An Elephant Museum???

Caledonia State Park and Mr. Ed's Elephant Museum (and Candy Emporium)

This weeks Adventure Tuesday leaves us without Miss A.  as she is adventuring through the 'burgh with grandparents.  While looking for something that would not leave the kids wanting to pair up, we decided on a hike which lead us to Caledonia State Park.  This decision was based solely on the park's proximity to Mr. Ed's Elephant Museum (and Candy Emporium). For real.  All kidding aside. Who doesn't want to go to an elephant museum that is primarily filled with candy?!?!?!?

PLANNING:  Looking on the internet at DCNR's page about Caledonia State Park I thought we should do the Rambling Trail- a 2.2 mile loop, not labeled the easiest but also not the most difficult. We packed a picnic lunch, grabbed some extra waters, the camera, the GPS and we were off.

THE DRIVE:  The drive took us straight down RT 15 South.  My GPS (Jack) had us exiting WAAAAY before I thought we would at RT 30, but rather at RT 234 Heidlersburg.  This gave us a stunning drive through Apple Country, PA that found some other adventures I'd like to take (Circle Barn and some wine country).  Total drive time= 1 hr.

ARRIVAL: We headed straight into the State Park and stopped at the office for a map.  The helpful woman in the large, clean office showed me a map and helped to verify that the Ramble Trail was right for us.  On the map I noticed that there were waterfalls listed.  I LOVE falls, of all sizes. I asked where these were and apparently we had drive right past them.  We decided to stick to our Ramble Trail and later drive to the parking lot next to the falls.  She pointed me in the direction of parking and we were off.

THE ADVENTURE:

Picnic lunch

    THE HIKE: As soon as the van was in park (or was it sooner???), the kids wanted to eat.  Luckily, there were beautiful new tables directly in front of us and we all ate and drank.  After lunch, we used to map to direct us to the start of our trail.  This part left us questioning if we chose the right way, but only for a few dozen feet as there were signs.  

Not going up those steps

The start of our trail intersected with the Appalachian Trail at a place where there is a large man-made rock/stick/ stone/ mud staircase.  It was really very pretty, but daunting looking.  Once or twice during our lunch there were hikers with "real" hiking gear passing by.  It was cool to know that there are tons of people still hiking the Appalachian Trail. I, however, was very happy with a small backpack with some water, a phone and water shoes.

The trail itself was stunning.  The flora was beautiful!  I could have taken pictures all day- really.  The trail lead us in and out of different kinds of
vegetation, over different types of terrain, and through a visual heaven. 

Kids on a log

so pretty

The kids loved all of the fallen logs to climb on!  There were tons, but the parks dept. has done a great job sawing through those that had fallen on the path.  The paths were clear.  The trail also took us next to, over, and by the Conococheague Creek.  Some spots of the creek seemed dried up, which is surprising since we have had a lot of rain lately, in other areas it was deep and flowing, in yet others, it was still. 

While we had brought water shoes and a change of clothes, we did not let the kids get in and play in the creek.  Although, there were moments when we thought they might fall in.
There was one family that found a great spot to swim, but it seemed as if our kids were excited to get to Mr. Ed's also and they did not really ask to splash.

Over the creek and through..

I am not sure how long the 2.2 miles took us.  It was slightly slower than regular walking, but faster than a meander.  There was a lot to climb on, peek at, take pictures of... The trail was well marked, relatively flat (one decent down hill), and well maintained. Even though it was warm and muggy outside, the trail was cool and comfortable and completely shaded.

Once back at the van, we piled in and drove to

Waterfall

the other parking lot were Kim, T and I (left R and M lazily in the car) went to see the waterfall, which was a whopping 100 yards from the car.  It was smallish, flowing and very pretty.  Thanks T for posing!!!  From there we turned onto the road and drove about 5 miles to Mr. Ed's.

Elle

     MR. ED'S ELEPHANT MUSEUM AND CANDY EMPORIUM:  (https://www.mistereds.com/)  Upon arrival, the eyes are bombarded with colors and sights.  Around the museum there are many large elephants (one that even talks) signs, trucks and more and bearing the image of at least one pachyderm. We listened to Elle for a few minutes and she suggested driving through Apple Country once were were done at Mr. Ed's.  I wonder if she had more great ideas but will never know as I was then urged into the museum...ok... Candy Emporium.

Museum

One walks into the museum expecting to see...well...elephants.  This is not the initial view. Candy. Candy. Candy. As far as the eye could see there is candy. Bagged candy, boxed candy, fill your own candy, dirty candy (yes in the back (sorry guy who I scared out of that section (who puts the Adult section next to the bargain bins????))) and more.

