8 days in Hershey, Lancaster & Philadelphia Itinerary

Home of the Hershey Chocolate Company, the town of Hershey is regularly referred to as the sweetest place on earth.

On the 24th (Fri), don't miss a visit to Harrisburg Holocaust Monument, get a sense of history and politics at Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Capitol Complex, and then take in nature's colorful creations at Hershey Gardens.

For photos, where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Hershey trip site.

Nashville to Hershey is an approximately 5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. The time zone difference moving from Central Standard Time (CST) to Eastern Standard Time (EST) is 1 hour. Traveling from Nashville in March, things will get a bit cooler in Hershey: highs are around 49°F and lows about 30°F. On the 25th (Sat), you're off to Lancaster.

The heart of Pennsylvania's famous "Dutch Country," Lancaster is one of the nation's oldest inland cities, founded in 1730.

Kick off your visit on the 25th (Sat): steep yourself in history at Ephrata Cloister, then identify plant and animal life at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, and then stroll around Lititz Springs Park. On the 26th (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: relax and rejuvenate at The Spa at Intercourse Village, then get engrossed in the history at Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, then see the interesting displays at Landis Valley Museum, and finally test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms.

To see maps, other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Lancaster itinerary website.

Drive from Hershey to Lancaster in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train. In March in Lancaster, expect temperatures between 47°F during the day and 30°F at night. On the 27th (Mon), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to Philadelphia.

Steeped in cultural and historical heritage, Philadelphia is known as the birthplace of U.S. democracy, as it was once the meeting place for the country's Founding Fathers.

Explore Philadelphia's surroundings by going to Longwood Gardens (in Kennett Square) and Brandywine River Museum of Art (in Chadds Ford). There's lots more to do: get a sense of history and politics at Independence Hall, admire the masterpieces at Rodin Museum, browse the eclectic array of goods at Reading Terminal Market, and examine the collection at Mutter Museum.

To see maps, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Philadelphia trip planner.

Traveling by car from Lancaster to Philadelphia takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. March in Philadelphia sees daily highs of 50°F and lows of 33°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 31st (Fri) early enough to catch the flight back home.