8/18/15: The National Civil War Museum

While we were in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania we got to experience a little bit of history by visiting The National Civil War Museum.  This is the only museum in The United States that portrays the entire story of the American Civil War.  History is preserved in equally balanced presentations that are humanistic in nature without bias to Union or Confederate causes. 

Outside is this statue called Moment of Mercy which depicts Sgt.Kirkland's selfless act of courage and mercy.

Here is a better view of it.

When we visited we were lucky enough to have some Civil War Reenactors there.  The kids loved this as they got to talk to someone about how it was and what types of supplies they might have had.

The kids got to ask questions as this young man went through what was in his tent.

The kids checking out all the stuff he had with him.

He also showed how they would have used their guns.

Evan checking out what cracker they might have ate.

Here are some of the other setups that were outside.

The lovely grounds of the museum.

As you enter there is a rotunda area with a gift shop on the right and the left has exhibits.

The exhibits focus on the people and the lives that were affected.

There is so much to see along with small theaters with informational movies running.

There are many artifacts, manuscripts, documents, photographs and other printed material that exceed 24,000 items.  There is even an interactive exhibit with President Lincoln.

There are 3,500 artifacts of which 850 are on display in the permanent galleries.  The rest are held in secure storage for future exhibits.

This exhibit depicts the firing on Fort Sumter and shows the mass bombardment that led to the fort's surrender.

Story telling to talk more about both sides.

Artifacts to look at.

So much to see.

Lifelike depictions.

Evan is dressing the part in the gift shop.

There are lovely views outside.

I highly suggest a visit to The National Civil War Museum.  

Find them online:  http://www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org/

Disclosure:  I was provided for admission to The National Civil War Museum for my family for review purposes.  No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.

8/16/15: Hershey's Chocolate World A Yummy Experience

One of the highlights of our trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania was our visit to Hershey's Chocolate World.    There is so much to do there including a Chocolate Tour ride, Trolley ride, 4D movie, chocolate tasting and the best part was creating our own candy bar.

Hershey's Chocolate World is within walking distance to Hersheypark but I suggest saving it for a different day.  There is so much to do and see that you could be there 5-6 hours.

When you arrive you can get your tickets and they will assign you times for your 4D movie, chocolate tasting, and chocolate bar creation.  You can also buy tickets in advance online and save $1.50 on each ticket.  We started out with the 4D movie which was really cute.  From there we went in to a chocolate tasting which is a new attraction.

Someone steps you through a chocolate tasting and the right way to experience chocolate.  Rules include look, listen, smell and then taste.  Also a big one is taste don't chew.  After each chocolate you taste you have a wheel that you electronically enter what flavors you are tasting.  You are then able to see what the rest of the tasters said that they tasted.

Next was the trolley tour.  This was my favorite part and the kids loved it too.

You will experience visitors along the way who talk to you about their experiences with Milton Hershey.

Not only are you learning a lot but you are having a lot of fun while doing it.  Plus you get to sing songs along the way.

Here is a beautiful view of Hersheypark on the trolley.

Last but not least is the Create Your Own Candy Bar experience.

The kids are ready to go.  You get an apron and hair net to protect the chocolate.

You start by choosing what additions you want in your chocolate bar.  By scanning your ticket it know which chocolate bar is being made for you.  You can add pretzels, rice krispies, and more.

Then you enter in to the production area.

You watch your bar get your ingredients added.

Here the chocolate is being poured over the top.

Our creations emerging.

From there you get to design your packaging.  Here the kids are watching as their bars proceed on the line.

Lauren's chocolate bar has been boxed.

Evan checking out his.

Here they are with their finished creations and ours.  I love the boxes, there is a tin inside there with your chocolate bar in another box.  What a great keepsake.

Can you believe this was made all of Twizzlers.

There are also characters there.  Here is Lauren with the Hershey's Kiss.

The kids with the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup.

Those are some big chocolate bars!  There is a large gift shop that has a food court also.

The Chocolate Factory tour is a ride that takes you through a Hershey Factory.  This is free so even if you just want to go in and check out this tour you can do that without purchasing admission.

The cows in the ride. 

Showing chocolate production.

Here you can see the Hershey's Kisses.

An assembly line of yummy goodness.

What a great day we had at Hershey's Chocolate World!

If you are in the Hershey, PA area definitely check them out.

Check them out online:  http://www.hersheys.com/chocolateworld/locations/hershey

Disclosure:  I was provided with all attractions for my family and I at Hershey's Chocolate World in exchange for review.  No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.