Hershey Farm Resort: PA's #1 Family Getaway (You Won't Believe This!)
Hershey Farm Resort: PA's #1 Family Getaway – You Won't Believe This! (Seriously, I Was Skeptical)
Okay, folks, buckle up. I'm about to unleash some truth bombs about Hershey Farm Resort. The claims? PA's #1 Family Getaway. Really? Because, let's be honest, "family getaway" can sometimes translate to "controlled chaos with lukewarm coffee and questionable hygiene." I went in with low expectations, braced for impact, and…well, whoa.
Let me preface this by saying I’m not usually a "resort person." Give me a dusty cabin in the woods, a dodgy Wi-Fi signal, and a good book, and I’m happy. But a family trip demanded something different. So, Hershey Farm it was. And I'm still picking my jaw up off the floor.
First Impressions & The Accessibility Angle (Because Let’s Get Real)
The first thing you notice is… space. Acres and acres of it. And thankfully, it's accessible. This is HUGE for families with strollers, mobility issues, or just plain heavy luggage (I totally overpacked). Wheelchair accessible is a big checkmark, which means navigating the grounds, restaurants, and most importantly, the pool, wasn't a Herculean feat. They've put some serious thought into this, folks. And, bonus points, elevators were available – a lifesaver for hauling toddlers and toys.
Ranting About Room Wi-Fi (Because It Matters, Let’s Face It)
Okay, so I'm slightly addicted to the internet. I work remotely, my kids need their cartoons (don’t judge!), and, let's face it, I need to check Facebook to avoid FOMO. So, the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! thing was critical. The internet was actually decent. I mean, good enough to stream a movie without turning into a buffering nightmare. A small thing, perhaps, but crucial for family sanity. There was also Internet access [LAN] and Internet just in case you were a technologist.
The Room: An Oasis of Calm (Mostly)
The rooms? Clean. Like, really clean. Rooms sanitized between stays and Room sanitization opt-out available? They weren’t kidding. It even smelled fresh, which is a win considering these are family-friendly rooms. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, and I felt good. The Bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer, ironing facilities and desk were definitely used.
The Additional toilet was a lifesaver with two kids and a husband who loves a good pre-dinner shower. Blackout curtains saved my sanity. The wake up service (never used it… naturally) was available. I'd also happily let my kid use the High floor so that they could avoid the sounds of my downstairs neighbor.
Things to Do (Prepare to Be Busy!)
This is where Hershey Farm truly shines. It's NOT just a place to sleep; it's an activity hub.
- Swimming Pool [Outdoor]: This was a total hit! Clean, well-maintained, and with a Pool with view. Definitely a highlight. The kids lived in the pool for hours.
- For the Kids: Babysitting service, kids facilities, and kids meal that were kid-approved, which is a feat of magic in itself.
- Things to relax: Sauna and steamroom were available, but I’m too busy for that.
- Getting Around: Free Car park [free of charge]! Thank goodness, because parking fees are a pet peeve of mine. They also offer Airport transfer, Taxi service, and valet parking.
Food, Glorious Food (And My Near-Death Experience with the Breakfast Buffet)
Okay, so the food. This is where things get interesting.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The breakfast buffet… this could be its own novel. It was vast, chaotic, and… amazing. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast and basically every breakfast food you could imagine. I nearly lost my mind trying to juggle a plate of eggs, pancakes, and two hungry kids. It was a glorious free-for-all.
- Restaurants, Bars, and Snacking: There are multiple restaurants, a bar, a poolside bar, and a snack bar. Coffee/tea in restaurant and Coffee shop were essential for keeping me going. They also have a Vegetarian restaurant option.
More Rambling About Dining: I didn't dare eat a salad (bad luck!). They had a Buffet in restaurant. The desserts in restaurant were very tempting. Room service [24-hour]? Yes, please.
Cleanliness, Safety, and COVID-19 (Because, You Know, Reality)
Listen, I'm pretty anxious about germs (see above, germaphobe). But Hershey Farm seemed to have it together. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and Staff trained in safety protocol. Safe dining setup and Individually-wrapped food options. I was impressed. They also offered Cashless payment service, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter.
The Verdict (Drumroll, Please)
Hershey Farm Resort? Amazing! It's far from perfect – it’s a slightly chaotic whirlwind of fun, food, and family – but that’s part of the charm. There's something for everyone, and the attention to detail, especially regarding accessibility and cleanliness, made a huge difference.
