Hershey Park, USA - a Sweet Place to Visit

One of the best kept secrets in the United States is Hershey Theme Park in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Tagged "The Sweetest Place on Earth," this theme park is a must visit for amusement and chocolate lovers.

Hershey Park celebrated it's centennial this year. In 1907, candy-maker and philanthropist, Milton Hershey, opened a small amusement park as a way to entertain the families of his employees who lived in Hershey, Pennsylvania and worked in his factory. Hershey Park originally consisted of picnic grounds, an amphitheater and a Merry-Go-Round, with Hershey bars selling for 5 cents.

Today, Hershey Park boasts over 60 attractions for young and old alike. The park includes 10 thrilling roller coasters, including the Lightening Racer, the first wooden/racing dueling roller coaster in the United States. The Lightening Racer reaches speeds up to 50 mph and has a 90 foot lift.

Another high thrill ride is Comet, a large, white wooden roller coaster that also reaches a speed of 50 mph and has a 96 foot drop. In addition to The Lightening Racer and Comet, the park has eight other coasters that range from moderate to mild thrill rides.

Like many other theme parks in the United States, Hershey's Park is divided into several different "towns" or sections where the theme is carried through. Pioneer Frontier, Minetown, Founder's Place, Midway America and Music Box Way have thrilled many visitors over the years. New this year is the boardwalk, a tribute to the boardwalks of the East Coast, which boasts a water park and several water rides.

The chocolate that made Hershey's a household name is the theme of the park. Each ride lists its height restrictions in candy bars, such as Jolly Rancher, Reeses, and the perennial favorite, Hershey's Kisses.