The kids split into 3 directions, Kim a fourth, and I headed to the museum.  That is the real reason we came here, right? Right?  It is a small 10x 20 area filled with a gazillion elephants and their stories.  In 2010, Mr. Ed's had a fire and there is homage to the elephants that were saved.  I found the museum part to be more interesting than anticipated, but was urged out by a 14 yr old with candy.

Yum????

The shop has a lot of newer candies in addition to many nostalgia driven classics.  I found my favorite and M had made his pick, including a bacon flavored candy stick, and we hit the bargain bins (careful to keep his eyes on the bins) picking out 3 bags for $5- a real bargain.  In addition to candy, elephant trinkets, and stuffed animals there was also a refrigerator with vintage and glass sodas.  T opted for one of these: blue cream soda and some unique Nerds, Kim: the sesame sticks, M: gummy snacks and old fashion candy sticks, Me: lego candy (yup you can stack them), and R: loose candy you can pack in a bucket and old fashioned Dots.  Realizing the time, we needed to hurry back to the car and race (safely) home.  However we will need to go back and explore the rest of Mr. Ed's outside landscaping!!!! And, perhaps, grab some more candy.

TIPS/TRICKS:   Good shoes for hiking.  Bring a bag for trash, state parks are usually carry in/ carry out.  We did not see trash cans. Bug spray is great, it can prevent ticks and mosquito bites, but will not stop bugs from flying at your face *sigh*.  Be prepared for creek stomping even if it is not planned for.  Bring $ and a camera to Mr. Ed's.  Prepare to spend a decent amount of time there- for real.  Be prepared to want to go back.

BONUS PICTURES:  

love

Pretty

Yuck

Gargoyle T

"Thou shall not pass!"

M and T

Kim and R= love

Don't Fall!

A friend at the end

Still creek- reflection

Caledonia Furnace

Chocolate, chocolate everywhere... and lots to drink

HERSHEY STORY MUSEUM

 Today's adventure was an indoor adventure to the Hershey Story Museum in the spectacularly beautiful downtown Hershey, PA, where the streets are lined with alternating wrapped and unwrapped chocolate Kisses.

PLANNING:  The only planning involved buying the Groupon for the adventure.  The $19 Groupon included entrance to the museum as well as the Chocolate Tasting Adventure for 2 (there was also one for 4), this was like a BOGO situation!

THE DRIVE:  20 min door to parking lot, which is free and had lots of empty spaces, even though the museum had been open for a few hours before we got there.

ARRIVAL:  Once inside the Museum the eyes are instantly bombarded (in a good way) with lots of browns and oranges.  The helpful woman at the front desk took our Groupons gave us our tickets while another tried (somewhat in vein) to help the children with the automated XPLOROSCOPE that set the ton for the museum.  Prior to our visit I had shown A the Apprenticeship program- for $3 more you can get a booklet to fill out and once completed you get a special coin and a print out of your newspaper cover.  We also picked up the Girl Scout program- which was free and earned A a special patch (also free).

THE ADVENTURE:  The museum systematically takes visitors from Milton Hershey's early life and failures through his successes and legacies.   Fairly quickly I saw the value of the apprenticeship

as A was very engaged looking for the needed information while T and R went through the museum like... kids in a museum.  The workers were very helpful with helping fill out questions and after each
section there was a unique reward: Milton Hershey's business card, an embossed   COCOA... and more.

    Along the route there were many hands on activities and movies that really kept everyone's interest.  The kids really liked where you could redesign a Hershey label and email it home.  I know we got MANY emails once we came home!   The kids also liked the Hershey timeline detailing all important Hershey events from the start until now.

Just when we thought we were done with the museum, we went downstairs and there was a special worker exhibit where we all got a time card and got to work.  There were several jobs to try out: Roaster, Packers, Knockers, and Refiners.  At the end you told a worker which was your favorite and she told you how much you were paid an hour in 1927.  This was very cool, and, as a bonus, the area smelled like chocolate. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....

Next we headed into Cafe Zooka for out Chocolate Tasting Adventure.  We handed in our tickets and were handed trays with shot glasses full of cocoa filled with various amounts of cacao.  As advised we started with the one with the lowest amount of cacao and worked our way up.  We read where each beverage originated and the taste that it should have.  I enjoyed each and everyone- the more cacao the better.  The kids seemed to like the ones with less cacao better.  It seems a bit odd to trade shots with your 10 yr old and one grandmother at another table made some funny comment about it. However, this was a very cool and tasty experience. 

