Hershey’s Times Square: A Sweet Life

When I was turning 13, I had a huge party to celebrate my Bat Mitzvah. If you live in New York City or the surrounding suburbs, there is no need for me to explain what this is. The theme of that party was Harlequin clowns, and the color scheme was silver, black and red. I know, I know. But–here’s the cool thing–the goody-bag gift we gave to my friends was a box of the iconic silver-foil-wrapped Hershey’s Kisses; inscribed on the box was “A Kiss From Wendy.” (I had a gift for the ironic even then.)

Recently, my life came full circle when I attended the 10-year anniversary celebration of Hershey’s Chocolate World Times Square. (And for the record, had all the cool things in that store been available in 1982, I would have truly rocked the Bat Mitzvah goody bag.) I was raised on chocolate kisses. I am not exaggerating when I say there was and is always a stash of Hershey’s chocolate in my home–I love to begin the day with my two favorite things: coffee and chocolate.

The classics truly never go out of style. The Hershey’s Times Square store has been redone to more closely reflect the interactive, chocolate-inspired experience that is central to the brand. The shop is welcoming and fun, and it is set up to make everyone feel like a kid in a chocolate store.

A very sweet feature that guests of Hershey’s Chocolate World Times Square can take advantage of is helping The Hershey Company give back through “Share Hershey’s Happiness.” Purchase your treats and vote for one the supported charities, including The Children’s Miracle Network, the United Way, and the World Cocoa Foundation.

You will not want to miss–nor could you miss–the “Wrap Hershey’s Happiness” experience, where chocolate lovers and gift givers can create custom wrappers for 7-ounce Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, Special Dark, or Cookies ‘N Creme bars. New York City-themed, seasonal, holiday, and very cool personalized photo options are available. (I am trying to get mine switched onto my driver’s license.) Here you can find delicious gifts for the hard-to-buy-for person on any holiday shopping list.

Another fun interactive experience for any Willy Wonka fan is the “Mix Your Favorites.” Create a tool box or tin full of Hershey’s Miniatures, Kisses and Reese’s Miniatures candies. Personally I cared less about the chocolate mixture and just wanted to get my hands on this science fiction worthy machine!

Happily, I did walk away with more chocolate than even I could eat. Or so I thought.

Wendy Bradford is a mama of three, wife, writer, spin instructor, ardent New Yorker and blogger at mamaonetothree.com

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