It’s February, so you know what that means … time for roses, cards and our favorite reason to celebrate Valentine’s Day—chocolate! For a month-long, no-holds-barred extravaganza featuring every chocolate treat you could possibly imagine (and then some), we’re recommending that you set your sights on The Sweetest Place On Earth: Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Chocolate and wine? Check. An all-dessert buffet? You’ll find that, too. Whether you want to bring along the family for a chocolate tasting experience or plan a romantic, chocolate-infused spa retreat for you and that special someone, you’ll discover it all in Hershey during Chocolate-Covered February. Read on, and start planning the best month ever.
Ultimate Indulgences
Head to The Hotel Hershey (100 Hotel Rd., Hershey) for chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate as the hotel pairs everyone’s favorite sweet with wine, tea and savory fare and puts it center stage for an all-dessert buffet and trio of chef demos.
Reservations are required for all events listed below; call (717) 534-8800 to save your place and for more information:
Chocolate for Dinner
We can’t think of a better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the one you love than a five-course, chocolate-infused feast. Luckily, it’s not too late to grab your seats for a Chocolate Dinner to end all dinners on Friday, February 10, at the hotel’s Castilian Room. The evening starts with a 6:30 p.m. reception; dinner begins at 7 p.m. Cost is $94.50 per person, with a wine pairing option an additional $54 per person. The limited-seating dinner is recommended for couples.
Chocolate Meets Wine
On February 11, 18 and 25, explore the wonderful world of wine—and chocolate, of course!—at an exclusive Wine and Chocolate Pairing at the hotel. Attendees will discover which chocolates pair best with their favorite wines during this event, which begins at 4 p.m. Cost is $48; 21 and older only.
A Proper Cup
Prefer chamomile to Cabernet? Teetotalers can also get their chocolate fix at the hotel during Saturday Chocolate Teas, offered at 3 p.m. on February 11, 18 and 25. For $31.50, head to the hotel’s Fountain Lobby and indulge in a variety of hot and cold teas, dainty finger sandwiches and a mouth-watering array of chocolate desserts. Bring your sweetheart—or your whole family!
Learn from the Pros
Get inspiration for your own kitchen endeavors at the hotel’s cooking demonstrations on February 11, 18 and 25. Starting at 11 a.m., watch as one of The Hotel Hershey’s chefs whip up a savory dish incorporating chocolate or a decadent dessert. Then prepare to amaze your family with your new cooking skills! This recommended-for-couples event is free.
Nothing but Chocolate
Chocolate purists will think they’ve died and gone to heaven at the hotel’s Chocolate Dessert Buffet. From 7–9 p.m. on February 11, 18 and 25, families and couples are invited to the Fountain Lobby to dig into an endless array of chocolate confections. Our recommendation: just skip dinner and go straight to dessert! Cost is $36.50 for adults, $15 for children ages 3–8.
Sweet … and Boozy
Hershey Lodge (325 University Dr., Hershey) is determined to make your wildest chocolate dreams a reality with a total chocolate takeover during Chocolate-Covered February! From in-room truffle delivery for guests of the lodge to chocolate-infused specials in the lodge’s six eateries (including cocoa-dusted scallops at The Forebay and a bevy of chocolate-drenched beverages at the on-site Cocoa Beanery), Hershey Lodge is the place to be for absolute chocolate immersion.
Call (717) 534-8601 for more details on the following events hosted at the lodge (reservations required for all):
Shaken & Stirred
Hone your bartending skills during a Chocolate Martini Mixology Class to be held on two dates, February 10 and 24. From 5–7 p.m., attendees will learn how to create the lodge’s famous chocolate martini in addition to other cocoa-infused cocktails. You’ll also head home with a complimentary Hershey Lodge martini glass and cocktail shaker. The cost for this 21-and-older class is $45.
Brews & (Chocolate) Bars
If you think beer doesn’t pair well with chocolate, prepare to reconsider during the lodge’s Beer and Chocolate event on Friday, February 17. Find out how hops can enhance the chocolate experience (and you thought there was no way to make chocolate better?). The tasting takes place from 5–7 p.m. and is $32. 21+, please.
The Hard Stuff
On Saturday, February 18, the lodge is offering a Chocolate and Spirits Pairing Class & Chef Demo that promises to be truly “intoxicating.” Imbibe an array of cognacs, scotches, bourbons and rums paired with the perfect chocolates while you get a first-hand glimpse at how chefs at the lodge prepare signature dishes from their menus. The event, which costs $45, takes place from 2–4 p.m. Must be 21 or older to participate.
