Hershey/Philly PA

[BudgetBetty]

We will be taking a budget road trip to Hershey/Philly in Early April.

Looking for ideas of things to do, places to stay, good shopping ect.

How is springtime in Hershey park anyone attended before?

Best place for to get philly cheesesteak sandwiches?

Your help and input is appreciated!

 

[pajules]

Springtime in the Park in Hershey is a very good deal. Obviously, the water rides won't be open, but all of the coasters and the majority of the rides will be, so it is definitely worth the money.

As for places to stay, Hershey hotels will be a lot cheaper than Philly. There are plenty of chain hotels in the Hershey/Harrisburg area. I would look at those before the Hotel Hershey or the Hershey Lodge. As for shopping, the Hershey Outlets are just down the road from Hersheypark...less than five minutes. There's a Red Robin (burgers) next to the outlets, but if you like seafood, there's a great new restaurant that just opened in Hershey called, Devon Seafood Grill. I've eaten at the one in Philly and it is fantastic.

Obviously, in Philly, everything is a little more expensive, but you can still find some good deals. Honestly, it's the parking in Philly where they really get you...$25 a night! That being said, if you want to stay downtown, expect to pay about $100/night. I always use Hotwire when we stay in Philly and have gotten fairly good deals.

There are lots of freebie things to do in philly with all of the historical attractions, Liberty Bell, Independence Mall, etc. I aways reccommend people visit Reading Terminal Market. Lots of great eats! Check out www.visitphilly.com for more deals and things to do.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[badblackpug]

There is a lot to do in Philly. (I'm from Philly) The zoo (it's the oldest in the country) The Franklin institute, the art museum, the Please touch museum. The liberty Bell, the Franklin Mint, Independence Hall, Betsy Ross House. The museum of natural history. It's about an hour drive to Atlantic City. (all the historic sites are free) Unfortunately, I have not been to Hershey in many years, so I can't help you there.

........as for the cheese steaks, that is a hot debate in these here parts.....

It's either Jim's or Pat's, depending on to whom you speak. Remember it's "a cheese steak "wit." That is a cheese steak with cheez whiz and fried onions!

 

[disneemama]

A lot of good advise from pp, also lots of good cheese steaks. My vote is for Geno's but never had Jim's, so really can't say, not sure of location. Hope you enjoy the city. Haven't been to Hershey park in a couple of years but had a great time there. I would go on Philly website site and try to get some maps of the city so you can plan everything out. Any specific questions feel free to ask.

 

[disneemama]

Also Badblackpug... love your Phillies stuff, I'm so new on here, haven't figured out how to add those things yet.

 

[ferrytale]

Stay in Hershey, but you'll have a bit of a drive to Philly. Atmosphere in Hershey is much calmer/laid back, Philly can be fun and educational, but I'd definitely stay in Hershey if it were me. The hotels and stuff are a little cleaner and people are a little friendlier out there too. We LOVE the Hershey Lodge, but only as a getaway for DH & I. If we were going with the family we'd stay in a Comfort Inn out there. Cheesesteaks - I've never had Jim's but have been sadly disappointed by Pats & Genos the past couple times as they have had very little steak in them, and they are expensive! I've also heard that Tony Luc's is good, though I've never had them either...man I could go for a cheese steak now!

Have fun, and definitely check out the web sites for stuff to do in Philly!

 

[reducereuserecycle]

the zooamerica at hershey park is cool...all north american animals. great price and not a long walk since it is pretty compact. you could spend half of a day here if you took time to observe for a bit at each of the animals.

also, at the hershey hotel there is a rose garden and butterfly house...seasonal...they may not open till summer.

there is free stuff at hershey like the welcome center so don't miss that. i think it was a ride there that was free...i think there was a film with the ride maybe. long time ago, i think they remodeled it since then.

i like the actual hershey amusement park but if i went back i'd just do the things mentioned above and skip the main park, and i'd use that day to check out the philly zoo.

also, i found it sorta different from disney in the fact that all the characters are chocolate related and there are no villians. they have presses pennies and quarters too so if you are into that get your change ready

 

[mollay]

Cheesesteaks... go to Pat's or Geno's for the whole tourist experience... or both, as they're right next to each other

I dunno how old everyone is in your family, but I always love going to the Constitution Center. But it's definitely much better if the kids have at least had one good US History class first.

The Zoo is wonderful and of COURSE the Franklin Institute is the greatest! I dunno if they have any special exhibits going on right now but they usually have some amazing IMAX things to watch.

Also a really fun place to eat in Philly is The Continental. It's the COOLEST place I've ever eaten with -- I went with some reasons for a birthday a few years ago, it was really great.

http://www.continentalmidtown.com/

 

[DCbride]

The visitphilly site often has a deal for either a buy one get one night, free parking or both, depending on the season. The Phillies stadium is really beautiful, combine that with a cheesesteak from Pats and you have the perfect date according to DH.

