My yummy Valentine

After enjoying pre-dinner cocktails in the Iberian Lounge (chocolate martini for me) we made our way to the Circular Dining Room where we enjoyed lobster bisque, filet mignon, grilled venison chops and chocolate panna cotta for dessert. Relaxed from a day of pampering and pleasantly full of food and drink, we retired to our room where we were greeted by chocolate on our pillows. "When in Hershey... " I thought. Into my mouth the chocolate went.

Sunday Morning
We woke up early and decided to check out some of the sights that are open in Hershey year-round. We took in a 3-D movie at Chocolate World (more Hershey Bars on the way out of the theater) and a trolley tour that offered a historical perspective on the town. We checked out of our plush hotel room and discussed the possibility of heading to nearby Amish Country to sightsee and buy a quilt. On the way to the parking lot we made a quick stop in the Cocoa Beanery for another one of those delicious hot chocolate lattes.

I was taking the last sip when I turned to Ryan and said, "I feel sort of itchy ... "

How to Get There
By Car: Hershey, Pa. is within driving distance of many cities in the Northeast. It is approximately 90 minutes from Baltimore; two hours from Trenton, Philadelphia and Washington D.C.; three hours from New York City; and four hours from Pittsburgh.

By Train: The Harrisburg train station is serviced by Amtrak and is about 15 minutes from Hershey. Some hotels have a shuttle service from the train station to Hershey; call to inquire.

By Air: The Harrisburg International Airport is 15 minutes from Hershey. Rental cars are available at the airport and some hotels offer a shuttle service. Call your hotel to inquire.

Where to Stay
The Hotel Hershey is a family-friendly, 232-room luxury hotel. It offers indoor and outdoor pools, nature trails, golf, a fitness center, a spa and several on-site restaurants including fine dining in the Circular Dining Room. Guests enjoy free admission to the Hershey Gardens and the Hershey Museum. Off-season rates from $259 per night. Chocolate-Covered February rates may be higher.

The Hershey Lodge is a 665-room hotel and conference center affiliated with the Hotel Hershey, which means guests have access to many of the Hotel Hershey amenities such as golf and the spa. The Hershey Lodge offers several on-site casual dining options including the sports-themed Bears' Den, the Hershey Grill, Lebbie Lebkicher's (buffet), and the Forebay. It also has indoor and outdoor pools and on-site miniature golf. Off-season rates start at $169 per night.

What to Do
Besides all the chocolate-themed attractions, Hershey also offers over 60 outlet stores for shopping enthusiasts. It is within an hour's drive from Lancaster, Pa. and Amish country. Also about an hour away is the Civil War-buff haven of Gettysburg, Pa.

The Independent Traveler is an interactive traveler's exchange and comprehensive online travel guide for a community of travelers who enjoy the fun of planning their own trips and the adventure of independent travel. You can access our wealth of travel resources and great bargains here at www.independenttraveler.com, or at www.bargainbox.com.

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