My Honest-to-Goodness Reaction: I left feeling relaxed (as much as you can be with kids), happy, and planning my return. Seriously.
NOW FOR THE SALES PITCH (Because I Know You're Tempted)
Stop scrolling! Seriously!
Are you a parent, looking for an escape that won't make you want to tear your hair out? Are you looking for a place where the kids can run wild, you can actually relax, and everyone has a freaking awesome time?
Hershey Farm Resort is your answer.
Here's a special offer (just for you, my friend!):
- Book a minimum of two nights and get a complimentary family pass to [Local Attraction - insert specific, appealing attraction]! Yes, that means even MORE fun!
- Upgrade to a family suite and receive a free [mention a desirable amenity, like a welcome basket filled with snacks and drinks]! Sweeten the deal.
- Use code [YOUR PROMO CODE HERE – maybe "FAMILYFUN"] at checkout and get 10% off your stay! Don’t be afraid!
- You will get access to a private check-in with our 24-hour front desk!
Don't wait! This offer is only good for a limited time. Book your family getaway at Hershey Farm Resort today, and experience the magic! Trust me, you won't regret it.
Click here to book [Link to your booking page]!
(P.S. Don't forget to pack your swimsuit, a sense of humor, and maybe a bottle of wine. You'll thank me later.)
Kaohsiung MRT Sanduo Garden Oasis: Your Dream A-85 Apartment Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're plunging headfirst into a Hershey Farm Resort itinerary. And listen, I'm not promising perfection. I’m promising… me. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and the lingering scent of delicious, delicious Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. Here we go:
Hershey Farm Resort: A Hot Mess of a Plan (But Hopefully a Fantastic One)
Day 1: Arrival and the Sweet, Sweet Smell of… Everything
1:00 PM - The Great Pennsylvania Migration Begins: Okay, so we're driving. It's a three-hour haul from… well, let's just say "somewhere with too much traffic." The car's packed tighter than a Thanksgiving turkey. Kids squabbling over the back window view, partner humming along to some god-awful pop song on the radio. Already, I'm craving a glass of wine. Or maybe two. Or straight from the bottle. (Kidding! Mostly.)
4:00 PM - Arrival and Check-In Mishap (Because Why Not?): We arrive at Hershey Farm. It looks… charming. Like a postcard come to life, which is both exciting and slightly terrifying. The check-in line? Longer than the wait for a good rollercoaster. We're talking families with luggage taller than the children, cranky toddlers, and the palpable scent of desperation hanging in the air. Finally, finally, it's our turn. “Welcome!” the cheerful receptionist chirps. “Do you have your confirmation?” Yes! Of course. I'd like to think I did, but no, as the phone fell from my overstuffed pocket, my confirmation also got lost. But no problem, as the receptionist quickly finds the reservation. "We are up-grading you to a larger room for the next three days at no additional charge." What? I'll be sure to double check if it's "real".
4:30 PM - The Room: Yay, Space! (And the Art of Pretending to be Tidy): Our room is… huge. Like, we have our own zip code huge. Two queen beds, a pull-out sofa, a mini-fridge, and, bless its little heart, a fireplace! (Which, I’m already picturing myself curled up in front of, with said wine.). The kids immediately claim their territories. The husband starts unpacking his ten identical t-shirts. Meanwhile, I'm attempting (and failing) to organize our stuff because, let's be honest, this is going to devolve into a disaster zone in about five minutes.
5:30 PM - Pool Time: The Wet, Shouting Chaos: The kids begged to hit the pool. It's chaos. Little kids splashing, bigger kids doing cannonballs, parents awkwardly trying to relax while simultaneously keeping a watchful eye on their offspring. I try to do both. I fail. Spectacularly. I get splashed, I get yelled at, I accidentally swallow half a gallon of chlorinated water. I'm pretty sure I'm developing gills. But hey, at least the kids are having fun, right? (Right?)
7:00 PM - The Dinner Buffet: A Culinary Adventure (of Sorts): Dinner time! The Hershey Farm buffet is… an experience. All-you-can-eat! The sheer volume of food is overwhelming. The fried chicken? Pretty good. The mashed potatoes? Creamy and comforting. The salad bar? Well, let’s just say it looks like someone may have rearranged the condiments and called it a salad. We eat way too much. The kids make a mess. I contemplate hiding in the bathroom and eating dessert alone (a strong contender for best decision of the day).
