Another attraction, The Hershey Story: The Museum on Chocolate Avenue, houses the Chocolate Lab, a hands-on classroom with constantly changing confectionary experiments. The Origins of Chocolate tasting bar invites guests to become cocoa connoisseurs as they sample pure, warm liquid cocoa from six regions of the world. Hersheypark entertains groups with 13 roller coasters and more than 70 rides and attractions. The Boardwalk features 14 water attractions, plus the Coal Cracker water flume. Opening in early April, the Hershey Triple Tower will be the first choose-your-thrill triple tower in the nation. The three towers stand at 189 feet, 131 feet and 80 feet high, and riders can choose positive and negative G forces. The park’s seasonal celebrations include Springtime in the Park, Hersheypark in the Dark and Hersheypark Christmas Candylane. Ideal for educational programs and guided tours, Hershey Gardens added a 16,000-square-foot butterfly atrium last July that houses North American and tropical butterflies. The 23 acres encompass themed gardens, seasonal displays and more than 5,000 rosebushes. PENNSY LVANIA DUTCH C OUNTRY In the heart of Lancaster County’s Pennsylvania Dutch Country, the Amish Experience offers its Amish Farmlands Tour at Plain and Fancy Farm. The 90-minute excursion weaves through back roads and country lanes for a glimpse of Amish life. Unveiled in February, the “What Price Freedom?” presentation begins with the Magic Lantern Show, and a live actor portrays one of the show’s
characters, recounting the story of slavery in America and the underground railroad. Afterward, a bus tour takes the audience to Underground Railroad sites. The tour concludes with the film “Jacob’s Choice,” which depicts the Amish quest for religious freedom in Pennsylvania. Kitchen Kettle Village’s 42 shops and food specialties surround one of Lancaster County’s original canning kitchens. Local farm women “put up” more than 90 varieties of jams and relishes that visitors can sample. AAA Buggy Rides offers three different outings through the countryside with options to visit an Amish farm or business. “Kitchen Kettle does a nice job incorporating its 1950s culinary heritage alongside newer offerings like fine wine and shopping for unique crafts,” said Joel Cliff, director of communications and advocacy for Discover Lancaster. “Their new Village Insider tour puts visitors behind the scenes on both aspects of this community,” allowing them to experience its “renowned hospitality,” said Cliff. At Kreider Farms, guided tours feature cows on their milking carousel and the maternity barn. For beautiful 360-degree views from the recently opened Silo Observation Tower, groups can climb the staircase spiraling around the outside of this former silo. And from March 11 through October 14, “Jonah” at Sight and Sound Theatre delivers a spectacular performance. On three sides, a 300-foot stage surrounds the 2,000-seat auditorium. The production uses state-of-the-art technology and live animals.
PHILADELPHIA
Happy Groups, Happy Planners We make it easy: ■
Assistance with itinerary planning
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Convenient motorcoach dropoff and parking
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Plenty of new and educational attractions and events throughout the city
We’re here to help. Contact Jim DePhilippo at 215-636-3312 or jim@discoverPHL.com
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