Warm Up for Summer with Hershey In The Spring

Celebrate spring in Hershey The Sweetest Place On Earth with something for everyone 

Hershey, Pa., 2013-02-21 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hershey The Sweetest Place On Earth is starting its spring training regimen in preparation for the debut of Hershey In The Spring in March.

In anticipation of warmer weather, the teams at Hershey Resorts and the Hershey attractions are gearing up for a season packed with activities. Winter ride maintenance at Hersheypark is coming to a close and Hershey Nursery is planting more than 50,000 pansies within the Park. In addition, 5,000 rose bushes are being cut back at Hershey Gardens and The Spa At The Hotel Hershey is preparing to launch three new facial services this spring.

During Hershey In The Spring, which is a sneak peek of the summer season, families can experience a roster full of springtime events across the destination, including:

Springtime in the Park:

  •  Hersheypark opens for three weekends this spring: March 29-31, April 6-7 and April 13-14.
  •  Guests can preview the coming summer season with dozens of rides, including roller coasters, kiddie rides and live entertainment.
  •  Springtime in the Park admission rates: Regular (ages 9-54): $29.95*; Junior and Senior (ages 3-8 and 55 and older): $19.95*; Children (2 and under) are free. Admission to ZooAmerica is free with paid admission when accessed from within Hersheypark.

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park:

  •  Celebrate the birthday party of Zoo mascot Ranger Scratch on Saturday, March 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors are invited to the explorer-themed birthday bash that includes a scavenger hunt, cupcakes and games.
  •  “Party for the Planet” is held on Sunday, April 21, where guests can celebrate Earth Day and learn about plant and animal conservation through interactive stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Hershey Gardens:

  •  Hershey Gardens opens for the season on Thursday, March 28.
  •  The community is invited to join the Hershey Ministerium for an annual Easter Sunrise Service in the seasonal display garden on Sunday, March 31. Admission to the 6:30 a.m. service is complimentary.
  •  The annual tulip display, which features 42,000 blooms, is expected in mid-April.
  •  Gardenfest, a free community day, is held on Sunday, April 21.

Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction:

  •  On Saturdays and Sundays in March, kids 12 and younger can shoot hoops and win prizes during March Basketball Fever, which is held in the Food Court.
  •  Kids can participate in a scavenger hunt through the attraction to answer trivia questions and win prizes on Saturday, March 23.
  •  Between March 23-31, visitors can have their photo taken with the Easter Bunny.
  •  Spring Breakfast with Hershey’s Product Characters is held on March 30 and April 6-7, 13-14. The Easter Bunny makes a special visit at the breakfast on March 30.

The Hershey Story, The Museum on Chocolate Avenue:

  •  In March and April, the Chocolate Lab at The Hershey Story offers specially-themed daily classes to celebrate spring, including Chocolate Bird Nests, “Eggs-citing” Chocolate Creations and Hoppin’ Chocolate Bunnies.
  •  Kids can create their own mini Easter basket and search for morsels of Hershey history during Easter Basket Bonanza on March 23-24 and March 28-April 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  •  Kids are invited to construct an old-fashioned toy pinwheel in the “Sugar, Spice, Slugs and Snails: Childhood in Early America” exhibit on Saturdays and Sundays in April from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dining in Hershey:

  •  Restaurant Week in Hershey is held March 17-23. From casual dining to innovative cuisine, guests can enjoy a three-course dinner for $30 or a two-course lunch for $15 at eight restaurants.
  •  Springtime Children’s Tea at Hershey Lodge is held on Saturday, March 30 and features warm teas, finger foods and flower-shaped cookies for decorating. The teas are held at 12:30 and 6:30 p.m. and reservations can be made by calling 717-534-8601.
  •  Easter dining options are available at Hershey Lodge and The Hotel Hershey on Sunday, March 31.
  •  Following a mid-winter refresh, Hershey Grill, located in Hershey Lodge, plans to re-open in March. The restaurant will offer extended hours, including the addition of breakfast service.

The Spa At The Hotel Hershey:

  •  Guests can experience three new facials that will revitalize the skin in time for spring: the Organic Beauty Garden Facial and Renewal Peel Facial are available beginning March 1, and a seasonal peach and apricot Fruit Fusion Facial is offered beginning April 1.
  •  Beginning March 1, guests can indulge in a sweet treat for the hands and feet with the Spa’s new Whoopie Pie Mani/Pedi treatment.

Additional events around town include:

  •  The Hershey Bears continue their 75th anniversary season playing at Giant Center on March 2, 3, 10, 16, 17, 30 and April 21.
  •  Giant Center hosts a variety of premiere entertainment this spring, including The Harlem Globetrotters (March 15), Carrie Underwood (March 25), WWE Smackdown (March 26), Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy (April 10-14), and Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley (April 19).
  •  Hershey Theatre hosts Broadway’s American Idiot (March 15-17), Lewis Black (March 21), Scooby-Doo Live! Musical Mysteries (March 23), Voca People (April 6), and Experience the Beatles with RAIN (April 22).
  •  The Antique Auto Club of America Museum hosts an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 23 at 1 p.m.
  •  The Hershey 10K, a 6.2 mile race through Hersheypark and Hershey, is on Sunday, April 14 at 7:30 a.m. A portion of the proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Pennsylvania and other local charities.

Seasonal Packages:

  •  Easter packages are available at Hershey Lodge and The Hotel Hershey the weekend of March 29. Overnight guests can enjoy deluxe accommodations, one-day admission to Springtime in the Park, Saturday breakfast, Easter Sunday breakfast and admission to Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story’s Museum Experience. Packages range from $349.50** at the Lodge and $476.00** at the Hotel.
  •  Springtime in the Park packages are available at Hershey Lodge and The Hotel Hershey April 5-7 and April 12-14. Overnight guests can enjoy deluxe accommodations, one-day admission to Springtime in the Park, breakfast, and admission to Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story’s Museum Experience. Packages range from $359.00** at the Lodge and $479.00** at the Hotel.

Later this spring, Hershey Highmeadow Campground marks its 50th anniversary and the addition of 10 new cabins. For full information on all activities and events offered during Hershey In The Spring, visit www.HersheyPA.com or call 1-800-HERSHEY (1-800-437-7439).

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*All purchased tickets are subject to $.85 amusement tax per day.
** Price is per room, per night for up to four guests, based on availability. Includes tax. Other restrictions may apply. Not available at Hershey Highmeadow Campground. For reservations, call 1-800-HERSHEY.

MEDIA CONTACT
Sara Ensminger
SEnsminger@MSHersheyFoundation.org
717-298-2214