Greetings and salutations from sweltering Pennsylvania, which I imagine goes along with sweltering Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Texas, Florida, Missouri and the Netherlands.
Yesterday, they arrived in Hershey, and they chocolated. Selah. Chocolate World embodies everything you ever dreamed about chocolate. Wonka’s factory might come close, but if your choco-fantasies take the form of milky, wonderful, delicious Hershey’s ambrosia, Milton’s empire wins, sticky hands down.
We took a faux tour of their plant (everything was simulated, but looked totally real) in these little Tilt-a-Whirl looking cars that moved slowly through an enclosed exhibit. Think of the “It’s a Small World” ride at Disney and you’ll be close. After exiting the ride, we crossed a balcony walk and saw the teeming millions below, searching out their chocolate treasures. We descended into the milieu.
Black Forest Cake and Frozen Cocoa
Of course, we had to sample the wares. Ai ai ai. The Black Forest Cake from The Bake Shop was stupendous. We were a bit skeptical at first, because, like a certain huge coffee retailer who shall not be named (but its initials are S, T, A, R, B, U, C, K and S), sometimes baked confections look delicious but taste like a pizza box. Not so with this stuff, Jim. As we chowed down, the Thriller mused, “Well, this is Hershey’s place, and it’s their reputation. I’m sure they want to get it right.” Agreed.
The Frozen Cocoa was out of this world! Imagine your favorite hot chocolate, mixed with shaved ice and run through a blender. Fantastic. We shared both items halvsies, which was good, because on a 99-degree day, the Thriller would have been less than Thrilled to have to take me back to the hotel for a long, sugar-induced nap.
We had a delightful afternoon of shopping, walking, touring (and of course, eating) everything chocolate. It’s an amazing place.
Having the evening capped off with a dead battery in the parking lot wasn’t fabulous, but it didn’t take long to get a jump, and we were back in business in no time.
Today is Gettysburg (yay) and lunch with my cousin Sue (yippy!). I think it’s been 35 years since I’ve seen her. Fun!
Happy Saturday, fiends. Until tomorrow, stay cool. 
Looking at your pictures brought back some fond memories of our trip to Hershey, PA, years ago. Didn’t you just LOVE those animatronic cows and that wonderful tune that can get stuck in your head for the rest of the day, “It’s the milk chocolate!”
I know, the song over and over and over…talk about a “hook,” right?? What blew us away was the availability of *every* type of gift in the universe, themed with Hershey candies. Incredible! We had a great time.
Whoa! I need a nap after just reading about the place! It looks like such a wonderful time. I’m so thrilled that you both got to go and experience it.
Have a grand time with the Suz today! Give her my best! Love you both!
We sure will, Mave, and I’ll give Susie a hug from ya! We’re in the car right now en route to Gettysburg, to hopefully get a battlefield tour in before the rains catch up with us. We meet Sue & Larry at 1. Love ya!
How did you get out alive haha? From what I have gathered you like chocolate? Did they have a chocolate river?
I’m super jelly of going to Gettysburg…I hope you enjoy it!
We loved it! I thought about you a dozen times (especially upon seeing our ten thousandth monument, haha). But it was a great day with many solemn reminders of what was, in my opinion, the most savage war in history: Americans vs. Americans.
PS… “Wow. A chockla river.”
Film?
I’m on chocolate overload just looking & reading! And that’s a hard thing to do for me! WOW! ENJOY!!! xoxox
Thanks darlin! Kind of rivals the spread at the wedding gig you played, eh?? The “candy bar” table? That’s my kind of reception!