TIPS/ TRICKS:  Use a coupon or Groupon.  I am all about saving money. Bring a small bag.  I ended up holding a lot of papers and such.  I would recommend doing the Apprentice Program for ages 9 and up. I think it was educational, easy, and fun.  Be prepared for the gift shop.  Everything smells good- even the t-shirts. Prices were like standard gift shop prices.  There was also real Hershey's products in the shop.  There is also a Chocolate Lab.  This was another $10 for Adults and $7.50 for kids for a 45 minute class.  This requires specific reservations.  If you are doing the chocolate tasting: be hungry, don't expect to like them all, don't expect to be hungry afterwards.

Have you Ever Seen an ...

ALPACA? (Did you think i was going to say llama?)

 

As Robin and her clan headed to Niagara Falls for a HUGE adventure, Kim had Adventure Tuesday solo this week. 

Kim, Mimi,T, and R ventured to Eastland Alpacas (http://www.eastlandalpacas.com/index.shtml) in Mt. Joy. Definitely easy to get to, via GPS. It is a beautiful 30 acre farm. 

PLANNING: Reservations are suggested.  I did not make exact reservations, but I suggest calling

Mimi gives some alpaca love

ahead to make sure that the workers are going to be there. I told them a time frame of when we would be there.

THE ADVENTURE: We first stopped at the little store attached to their home. There were many alpaca items to purchase. Yarn, socks, and sweaters. I recommend the socks!! You are invited to visit with the alpacas and pet them at no cost. They offer a guided tour for a donation. 

Originally, we walked around on our own.  In addition to the alpacas, there were kittens that had T and R's attention and 1 llama. After our self-guided walk, we did opt for the tour. It was so informative and fun! I had no clue alpacas ran so fast!! The owner was very friendly and knowledgeable. She let us hold a baby alpaca, feed the alpacas, and even hug them!! I highly recommend this tour.

On the way home we stopped at Mazzoli Ice Cream (https://www.facebook.com/Mazzoliicecream) 2 W. Governor Rd. in Hershey. Founded in 1956, they make their own ice cream. One word....YUM!!! 

Nothing says summer like...

MINI GOLF

Not just any mini golf, but mini golf in Mt. Gretna.  This is my (Robin's) most favorite place to play mini golf, ever. Not only are the hole extremely long and unique, they are nestled quaintly in the woods that surround the majestic Mt. Gretna lake.  While Robin has played here, none of the children nor Kim has been here...therefore it is indeed an adventure.

Hole #1

PLANNING:  It is mini golf- how much planning can there be?  A bit.  I could not find an address for the mini golf, so I called and spoke to a nice young man who had no idea of the address.  He also did not know if there were coupons, but thought there might be, but had no idea where they could be found *sigh*.  I plugged in the address for the Jigger Shop, a Mt. Gretna ice cream stop, grabbed some bug spray and we were off.

THE DRIVE:  Mt. Gretna is on the far side of Hershey from us and the off highway ride is beautiful.  It is cool going from farm land into the woods.  My GPS did not fail us and took us right to the Jigger Shop.  After few rouge loops around, with a great view of the lake area we found the mini golf area- which we had driven right past on our way in.

Catching some air

Jumping the gap

THE ADVENTURE:  Like I stated before, this mini golf is like no other around here.  The holes are quite long and unique.  Adults were $8 Children (12 and under) $5.  Kim chose to keep score and keep everyone in check- a tougher job than it may sound. With only one other group on the course, the kids took a few extra turns perfecting each hole. 

 It was a lot of fun watching their curiosity as they approached each new hole and tried to figure out the way to get a hole in one.  There were jumps, bumps, logs and bridges to overcome. These kept the kids running from area to area (perhaps even into the creek...perhaps...).

Over the river and through the woods

After mini golf we went to the Jigger Shop (http://www.jiggershop.com/) for, well, ice cream of course.  The choices were endless and seemed a bit pricey... until you saw the size of your serving.  I got an ice cream soda with diet Coke and sugar free vanilla, A got a chocolate shake, R got a regular ice cream soda, Kim got a sundae that was overflowing with marshmallow, and T got Death by Chocolate.  It must have taken the server 5 minutes to build the tower that was to be T's dessert.

Jigger Shop

TIPS/TRICKS:  Look ahead of time for coupons.  I am sure they exist.  I am fairly certain coupons are what drew me to the mini golf place the first time (even though that was years ago).  Go to the Jigger Shop on an empty stomach.  Do not plan on eating dinner afterwards.