See Hershey Gardens in Full Bloom
Picture it: You’re walking hand-in-hand through acres of vibrant flowers, enveloped in the strong scent of roses, feeling the mid-morning sunshine on your back and the occasional wisp of a butterfly’s wing on your cheek. This beautiful day could become your reality when you visit the Hershey Gardens during your romantic stay at The Londonderry Inn and Estate.
Chocolatier Milton Hershey, and his wife, Catherine, had an idea to plant a rose garden across from their home in the early 1900s, which quite literally blossomed into what is now 23 acres of botanical gardens that overlook the community of Hershey, Pennsylvania. Located just over 10 minutes from the Londonderry Inn, spend your afternoon enjoying all of the breathtaking sights, interactive events and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that the Hershey Gardens has to offer.
One of the most captivating features of Hershey Gardens is the Historic Rose Garden. This stunning section pays homage to the garden's origins, displaying over 3,000 rose bushes in a spectacular array of colors and varieties. In fact, 115 varieties of roses are represented, of different heights, colors and shapes, all blooming in one place. Visitors can meander through the rose-laden pathways, taking in the heady fragrances and vibrant blooms that create a truly romantic atmosphere.
Along with the Rose Garden, Hershey Gardens is also home to 12 other themed gardens. The Seasonal Display Garden is a favorite of repeat customers because its contents vary depending on the season. In the spring, it hosts daffodils, tulips and hyacinths; in the summer, colorful annuals; and in the fall, chrysanthemums of all different shades. The Herb Garden showcases the medical, aromatic, household, culinary and dye-making plants that we use in our everyday lives. The Japanese Garden features a steady stream and relaxing reflective pond at the base of trees that many consider to be wonders of the world. The very same massive, mind-boggling giant sequoias and Dawn Redwoods that grow in California can be found in this garden in Pennsylvania. With so much to explore in just these four gardens, make sure to give yourself enough time to visit all 13!
The stunning Milton and Catherine Hershey Conservatory was modeled after the original glass conservatories that the Hersheys built on their property in the early 1900s. With its tropical setting of temperatures around 80 degrees, a water feature and a multitude of colorful plants, the conservatory is home to one of 25 indoor, tropical butterfly atriums in the country. Visitors have the opportunity to walk among butterflies from all around the world, including rare butterflies from South America, Central America, Africa and Asia.
Even though Hershey Gardens is open daily, there are a few special events this summer that you do not want to miss! Every Saturday, take an hour-long adventure through the gardens as you learn about plants and trees from a biologist. On June 20 and August 8, Hershey Gardens will host Music in the Gardens. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, snacks and drinks, and relax in the gardens while enjoying some beautiful music. For the car enthusiasts, there will be the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club Car Display on July 14. Vehicles will be parked inside Hershey Gardens around Swan Lake for visitors to view and learn about their history. And on Father's Day, there's free admission for all dads!
Whether you are looking for a colorful scene to take a morning stroll or plan to spend a whole day immersing yourself in everything the gardens have to offer, Hershey Gardens is the perfect place for our guests at the Londonderry Inn to enjoy a serene escape and enchanting experience.
