolly,. Although I think there stil runs one at the Philly zoo to town?

Remember too for supper the Speghetti Warehouse. Register now and watch for the special coupons before you leave.
http://www.murgent.com/users/job_link.php?job=4876-EC-100216-00&tr=7b5526a0&mqcid=144203482

There is also Pat and Geno's steaks, China town markets are lots of fun too. Lots of venders.
Market st is the site that we go to in downtown, THe soft Pretzle factory....
http://www.phillysoftpretzelfactory.com/locations-pa.html

 

[zeppy68]

look at priceline I just booked a four star hyatt for 65 dollar at penns landing.
Which is a great price the phillies stadium offers tours everyday. A lot people enjoy ride the ducks which gives you a tour of the city.

 

[crazelion]

Has any ate Good and Plenty restaurant in Amish Country. My son boys scouts troop is stopping there to eat. I am wondering how much it is cost. Down south get huge meal for less than 15.00 dollars. I know get culture shock.

 

[pajules]

Hershey Park is only open for 5 days in April so make sure your plan includes being in town on those days.

Also remember that those days are spring break for most folks locally so it may be very busy at that time.

No need to worry about spring break, all our snow days pretty much ate up what if any most school districts in the area have for easter vacation.

 

[BudgetBetty]

They will take Spring Break to make up snow days? WOW, what about families that have already planned vacations?

If we get a snow day it's made up at the end of the year. We only have to make up, up to 5 days, if we were to miss more then oh well....not that we haven't gotten a snow day in a few years.

 

[racechick8293]

Right between Hershey and Philly is Lancaster County.

All the Amish and related tourist areas... such as the town of Intercourse which has Kitchen Kettle Village.

And you could do a buggy ride too.

Remember in Lancaster most of the locally owned tourist shops close around 5pm all year long and most are not open on Sundays.

Stolzfus Deli in Intercourse is awesome! They have the best wraps and unique snacks. It's right across the street from the hardware store where the "phone booth" scene in Witness was filmed.

IMHO, Kitchen Kettle Village is a bit too touristy. Search out the shops off the main drag for a more unique experience.

I've heard good things about Shady Maple. It's a buffet restaurant in Amish country.