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Community Corner

Mini Getaways for the Two of You or the Whole Family

Hershey, Pa., offers things to do all year, and for parents as well as children.

Whether it’s just for a night or for a weekend, we all need to get away from it all now andthen. That’s how we can help – each Wednesday, this column will highlight fun spots nottoo far away from home where parents can slip away to and reconnect with the spouse,or go to with the kids for a quick family vacation.

A Hershey Getaway

There are two holidays this month – Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day. Valentine’s Day weekend, of course, is a perfect opportunity to spend quality time with one’s spouse (especially if there are grandparents who are free to babysit), and Presidents’ Day weekend offers great getaway potential, since many kids and parents have that Monday off. And with all the snow we’ve been having lately, who wouldn’t mind a weekend away for some fun, rest and relaxation?

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Most parents know of Hershey, Pa., home to Hershey Park, Hershey Lodge and The Hotel Hershey. Located about two and a half hours away in Central Pennsylvania, Hershey is dubbed “The Sweetest Place on Earth” and is where Milton S. Hershey, creator ofthe famous Hershey Milk Chocolate Bar, built his chocolate factory. Most think of Hershey as a summertime resort, but it is also a good place to go to anytime of year for anyone who loves chocolate. (And who doesn’t think about chocolate just a little come Valentine’s Day?)

Couples and families can take advantage of the resort area’s “Chocolate-Covered February” overnight packages this month. Available are several packages to choose from that include a $50 resort credit with a one-night stay, and a $125 resort credit with a two-night stay. Among the options are a “Sealed with a Kiss Romance Package” that includes accommodations, a rose-petal turndown and a champagne with chocolate-covered strawberries breakfast, and a “Chocolate-Covered Family Fun Package” that is complete with accommodations and admission to nearby Zoo America and Hershey's Really Big 3D Show at Hershey's Chocolate World. Hershey’s Chocolate World is also home to the “Create Your Own Candy Bar” experience where kids and adults can choose the ingredients and watch their own candy bars being made.

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Of the two Hershey hotels, the Lodge is a little more family (and budget) friendly, while The Hotel Hershey is more upscale for a just-the-two-of-you weekend. At Hershey Hotel is The Spa at the Hotel Hershey, which this month offers cocoa massages, whipped cocoa baths and chocolate fondue wraps. During Valentine’s Day weekend at Hotel Hershey, there will be wine and chocolate tastings, chef demonstrations and a children’s chocolate-covered tea.

Also at The Hotel Hershey are gourmet restaurants that offer chocolate-inspired meals and drinks, and the Cocoa Beanery for coffee and chocolate drinks. Kids will enjoy the hotel’s indoor pool and the year-round ice skating. Babysitting is available, and the Cocoa Clubhouse, staffed by camp counselors, offers activities for children.

The Hershey Lodge also has an indoor pool, several restaurants that offer chocolate-themed drinks and meals, and a Cocoa Beanery. This month at the lodge will be special chocolate cooking demonstrations, a chocolate-covered children’s tea and a special Cuban-inspired Caribbean dinner (reservations are required).

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