Easter Weekend in Hershey

Instead of posting each day we stayed at the Hershey Hotel, I've decided to try and put together a compilation of our time in the chocolate lover's world. Each year, my brother's family takes a small trip for Easter and sometimes, I attend, and sometimes, I don't, depending on the year. This year, since my parents also decided to make the trip, I thought it would be a great idea to spend Easter with most of my immediate family, especially the older kiddies. And, I know my niece would be super excited (which she was) to spend some quality one-on-one time!
Our first stop, in town, after dropping off our luggage was none other than Chocolate World. We enjoyed some lunch and went for a ride on Hershey's Great American Chocolate Tour.

The Sweetest Place on Earth

Joseph wanted to stop and take a photo of the flower pots - he was very eager to use my camera and Diane's camera a lot for his own shots.

A budding photographer?!

 During lunch, the Reeses's Cup stopped by for a visit.

Joseph was a little shy, but Cameron jumped right in for a photo.

And, so did Diane and Liva. 

Reese's are Liv's favorite so it's no surprise she wanted a photo with the peanut butter bud! 

I LOVED (and look a little crazy) as I pretended to turn the chocolate kiss dispenser.  

During the Chocolate Tour, we learned about where cocoa beans grow and how they are deliciously made into Hershey's Great American chocolate. The sweet smells were the best.  

The rainforest

The cows and milk are a very important part of the Hershey process...fyi.

How many pounds of beans are used?! 

The different varieties!

Even though I love York Peppermint Patties, they are - to my surprise - one of the least produced chocolates!

Our final treat, Hershey's Drops. 

A final cousin photo beneath the sign before heading back to the hotel.

For the duration of our trip, we stayed at The Hotel Hershey.  The elegant, four star, landmark hotel was gorgeous and definitely a treat! 

The flower beds out front were re-planted quite often - basically after the tulips bloomed, they were replaced.

The boys loved using Diane's camera to take photos of them while Liva and I took some of our own.

Out back, Liv and I stopped for a photo in front of the fountain before she joined the boys for some faux ice skating while the adults relaxed with chocolate infused cocktails.

Into Hershey Outfitters to get fitted with skates.  

Cameron was a little apprehensive - it was hist first time on skates even though he kept saying he was fine!

Liva watched over Cam.  

While Joseph skated right in to play hockey with some older kids. 

Cameron skated/stepped across the faux ice with the best of them and held on to the side at times for balance! He did a great job.

Cousins finishing up.

During all of this, my dad enjoyed some relaxing "rocker time."

Can you see him all the way over there?!

And, then we enjoyed some drinks before dinner and s'mores.

A Chocolate-tini

The S'mores Pit

S'mores supplies

Enjoying s'mores

I decided to separate my Hershey posts...Hershey Park to follow.