Like a Local - Amy Ziegler

From hidden gems to classic experiences, our local friends are sharing their favorite ways to spend time in the Hershey Harrisburg Region. Part 5 of our “Like a Local” series features Amy Ziegler, Senior Director of the Hershey Story Museum and Hershey Gardens. Amy has the honor of sharing Milton Hershey’s story through her work at the museum and the gardens. She loves highlighting some of the lesser-known Hershey facts and exploring outdoors.

Amy’s Quick Tips

Hershey’s Home: Snag a limited tour to see High Point Mansion, the home of Milton and Catherine Hershey.

Hershey’s Heart: Visit Founders Hall at the Milton Hershey School to fully understand the impact his philanthropy has on underprivileged children.

Bike the Belt: Amy’s home in Harrisburg offers easy access to festivals and outdoor recreation. You can find her biking the Capital Area Greenbelt or browsing vendor booths at special events on holiday weekends.

More about Amy

Imagine a day at the office where the scenery can be a sprawling botanical garden or artifacts from the incredible life of the world’s most famous name in chocolate. Amy Zeigler drives from her Harrisburg home to Hershey each day knowing she’s got a very, very cool job in helping to educate visitors and neighbors on the legacy of Milton S. Hershey. Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story, the Museum on Chocolate Avenue are destinations for countless guests and locals alike. Amy takes great pride in helping to showcase Mr. Hershey’s contributions to not just to his iconic chocolate business, but to an entire town (that he built!) and its residents.

A “wildly interesting” story

Amy says that to truly appreciate the story of Milton Hershey, you must take note of the long and winding road he took to find sustained success. It wasn’t always kisses and peanut butter cups!  Mr. Hershey’s story of perseverance through early failures, multiple bankruptcies, and business risks are chronicled in interactive displays at The Hershey Story, the Museum on Chocolate Avenue. In the heart of Hershey, the museum educates guests about not only Milton’s failures, but the incredible contributions he made through building projects and philanthropy.

Hershey is more than a brand

Amy says one of the most important things to know about the town of Hershey is its community pride. “It’s a community that was founded on an industry that still exists today, and that is incredibly rare,” Ziegler says.  Zeigler says the fact that generations have worked for Hershey interests make it so that people who live here have a great ownership over a story that resonates around the world.

Visitors play an integral role in Mr. Hershey’s vision as well. In 1909, Milton Hershey signed his fortune over to a Deed of Trust to fund the Milton Hershey School for orphaned children, ensuring perpetual support the way of free housing and education for underprivileged youth. The trust is fueled by Mr. Hershey’s founding endowment as well as a portion of proceeds from The Hershey Company and venues, attractions, hotels, and restaurants operated by Hershey Entertainment & Resorts. That means every time a guest buys a HERSHEY’S chocolate bar, visits Hersheypark, attends a concert at GIANT Center, or enjoys many other amenities around Hershey, that guest is contributing to Mr. Hershey’s vision to provide a safe a stable environment for disadvantaged youth. Today, the school has evolved into a comprehensive vocational training school for qualifying children in pre-K through 12th grade.

Take a Tour

Amy encourages guests to plan one or more of the many tours that offer unique views and stories about Milton and Catherine Hershey and the town’s history.

Hershey Trolley Works: The historical sightseeing tours leave from Hershey’s Chocolate World and take guests around the town of Hershey.

Hershey’s Chocolate World Tour Ride: The free tour ride inside Chocolate World shows guests how chocolate is made from bean to bar.

Founders Hall: Admission is free for the Founders Hall Visitors Center at Milton Hershey School. See interactive exhibits that showcase the impact that the Hershey’s vision and generosity has on the school’s students and the community.

High Point Mansion: Experience the historic grandeur of the elegant home of Mr. and Mrs. Hershey. *Tours are on temporary hiatus until spring 2026 due to planned renovations.

Hershey Theatre Spotlight Tour: The gorgeous Hershey Theatre is one of many of Mr. Hershey’s Great Depression-era “Great Building Campaign” projects that still stands today. From touring Broadway musicals to concerts from legendary performers, the theatre is a destination for incredible shows year-round. *Tours resuming spring 2026.

Down Time

If you’re looking to explore outdoors, Amy suggests walking or biking the Capital Area Greenbelt in Harrisburg or the wooded trails at Boyd Big Tree Preserve. She encourages guests to visit local festivals like Harrisburg Artsfest and Kipona or weekend events in Hershey like Music on Chocolate in the summer and other special events set on Chocolate Ave. with music, food, arts vendors, and other entertainment.  

Her favorite spot at Hershey Gardens? With sprawling themed gardens open year-round, Amy says it’s hard to pick just one. She loves the rose blooms in the summer and will spend time in a quiet spot near the sequoias and dawn redwoods and a beautiful pond filled with koi and water lilies.

Did you know? Hershey Gardens was created because Mr. Hershey requested a small rose garden to be built near The Hotel Hershey for his wife, Catherine. The gardens now cover 23 acres and include a tropical butterfly atrium, conservatory, and event space.

Grab a Bite (and a sweet treat)

In Harrisburg, points to The Millworks where guests can enjoy the restaurant and then browse the onsite art studios and gift shop. She loves Alvaros’ Green Street location for a quiet spot to grab authentic Italian dishes and pastries.

There is no shortage of sweet spots to indulge in Hershey! Amy says Hershey’s Chocolate World is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. She’ll send you to Desserts. Etc., for a huge selection of beautifully decorated cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods.

And – of course – she can’t leave out the opportunities at The Hershey Story! Add the Chocolate Lab experience to your visit to make your own treat or sip a flight of warm drinking chocolates to experience unique flavors and textures from around the globe.

Thank you for reading more about Amy’s insights for Hershey and beyond. There is so much to enjoy in and near the Sweetest Place on Earth!