There are lots of famous chains, Melting Pot, Maggionos, etc, but I also vote for the Reading Terminal Market.

We visited Hershey 2x last year. We always stay at the Springhill Suites. About a mile from the entrance of the park. The Giant down the street offers discount Hershey tickets. I haven't visited the new Hershey Museum, but it is on the plan next time. The Hershey Hotel is gorgeous, if that is in your budget. If not, maybe stop by for a meal, or to just walk around. There are also some great outlets in Hershey.

 

[ajw1117]

JIMS AT 4TH and South Street is the best cheese steak EVER.IMO I think Pats and Genos are overated , they are grissily. Besides alot of people enjoy to people watch down on South Street anyway.

 

[cmrules]

JIMS AT 4TH and South Street is the best cheese steak EVER.IMO I think Pats and Genos are overated , they are grissily. Besides alot of people enjoy to people watch down on South Street anyway.

Another vote for Jim's. My husband grew up in Philly and he says Jim's. His advice to go along with it is know what you want and DON'T lean on the glass.

You'll also get to experience South street, which is a cultural experience in and of itself. If you have children, do not go at night unless you want to really expose them to the other side of life...

Definately do the Franklin Institute with the Omniverse Theater, it is AWESOME.

Springtime in Hershey is fun and a good deal, esp with a wristband. We lived in Lancaster and would go every year when the kids were smaller.

Michelle

 

[Goofy22]

Ok, Hershey is great! Lots of fun things to do even if the waterparks arent open yet! Make sure you do the chocolate factory ride! It's free but the 3d choclate show isnt that costs $$ not sure maybe like$3 per person! There are hotels right down the street from Hershey theres a hampton inn, and there is a hotel called the white rose it's a small family run hotel but is clean and minutes from Hershey and the outlets. they have a website I think it is www.whiterose.com or www.whiterosemotel.com if you are on their website it's a black background and a white rose and the prices are pretty good. As for Philly and Cheesesteaks I grew up there and I say Jims or Tony Lucs followed by Genos then Pats .Thats the order I like them in. But not being from the city and having had any of them you would more than likely be happy with whichever of the 4 you chose! Idk how old your kids are but the Herrs factory isn't far and neither is the crayola factory for something else to do. Also Shopping at Kitchen Kettle Village in Intercourse which is also minutes away is really neat also! Lots of neat things if you have boys The Strasburg railroad isnt far and the toy train museum and the strasburg railroad museum. and lots more outlets in Strasburg also.

 

[deesthings]

I can't help w/ Philly, but we go to Hershey @ Christmas time every year. We stay at the White Rose Motel. It's not fancy, but we only sleep there...

We ate at Funck's restaurant... good home cooking type food... prices are fair too. It's just down the road from our motel on East Chocolate Ave.


The chocolate factory has the free "ride" takes you through the making of chocolate. Love it! free chocolate at the end....

3D movie & the trolley ride are fun too, but you need to pay for it

We do the park, but it's way different in the winter, so I'm not much help there...

The new Hershey museum is excellent & they have a chocolate lab where you can make your own candy bar.... make sure to take a camera! LOTS of fun... have to pay for that too..

 

[it's kelly]

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

Mmm, Philly cheesesteak.

 

[Jennyvelaz]

 

[ProudMommyof2]

We are going to Philly the 3rd week in April. We are staying at the Embassy Suites at the Airport. We get a 2 room suite, kitchenette, full hot breakfast each am, free parhing and WIFI for $134 a night.
It is not right downtown but aparently near a train station if we don't want to drive.
For all trips not Disney- I do my research on tripadvisor.com

 

[disneymarie]

We will be taking a budget road trip to Hershey/Philly in Early April.

Looking for ideas of things to do, places to stay, good shopping ect.

How is springtime in Hershey park anyone attended before?

Best place for to get philly cheesesteak sandwiches?

Your help and input is appreciated!

Best deal I found in Phila is the Best Western behind the Rodain museum. I am not sure the exact address, it is near the Franklin Institute. With AAA or register their web site the $$$ for our money. Free parking and the Big Red bus, runs the entire route of Phila goes right past. They also have a courtesy pick up to the Independance center where you can get passes, and the Duck tour too.

I loved the Eastern Pennitentury, Betsy Ross house, Cemetary where Franklin is, Several museums,
A must do too is the Speghetti Warehouse on Spring Garden, just up from the hotel. For $9 you get the salad, meal and desert, drinks. Also 15 layer lasagna,
Extremly affordable for the family, if you get ressies, ask for the trolley car, the seats are hard wooden but great fun in it.

 

[iluvdisney]

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.

 

[badblackpug]

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.

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.

 

[BudgetBetty]

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!