This past weekend Mike and I headed to #VisitPa, a tradition we started last year when we decided to escape Made in America weekend, which takes place right in front of our home on the Parkway. Last year we went to Scranton, Bethlehem and The Great Fair in Allentown . This year we went to Hershey Park, PA Renaissance Faire, Jim Thorpe & The Great Allentown Fair
Saturday morning we headed to Hershey to visit Mike’s 2nd cousins Tom and Alice. They took us to AACA Museum | Antique Automobile & Motor Vehicle History and gave us a tour of Hershey, the town, the park and the history of the land. It was great. I had no idea about the story behind Milton Hershey. The car museum was amazing too. You definitely have to check it out on your next visit there.
When Mike and I travel we rarely book hotels beforehand, so we’re at the mercy of the universe to find a decent place to stay that’s not going to break us as we’re really only sleeping there between sites.
We booked the Hojo on Chocolate Way. I liked it but Mike wasn’t a fan. The hotel was more like a “motor lodge” of years gone by, each guest had their own “cabin”, or more like a closet as it was that tiny. Nothing very modern, but a bit steep at $225 for his taste. There’s not a lot happening in Hershey at night, except the park, so bring cards, or games for the kids.
My dad had this boat of a car when I was growing up. He had a lot of cars in the early 70s, it seemed every time we went to the Phillies game, we’d come out to find someone had stolen his car. Seriously, it happened twice in a row. At least the Phillies were winning my dad would say.
Sunday Mike and I took the Hershey’s Chocolate Tour. It was cute. Set up like the ride at Disney World – “It’s A Small World”, you ride in a gondola and learn about the history of Hershey and created the delicious bars. This is a free attraction, and it’s next to the amusement park. There is a larger museum called the Hershey Chocolate Museum, and it’s on Chocolate Way next to Houlihan’s and Devon restaurant. Which got me thinking I bet that Houlihan’s and Devon are owned by the same company cause the Devon restaurant on Rittenhouse Square used to be a Houlihan’s about 25 years ago. We didn’t go to the park as neither of us are really into rides after a bit of whiplash 20 years ago. BTW Get to the park early. When we left at NOON, the line to get into the first 3 hrs free parking lot, was a mile long.
I’ve been hearing about the PA Renaissance Faire for eons. I just never understood it. I wasn’t a very imaginative kid. While doing research on things to do and see in Hershey, Pa, I came across info on PA Renaissance Faire which is located about 20 miles from the park. I knew Mike would love it cause he has a great imagination, plus he likes eating big drumsticks which seems to be a big selfie moment there.
Drumstick and Dungeon
Employees as well as
guests dress for the occasion. The two on the left waited at the entrance for their friends, who were a bit surprised at first.
It’s really a fun day, especially for the kids who can play dress up with the parents.
There are lots of shows happening at every moment. You can find the schedule online or when you arrive they will give you a map with showtimes.
Comedy shows, that’s a wet rag she’s dropped on that guys head. I’m sure it would have felt better had it been about 75F
Birds of Prey demonstrations
There was bow shooting, ax and knife throwing, catapult and lots of other manly man stuff from the Renaissance period.
Did I mention the food. There is lots of delicious choices, and yes there is funnel cake.
Musical performances
With plenty of seating. I would definitely go back, there’s a lot to see, do and eat. Did I mention Free Parking too.
Check it our for yourself, as it runs through October.
Later in the day we headed to our next stop Jim Thorpe, Pa. Mike and I had been there before, about 23 years ago. At that time we were really into biking and the area has great trails. When we drove into town we grabbed a bike to eat at the most unforgettable sandwich shop you need to avoid at all costs. It’s across the street from the Inn at Jim Thorpe. The food was terrible, the name forgettable and the waitress charged us double for what was served. 
We did stay at a cute, newly renovated Hampton Inn right outside of town. We called on the phone for a reservation, only $188 with tax. The room was large, and had a couch just like I like. There’s nothing better to me then hanging on the couch, drinking my tea, reading Vanity Fair and watching TV. Mike went to the gym and the pool.
Jim Thorpe is adorable and a must visit, especially in the fall
There’s a lot to do there, my favorite thing is to take the tourist train on a 70 minute ride through the mountains. We didn’t have a chance to do it this time, but next time we will. We missed the earlier time slot on the train, and were eager to go to our next stop.
The Great Allentown Fair. It wasn’t initially on our itinerary, but we wanted to visit the goats, pigs and cows once more.
Mike is holding a “passport” in his hand. At each animal display we were to get a stamp to fill up our passport. Cute idea for kids.
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All in all it was a fantastic getaway for the weekend.
Best of all these spots are no more than 2hrs away from Philly.
You could check them out in one day, or over a weekend.
VisitPa
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