Sure, we know: Once you've found the right hotel near Hersheypark, you'll want to take the free hotel shuttle on over to the park as soon as humanly possible. We know how eager you are to get into the first car of the Superdooperlooper.

But even the fun of an amusement park can fade. That's why it's important to find a hotel near Hersheypark that's also near a whole lot of other attractions. And we're not just talking about attractions in Hershey. A hotel worth its salt has to be convenient to all the greatest tourist spots in central Pennsylvania.

 

Here are just a few.

The Appalachian Trail. If you want to include an outdoorsy component to your vacation, the east coast's longest hiking trail passes just northwest of Harrisburg. Take a short walk on it, and you'll feel the power of hiking on a trail that passes through 14 states and more than 2.000 miles. So your hotel near Hersheypark is also near a substantial chunk of America.

Bird-in-Hand Farmers' Market. Experience a classic piece of Lancaster County culture here at Bird-in-Hand, where artisan foods and handicrafts abound. Buy a true Pennsylvania Dutch shoo-fly pie at the Bird-in-Hand Bakery, or get some wooden toys for the kids at the Country Crafter.

Strasburg Railroad. A real coal-burning steam train, the Strasburg Railroad offers a variety of Victorian-era riding options. If there's time, you can also operate a hand-powered pump car. You can even take a dinnertime ride.

National Watch & Clock Museum. An easy way to tell how much time is left to visit all those places that aren't Hersheypark is to check out this museum in nearby Columbia, which features over 12,000 timepieces. You'll see clocks and watches from all over the world and from the beginning of mankind's watchmaking days.

Appalachian Brewing Company. When it's time to unwind after your long day at Hersheypark, you probably won't feel too much like dining in the park cafe. Instead, why not enjoy a meal and a locally brewed beer at one of ABC's three locations? Head to Harrisburg, or the historic towns of Gettysburg and Camp Hill, and enjoy a pint of Susquehanna Stout or Broad Street Barleywine.