Bathe in Chocolate (Literally!)
Cocoa baths and massages, chocolate sugar scrubs and cacao facials? Yes you can, at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey (100 Hotel Rd., Hershey). The spa is offering a roster of Chocolate Spa Specials in February that will make you swoon:
- Chocolate Spa Sampler: Treat yourself to a Whipped Cocoa Bath (or Chocolate Hydrotherapy for men), Chocolate Bean Polish or Chocolate Sugar Scrub, 50-minute Cocoa Massage and Lunch in The Oasis.
- Chocolate Escape Package: Relax with a Whipped Cocoa Bath, Chocolate Bean Polish or Chocolate Sugar Scrub, Chocolate Fondue Wrap, Cocoa Massage and Lunch in The Oasis.
- Cocoa Facial Experience: Your skin will thank you! The spa’s cocoa facial uses active ingredients selected from natural resources to activate the beneficial antioxidant properties of the cacao fruit and combat the visual signs of aging.
- Chocolate Immersion: The name says it all—this chocolate-themed body treatment features a Chocolate Bean Polish followed by a Chocolate Fondue Wrap.
- Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry: Don’t forget the fruit! This chocolate-themed treatment includes a Strawberry Parfait Scrub followed by a Chocolate Fondue Wrap.
Go ahead, indulge! Call The Spa At The Hotel Hershey to arrange your appointment: (844) 330-1797.
Bring the Kids
In addition to its everyday sweets-centric sensations, Hershey’s Chocolate World (101 Chocolate World Way, Hershey) has a whole month of family-friendly fun planned for Chocolate-Covered February.
What does 6 feet of chocolate look like? Find out as you marvel at Chocolate World’s life-sized chocolate sculpture, on display through February. Then, satisfy your sweet tooth by visiting the food court and bakery for chocolate-drenched Belgian waffles and other featured items available only this month. (Did someone say triple chocolate cheesecake?)
If you still haven’t had enough, embark on the best trip you’ll ever take—a Chocolate Dessert Journey! Available all day long every Saturday and Sunday in February, this package combines Chocolate World’s Chocolate Tasting Experience, a dessert tasting trio and a photo opp at the giant chocolate sculpture for just $12. With a price this sweet, you can even bring along grandma and grandpa (they love chocolate too, you know).
Eat & Learn
School’s in session at The Hershey Story (63 W. Chocolate Ave.)—and you may even want to stay after class! The museum’s on-site “Chocolate Laboratory” is inviting you to a series of learning opportunities in February. Design your own heart-shaped treat, hand-roll and customize truffles or bring your sweetie for a special couples-only evening class.
Family-friendly “Heart of Chocolate” and “Try It with Truffles” classes are offered daily throughout February. The cost is $12.50 for adults, $11.50 for seniors ages 62 and older and $9 for children ages 4–12. The “Truffles for Couples” class will be available February 10–14 (two classes each day) and is $20 per person. Times and registration requirements vary by class; visit The Hershey Story online for more details.
The Hershey Story also offers a unique “Countries of Origin” Chocolate Tasting for cocoa-lovers (we know you’re out there!). Sample and learn more about everyone’s favorite winter drink as you taste cocoa from points around the globe, including Africa and Indonesia. Call (717) 508-5438 for more information about this experience.
Take Your Love of Chocolate to the Next Level
If you’re a true chocoholic, you’ll probably want to enjoy more than one of these events. Great news! The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge are offering Chocolate-Themed Overnight Specials to allow you to extend your stay and savor multiple Chocolate-Covered February events.
Choose from the family-focused Cookies & Cocoa Package, featuring deluxe accommodations, breakfast, cookies and milk for four, one hot chocolate voucher per person and admission to The Hershey Story’s Museum Experience and to Hershey Gardens and its Butterfly Atrium.
Or get your special someone in the mood for love with the Chocolate Cheers Package, complete with deluxe accommodations, breakfast, one chocolate martini voucher per person and admission to The Hershey Story’s Museum Experience and to Hershey Gardens and its Butterfly Atrium.
See all hotel packages online.
Here’s wishing you a Sweet February—get out and indulge!
- The Hershey Story photos: The M.S. Hershey Foundation
- Remaining photos: Hershey Entertainment & Resorts