8:30 PM - Evening Entertainment (aka Bedtime…eventually): They have some kind of show in the evening. I'm too full to care. We're going to put the kids to bed. Hopefully, they won't have their usual 1-hour-long negotiation to go to bed.
Day 2: Farm Fun and the Unexpected Joys of… Corn Maze
8:00 AM - Breakfast Buffet (Again): Wake up! I've just had my first moment of peace. I've been alone for about 9 minutes. Thank god. Back to the buffet! I think my cholesterol level's on a first-name basis with the staff. I'm already regretting my life choices, but the sausage links are calling my name. Plus, there’s unlimited coffee. Survival fuel.
9:00 AM - The Farm Tour: Cute Animals, Questionable Smells: Okay, this is where things get truly "family-friendly." The farm tour. We're riding in a tractor-pulled wagon thingy. The kids are thrilled. The husband is pretending to be interested. I'm trying not to get too close to any goats. They show us how to milk a cow (the kids are fascinated). We get to pet a baby piglet (adorable!). Then, BOOM… We get that one moment when the farm animal smell hits you like a ton of bricks. And suddenly, I am not a fan of farm-life. But, hey, at least the kids are entertained.
11:00 AM - The Corn Maze: Lost in the Stalks: Oh my god… the corn maze. This was supposed to be fun. The kids were excited. Instead, we spent an hour wandering in circles, arguing over which direction to go, and slowly losing our minds. We finally emerged, sweaty, slightly traumatized, and with a newfound appreciation for GPS. And a deep-seated fear of corn. We lost the husband somewhere near the middle. I'm pretty sure he's still in there. (Kidding! I think.)
1:00 PM - Lunch (Because Food): Picnic lunch! Sandwiches, chips, and the realization that, hey, maybe we should have packed more water. We devour everything with the hunger of survivors.
2:00 PM - The Dutch Wonderland Debacle: We had vague plans to go. I am not sure if we want to do this. It's a kid's amusement park. I'm torn, because I just want to relax and drink some wine as I watch the sunset.
6:00 PM - Dinner and the Great Escape: Trying a restaurant this evening. It's called Miller's Smorgasbord. I hope it's less hectic than the buffet!
Day 3: Relaxation (Maybe? Probably Not) and the Departure Blues
9:00 AM - Sleep: I slept for seven hours. I have not done that in years.
11:00 AM - The Chocolate Shop (A Must): Hershey's. Chocolate. Need I say more?
12:00 PM - Lunch: I'm craving that buffet. However, I go to the bakery to eat the best chicken salad.
2:00 PM - Packing and the Reality Check: The suitcases are open, the clothes are everywhere. It's a mess. The kids are whining. The husband is pretending to help. I'm starting to feel that familiar pang of sadness that comes with the end of a vacation. Where did the time go?
3:00 PM - Last Minute Goodbyes and One Last Piece of Pie: We check out. We promise to come back again (probably because we're already planning our next getaway). We stop for one more piece of delicious Pennsylvania Dutch apple pie (because calories don't count on vacation, right?).
4:00 PM - The Drive Home (Round Two): The car's packed to the brim. Kids are asleep… thank god. The husband is driving. I'm lost in a haze of exhaustion and the lingering sweetness of chocolate. The scenery blurs. My mind wanders. I think about the mess we made, the laughter we shared, the questionable decisions we made, and the fact that, despite everything, it was pretty damn good.
7:00 PM - Home Sweet Home (And Laundry Mountain): We're back. The house is a mess. There's a mountain of laundry waiting. But… I also have a head full of memories, a heart full of love, and a lingering craving for more fried chicken and apple pie. And that, my friends, is what a truly human vacation is all about. Until next time, Hershey Farm!
Is Hershey Farm REALLY the #1 Family Getaway? (Don't tell me it is!)
What's the Big Deal About the "Family-Style" Meals? Are They Actually edible? (And is it *all* fried chicken?)
The Pool – Is it a Pool or a Germ-Infested Swamp? (I’m being dramatic, I know, but still…)
The Barnyard Animals: Cute or a Biohazard? (And is it safe for my kids?)
Is the Hotel Actually Clean and Comfortable? (Hotel Quality Matters!)
Okay, You Mentioned a Gift Shop... Is It Worth a Visit? (Because I Love Trinkets).
The Shows – Are They Actually Good? (Or Just... There?)
What's the #1 Thing To Avoid? (Besides the Fried Chicken Overload).
Would You Go Back? (Be Honest!)
