Dining & Shopping

Hershey’s dining scene is a delicious blend of small-town warmth and big-city flavor. Chocolate Avenue, the town’s main thoroughfare, where even the streetlights are shaped like Hershey’s Kisses, anchors a growing collection of restaurants, cafes, and local shops. From upscale farm-to-table dining at The Hotel Hershey’s Circular Dining Room to casual favorites at family-owned spots scattered throughout, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Craft beer enthusiasts will appreciate the local brewery scene, while foodies can explore regional specialties at nearby markets and diners. The proximity to Lancaster County also means fresh, locally sourced ingredients show up on menus throughout the area.

Shopping in Hershey combines the charm of boutique retail with convenient access to larger retail centers. Downtown Hershey features specialty shops, gift stores, and locally owned boutiques. For everyday needs and larger purchases, Hershey and the surrounding area offer easy access to grocery stores, home goods retailers, and a variety of shopping plazas. Nearby Harrisburg expands options further with major shopping centers and outlet destinations within a short drive.

Things to Do in Hershey, PA

Life in Hershey means living alongside one of Pennsylvania’s most iconic entertainment destinations, but the community offers so much more than its famous theme park. Residents enjoy a rich, year-round lifestyle with attractions for every age and interest.

Parks, Gardens & Outdoor Activities

Hersheypark is, of course, a beloved neighborhood landmark. The world-class amusement park features over 70 rides and attractions that residents can enjoy throughout the summer season. Adjacent to the park, ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park offers a wonderful opportunity to encounter native wildlife species in beautifully naturalistic habitats.

For outdoor recreation, Hershey offers beautiful green spaces and well-maintained parks. Hershey Gardens, a stunning 23-acre botanical garden, is a serene escape in every season. The surrounding countryside also invites cycling, hiking, and exploration along trails and roads with scenic Pennsylvania views.

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

The Giant Center is Hershey’s premier arena, hosting major concerts, sporting events, and live shows throughout the year. Just next door, Hersheypark Stadium has welcomed some of the world’s biggest musical acts to its outdoor stage. For performing arts, the Hershey Theatre, a breathtaking 1930s venue on Chocolate Avenue, presents Broadway touring productions, concerts, and special events in a truly magnificent setting.

History lovers will enjoy the Hershey Story Museum, which chronicles the life of Milton Hershey and the founding of this unique company town. While the museum’s Chocolate Lab offers interactive chocolate-making experiences that connect visitors to Hershey’s sweet roots.

Popular Events

Hershey’s event calendar is packed year-round, celebrating everything from its chocolate heritage to the beauty of its natural surroundings. A few annual highlights include:

• Dark Nights at Hersheypark – A beloved fall tradition featuring Halloween-themed activities, trick-or-treating throughout the park, and seasonal entertainment for all ages.
• Christmas Candylane – Hersheypark transforms into a holiday wonderland with millions of lights, seasonal rides, and festive entertainment through the winter season.
• The Hershey Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) Car Show – One of the largest antique car shows in the world, drawing collectors and enthusiasts from across the country every October.

In addition to these signature events, Hershey’s calendar also features summer concert series, charity walks and runs, community festivals, and seasonal farmers markets that bring neighbors together throughout the year.

Real Estate in Hershey, PA

Hershey’s real estate market reflects the community’s unique character: diverse, established, and consistently in demand. The housing stock ranges from charming mid-century bungalows and classic brick colonials in established in-town neighborhoods to newer construction homes and upscale properties in the surrounding countryside.

Many are drawn to Hershey for its exceptional quality of life, highly regarded public schools, proximity to Penn State Hershey Medical Center, and easy access to Harrisburg and regional highways. Whether you’re looking for a cozy in-town home near Chocolate Avenue, a spacious property in a quiet neighborhood, or a distinctive estate with room to breathe, Hershey offers real estate options to match a wide range of lifestyles and budgets.