Hershey: The Sweetest Place on Earth

• HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
• GoodbyeSee ya
  [see yah]
• YesYup
  [yuhp]
• NoNah
  [nuh]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [pleez/no prob-lem]
• Thank youThanks
  [thanks]
• Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/My bad
  [ex-cuse me/my bad]
• How are you?Howdy, how ya doin'?
  [haw-dee, how yuh doo-in']
• Fine. And you?Good. How 'bout you?
  [good, how 'bout yuh]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [yah speak ing-glish]
• I don't understandI ain't gettin' ya
  [i aint get-tin ya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check out the menu, please
  [kan i chek out the menu, please]
• I don't eat meatI'm a veggie
  [im uh vej-ee]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGotta settle up, please
  [got-ta set-tul up, please]

• Help!I need a hand!
  [i need uh hand]
• Go away!Get lost!
  [get lost]
• Call the Police!Ring the cops!
  [ring the cops]
• Call a doctor!Get a doc!
  [get uh doc]
• I'm lostI'm all turned around
  [im all turned uh-round]
• I'm illI'm under the weather
  [im under the weath-er]

• I'd like to buy...I'm lookin' to purchase...
  [im look-in to pur-chase]
• I'm just lookingJust browsin'
  [just brow-sin']
• How much is it?What's the damage?
  [whats the dam-ij]
• That's too expensiveThat costs a pretty penny
  [that costs uh pret-ee pen-ee]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya do a deal?
  [can ya do uh deal]

• What time is it?What's the time?
  [whats the time]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [its one]
• Half past (10)Ten thirty
  [ten thur-tee]
• MorningMornin'
  [morn-in']
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [after-noon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [even-in']
• YesterdayYest'day
  [yest-day]
• TodayToday
  [to-day]
• TomorrowTomorrah
  [tomor-rah]
• 1One
  [wun]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Three
  [three]
• 4Four
  [four]
• 5Five
  [five]
• 6Six
  [six]
• 7Seven
  [sev-en]
• 8Eight
  [ate]
• 9Nine
  [nine]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the... at?
  [wheres the at]
• What's the address?Where's it located?
  [wheres it locat-ed]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya point it out (on the map)?
  [can ya point it out on the map]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus) comin'?
  [whens the next bus com-in]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [a ticket to]

The story of Hershey begins with Milton S. Hershey, an entrepreneurial visionary who founded the town in 1903. Hershey's dream was to create a model town for his employees, centered around his burgeoning chocolate business. The Hershey Chocolate Company was established, and the first Hershey's chocolate bar was produced in 1900. Hershey's careful planning led to the construction of homes, schools, and recreational facilities, all designed to improve the quality of life for his workers.

In 1906, Milton S. Hershey opened Hersheypark as a leisure park for his employees. Over the years, the park expanded to become one of the premier amusement destinations in the United States. Today, Hersheypark boasts an array of thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, and a water park, all set amid beautifully landscaped grounds. The park also features Chocolate World, where visitors can learn about the chocolate-making process and enjoy a variety of interactive exhibits.

During the 1930s, Hershey initiated an ambitious building campaign to provide jobs during the Great Depression. This period saw the construction of several iconic structures, including the Hotel Hershey, a luxurious Spanish-style hotel that opened in 1933. Hershey also built the Hershey Theatre, a grand performance venue, and the Community Building, which housed a variety of civic functions. These buildings reflect Hershey's commitment to creating a vibrant and culturally rich community.

Milton S. Hershey and his wife, Catherine, established the Hershey Industrial School in 1909 to provide education and care for orphaned boys. The school, now known as the Milton Hershey School, has grown to become one of the largest and wealthiest private schools in the country. It continues to offer a comprehensive education and support system for disadvantaged children, funded by a trust established by Hershey's vast fortune.

The Hershey Bears, one of the oldest and most successful franchises in the American Hockey League (AHL), have been a beloved part of the community since their founding in 1938. The team plays at the Giant Center, a state-of-the-art arena that also hosts concerts and other events. The Bears have won numerous Calder Cup championships, reflecting the town's passion for hockey and its strong sense of community pride.

Hershey Gardens, established in 1937, is a 23-acre botanical garden that offers a serene escape for visitors. The gardens feature a stunning array of flowers, trees, and shrubs, as well as themed areas such as the Children's Garden and the Butterfly Atrium. The gardens were created as a tribute to Milton Hershey's wife, Catherine, and continue to inspire and educate visitors with their beauty and biodiversity.

Milton S. Hershey revolutionized the chocolate industry by perfecting a formula for milk chocolate that could be mass-produced and affordably priced. His innovations in production and marketing made chocolate accessible to a broader audience, transforming it from a luxury item into a staple of American life. Hershey's legacy endures through the continued success of the Hershey Company, which remains a leader in the global confectionery market.

During World War II, the Hershey Company played a crucial role in supporting the U.S. military by producing the Ration D Bar. This high-calorie chocolate bar was designed to withstand extreme temperatures and provide soldiers with a quick source of energy. Hershey produced millions of these bars, earning commendations from the government for their contributions to the war effort. The Ration D Bar is a testament to Hershey's commitment to innovation and service.

Hershey is located in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. The nearest major airport is Harrisburg International Airport (MDT), approximately 13 miles away. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use ride-sharing services to reach Hershey. Amtrak also serves the area with a station in nearby Harrisburg, from which you can take a taxi or bus to Hershey. If you're driving, Hershey is easily accessible via major highways such as I-76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike) and I-83.

Hershey is relatively small, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. However, for longer distances, local buses operated by Capital Area Transit (CAT) are available. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also options. Renting a car can be convenient if you plan to explore surrounding areas. Biking is another popular way to get around, especially during the warmer months.

The official currency in Hershey, as in the rest of the United States, is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, especially in tourist areas and shopping centers. It is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in case you visit places that do not accept cards.

Hershey is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Hershey does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Hershey has local police and medical facilities, including the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies around town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably, especially if you plan to visit Hersheypark or other outdoor attractions. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do be respectful when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to elderly or disabled passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'hi.' A handshake is common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like Hershey's chocolate. Don’t forget to tip your servers, as tipping is customary in the United States.

To experience Hershey like a local, visit the Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story Museum. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share tips about the best places to eat and visit. Don’t miss out on a tour of the Hershey's Chocolate World, where you can see how the famous chocolate is made. For a unique experience, consider attending a concert or event at the Giant Center or Hershey Theatre.