Now that's what I'm talking about

[cornerofmadness]

So the only thing on deck today other than driving home was going to Hershey World. A) yes it's a giant tourist trap b) yes it's mostly for kids c) yes it's kinda hokey.

BUT I have wanted to do the 'factory' tour since I was a kid and never got to. I took myself. I got there early-ish lucky me (because there was no line and they have the queue line all dolled up with history to read while you sit around waiting. (I also was now on the clock. It was free to park for 3 hours, after that you were getting hit with a 35-60$ bill)

There is plenty of things to do at Hershey World as you can see. Most of it of course is geared to kids. I wasn't interested in that. One thing I thought SHOULD be on that web page is their no stroller policy. You can park them in the food court but with this level of people streaming in you couldn't just park it and level. I get why this is a rule. I saw the size of those strollers. You wouldn't be able to move inside but you should give people warning. Maybe I'm NOT taking my 1 and 3 year old if I have to carry them thru the whole thing and come back in a couple years...

I did not get through the gift shop unscathed (I'm talking POUNDAGE of chocolate here). This is where all the exclusive flavors were. I got me so many (good choice there, diabetic, good choice) cafe espresso and caramel macchiato and pumpkin spice latte nuggets, brownie and hazelnut kisses, a crystal kiss dish for mom for the holidays, peppermint patty chips for cookie making, whacky exclusive bars (some of which will be going into deep freeze for later gift giving), some expensive exclusive caramel chocolate and receese's cups with chocolate lava centers because peanut butter cups are MY favorite. I also found ancient ones I haven't seen if years like zagnuts.

I learned that krackle (another one I liked) dates to the 20s. Cool (so working on that Spider family as kids story. It's gonna happen) Another woman with a cane saw my purple sparkly one (I needed it at this point) and wanted to know where I got it as she has a boring black one (Amazon). Me and that cane nearly died getting onto the chocolate lab ride because it's a rotating floor and holy hell that's difficult to navigate when you can't feel your feet.


Yes I over spent. I did get out while parking was free. I tried that damn chocolate avenue grill again because it was 11:30 and it only opened at 11. Nope, full up. Went to Houlihan's a PA chain I haven't seen in years, had the best buffalo chicken sandwich I've had in a LONG time (the sauce had a bit of salt. I liked that also ranch dressing with blue cheese crumbles which I laughed because last night I had Beat Bobby Flay on as background noise and the judges reamed Bobby for mixing the two. Shows what they know)

Drove home. Too many 18 wheelers. SO many 18 wheelers but I'm home. My knee is done. It looks like a pumpkin.

Can't believe I'll be going back to work within two weeks.

I SHOULD get caught up on comments tomorrow. Thanks for coming along on vacation with me. I probably won't have the pictures up for a day or two because I have to get my syllabi done AND my loan repayment paperwork which the government just made infinitely harder to do (basically returned it to what it was 20 years ago)

Comments

[aien_hime]

Oh that sounds like a fun visit! I can see why you'd take all those exclusive flavors home lol.

[cornerofmadness]

It really was. I mean I don't need chocolate but I'm not too likely to get a chance at these different flavors again so a little bit won't hurt

[spikedluv]

That store is a menace! We've bought the huge candy bars to give away before.

I'm glad you made it home safely, but sorry your knee suffered from the trip.

[cornerofmadness]

that store IS a menace. A delicious one

thanks. the knee will recover. It's just pouting

[under_the_silk_tree]

The Hershey tour sounds fun. I would love to visit it. I am so envious of your candy haul. The exclusive flavors sound great. I'm glad you had a good time, even if it was hard on your knee.

[cornerofmadness]

It's a fun trip (especially if you have younger kids) the candy is yummy

thanks

[lagertha_the_warrior]

That looks cool!! I'd love to go to a chocolate factory.

[cornerofmadness]

It was fun. Technically this is a mock up (since they have to do such strict environmental control in a real chocolate factory) but it was fun and there was plenty to do in town (I need to get my pictures up) I did go nuts in the chocolate gift shop

[lagertha_the_warrior]

I totally didn't even think about all of the WHS/control issues with a real chocolate factory. I'd be satisfied with a mock up too!

[cornerofmadness]

I didn't either at first and then I'm like oh geez of course

[lagertha_the_warrior]

Haha, I guess we don't really want kids licking walls or drowning in the brown lake, amongst other things..

[cornerofmadness]

exactly so (though I was relieved not to see an oompa loompa)