The next time you eat a Hershey's chocolate bar, or Hershey's Kisses™, think about the town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, where Hershey's Kisses™ streetlights line the streets, and where Hershey's candy is manufactured. In 1903, millionaire Milton S. Hershey purchased a parcel of land which would later be known as Hershey, Pennsylvania, and would soon become the home of the Hershey chocolate factory. The Hershey's chocolate bar had just been created in 1900, and Hershey's Kisses™ would be invented in 1907. This was incredibly significant, because the creation of milk chocolate candy had just been introduced at the world's fair in the 1890s.

Milton Hershey, who had just sold his caramel candy company for $1 million, was in the market for his next business venture. Ever the savvy businessman and entrepreneur, Hershey purchased milk chocolate candy-producing equipment at the world's fair, and created what is now known as Hershey Chocolate USA, which has continued to exist and produce candy right thru the present day.

Today, Hershey Chocolate USA continues to produce its chocolate candies in the original Hershey, PA manufacturing plant, which was built by Mr. Hershey himself in the early 1900s. The town of Hershey, which was built around the plant, continues to exist, and has grown to a population of over 12,000. Take the official chocolate making tour at Hershey's Chocolate World, the world's largest visitor's center. At the end of the tour, don't forget your free sample of Hershey's chocolate!

Hershey has an incredible range of tourist attractions. Not only can visitors to the area visit Chocolate World, but Hersheypark is just next door, which is a wonderful family amusement park created by Mr. Hershey himself. The list of rides and attractions continues to grow, with the Fahrenheit roller coaster (which boasts a 97-degree drop) being the latest addition. Also in the vicinity are the Giant Center, where entertainers such as Sting, Beyonce, and Michael Buble have performed; the Hershey Museum, where Hershey memorabilia can be found; and the Hershey Gardens, which features a children's hand-on garden.

Hershey has many other attractions, as well. The Hershey outlets, where many designer labels sell their inventory at discounted prices, has great shopping for bargain hunters (clothing purchases are tax free in Pennsylvania, by the way). At the intersection of Chocolate and Cocoa, tourists will find the recently restored Hershey Press Building, the Hershey Theatre, and the infamous Hershey's Kisses™ streetlights. Lodging options include the Hotel Hershey, built from a postcard brought back by Mr. Hershey from his trip to Spain; the Hershey Lodge, a sprawling property which is home to numerous conventions; and numerous other properties. Not to be forgotten is perhaps Mr. Hershey's greatest accomplishment, the Milton Hershey School, which was created by Mr. and Mrs. Hershey to house and educate needy children. This is just a partial list of what you'll find in Hershey.

Whatever you may be looking for in a family vacation, Hershey is certain to have it. This summer, make plans to spend time in Hershey, Pennsylvania-the Sweetest Place on Earth!