Wanna really sweeten things up this Valentine’s day? How about an escape, an hour to the west, for a delicious weekend dipped in chocolate for you and your sweetheart or your family? After hearing that The Sweetest Place on Earth recently underwent a $67 million renovation, I had to see how much sweeter it could get. What I found was a delicious destination that oozes romance but can be equally indulgent for family fun.
The $67 million building campaign known as “The Grand Expansion,” which launched as part of The Hotel Hershey’s 75th anniversary celebration, includes dramatic upgrades to the hotel’s front entrance and features 10 new luxury guest cottages; a multi-pool swimming complex with an infinity-edge pool; year-round ice-skating rink; new recreation area; 130-seat restaurant, and seven new boutique shops. While February is not the time to explore the fabulousness of the swimming pools, it is the perfect time to take part in the special chocolate offerings at The Sweetest Place on Earth.
Chocolate-covered family fun!
Show your family you love them with deluxe accommodations, full breakfast, tickets to Hershey’s Chocolate Tasting Adventure at Hershey’s Chocolate World, Complimentary 5 lb. Hershey’s Chocolate Bar, admission to ZooAmerica or the Antique Auto Museum and Admission to The Hershey Story: The Museum on Choclate Avenue. Prices at The Hershey Lodge start at $244, The Hotel Hershey start at $329.
Make the most of your family time there with unique (and many FREE) programs like:
- Chocolate Tasting Adventures – take a guided, interactive tour and end up with a “Master’s Degree” in Chocolate Tasting from Hershey’s University.
- Chocolate Dessert Tasting Journeys- a scavenger hunt of baked chocolate desserts throughout Hershey’s Chocolate World.
- Chocolate Dipped Dessert Demos- make adorable and delicious desserts.
- Storytelling and Hot Cocoa- participate in an interactive story time with cocoa.
- Hersheypark Chocolate Parade- meet all the Hershey product characters and rock out with the Hersheypark Band.
- Chocolate-Covered Children’s Tea- hot cocoa, finger foods and stories.
- Hershey’s chocolate-themed activities like crafts, Build Your Own Graham Cracker House, Chocolate Bar and Cookie Decoration and Double Chocolate Treasure Hunting. (See who can find the Hershey’s Miniature in the chocolate pudding; the only catch – you can’t use your hands!)
Wanna get cozy as a couple?
Indulge in an adult chocolate getaway for two with deluxe accommodations, rose petal turndown, champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, full breakfast, complimentary 7 oz. Giant Hershey’s Kiss, admission to The Hershey Story: The Museum on Chocolate Avenue. Stay at The Hershey Lodge from $239* or upgrade to The Hotel Hershey from $348. Hang out in your luxury accomodations, lounge in your bathrobes, soak in your tub and order room service or head out to explore.
Pamper Yourself with Chocolate Spa Services
Try the Chocolate Spa Sampler Package available exclusively during Chocolate-Covered February at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey! Includes: Whipped Cocoa Bath (or Chocolate Hydrotherapy for men), choice of Chocolate Bean Polish or Chocolate Sugar Scrub, 50-minute Cocoa Massage and lunch in The Oasis. Other indulgent treatments include a”Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry” with a Strawberry Parfait Scrub and Chocolate Fondue Wrap.
Channel Your Inner Chef with the Chocolate Chef’s Table, a five-course chocolate-themed meal. Free Chef Demonstrations, Truffles for Couples Class and Chocolate Cooking School. You can even take a Chocolate Martini Mixology class or a Chocolate and Spirits Class! On February 20, participate in a festive themed dinner prepared by the culinary team at The Hershey Lodge as a tribute to the influences of Cuba and the Caribbean on Milton S. Hershey and The Hershey Company; featuring live entertainment with salsa and soca dancing.
Calling All Chocoholics! Get your fix with the Hershey’s Chocolate Dessert Buffet, the Chocolate-Infused Sunday Brunch, Afternoon Chocolate Teas and Wine and Chocolate Pairings.
For a FULL list of activities, prices and experiences: visit http://www.chocolatecoveredfebruary.com/calendar/ or call 1-800-HERSHEY (437-7439)
Wanna experience the Hershey Magic at home? Try these recipes:
Cocoa Seared Scallops
Prepared by: Hershey Lodge Culinary Team from The Hershey Lodge
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons Hershey’s Cocoa Powder
1 teaspoon allspice
1/8 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
12 scallops
Directions:
Dredge scallops in cocoa rub and sear on medium high heat for two minutes per
side. Yield: 4 Servings
Creamy Chocolate Peanut Butter Martini
Prepared by: Hershey Resorts Beverage Team from Hershey Resorts
Ingredients:
2 ounces Three Olives Chocolate Vodka
3 ounces Castries Peanut Rum Cream
1 ounce Dekuyper Butter Shots Schnapps
Directions:
Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with a mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.
