Thinking about experiencing Hershey beyond the usual chocolate and theme parks? The Hershey Trolley Crawl and Evening Food Tour offers a relaxed, flavorful way to explore the town’s culinary highlights while enjoying the charm of a restored vintage trolley. This tour, operated by Yokl Tours, combines a nostalgic ride with visits to some of Hershey’s most beloved eateries, breweries, and distilleries.
We love that it offers a flexible hop-on, hop-off style experience, giving you the chance to linger at each stop. The restored trolley, complete with nostalgic vibes and curated music, sets a fun and inviting tone. Plus, with a modest price of just $20 per person, it’s an accessible way to indulge in local flavors and scenery.
That said, one consideration is that meals are not included, so you’ll want to plan to purchase food and drinks at the stops. Overall, it’s a great fit for food lovers, casual explorers, and those wanting a relaxed evening of good tasting experiences with a touch of history.
Good To Know
- Affordable Price: At $20 per person, it offers good value for a casual, social night out.
- Flexible Schedule: Hop on and off at stops that interest you, spending as much time as you like.
- Vintage Charm: The restored trolley and curated music set a nostalgic and fun atmosphere.
- Diverse Stops: Features a mix of restaurants, breweries, and distilleries showcasing Hershey’s local scene.
- Not a Sit-Down Meal Tour: No meals are included, so plan to buy your own food and drinks.
- Ideal for Casual Explorers: Perfect for those wanting a relaxed, authentic taste of Hershey’s food scene.
The Experience: A Detailed Look at the Hershey Trolley Crawl
Enjoying the local flavors? More Hershey food experiences we've written about
The Vintage Trolley: A Nostalgic Ride Through Hershey
The tour takes place aboard LuLu the Trolley, a beautifully restored vintage vehicle that immediately catches the eye with its nostalgic charm. The trolley features modern amenities like a sound system that plays curated music, creating a lively yet cozy vibe. The driver and host, whose identities may vary, are professional and often share light narration about the stops, adding context and fun facts along the way.
Most guests find the 4-hour duration perfect for a relaxed evening, with plenty of time to explore each stop without feeling rushed. The trolley operates Thursday to Saturday evenings from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, fitting well into a leisure evening plan.
The Stops: A Mix of Food, Drink, and Atmosphere
The route includes seven stops, each offering its own flavor of Hershey’s vibrant food scene:
- Fresh Market at Hershey Towne Square: Starting point, easily recognizable by the red Yokl trolley. It’s a good place to gather and get a sense of the town’s community vibe.
- Hidden Still Spirits: A distillery where you might find an intriguing selection of spirits. Guests have noted the stop provides a good opportunity to taste local distillations and learn about the process.
- Englewood Hershey: Known for its inviting atmosphere, this spot offers a taste of local hospitality, with some reviewers mentioning their desire to linger longer.
- The Mill in Hershey: A charming stop that may offer a variety of local bites in a cozy setting.
- Hershey Italian Lodge: For those craving comfort food or a taste of Italy, this stop is often highlighted for its welcoming ambiance.
- Fenicci’s of Hershey: A longstanding Italian restaurant known for hearty dishes and friendly service.
- Tröegs Independent Brewing: A standout for beer lovers, Tröegs is a popular destination to sample craft brews with a lively atmosphere.
Each stop is designed to give travelers a taste of Hershey’s local food and drink scene, with the route map providing suggested dishes and drinks to try—helpful for making the most of each visit.
What You Can Expect During the Tour
Guests typically appreciate the light narration and onboard music, which creates a communal, festive atmosphere. The hop-on, hop-off format means you can spend as much or as little time at each stop as you like, making it flexible for both quick tastings and leisurely visits.
Reviewers mention the stunning views from the trolley, especially as the evening light filters through Hershey’s streets. The stops themselves offer a range of environments, from lively breweries to cozy Italian eateries, giving you a well-rounded taste of the town’s culinary diversity.
Authenticity and Local Vibe
What really makes this tour stand out—beyond its price—is the chance to interact with local owners and staff at several stops. Many reviewers highlight the friendly, welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity to learn about Hershey’s food scene from those who know it best.
Some even comment on the satisfying balance of guided commentary and free exploration, allowing you to discover hidden gems or revisit favored spots after the tour ends.
Practical Details and What to Keep in Mind
Transportation and Group Size
The vintage trolley comfortably seats a moderate group, fostering an intimate and social environment. The driver and host are there to ensure a smooth ride and share insights, adding a personal touch.
Timing and Duration
With a start time of 5:00 PM and a flexible schedule, you can combine this tour with other evening activities or simply enjoy a leisurely night out. The 4-hour duration prevents fatigue and keeps the experience manageable, even for those with early bedtimes.
Cost and Value
At $20 per person, the tour offers a very budget-friendly way to explore Hershey’s culinary scene without needing reservations or multiple separate outings. The price covers the vintage transportation, onboard music, narration, and route map, making it a good deal for those wanting a curated experience.
What’s Not Included
Since meals and drinks are not included, you should be prepared to purchase at each stop. Many guests find this a positive aspect, as it allows for personalized choices and the chance to sample different dishes and beverages according to their preferences.
Accessibility and Booking
Confirmation is immediate upon booking, and service animals are allowed, making it accessible for travelers with pets. The tour runs rain or shine, so check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change. Last-minute cancellations are not refunded, so it’s worth planning ahead.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is perfect for casual food lovers, those interested in local craft beverages, and anyone wanting a relaxed evening with a touch of nostalgia. It’s especially suitable if you’d prefer a self-guided style of exploring rather than a sit-down dinner or structured event.
Families, couples, and groups of friends will enjoy the convivial atmosphere, especially as the stops offer a variety of flavors and environments. It’s also an excellent option for visitors who want to combine sightseeing with tasting at a reasonable price.
Final Thoughts
The Hershey Trolley Crawl and Evening Food Tour offers a charming, laid-back way to experience Hershey’s culinary scene without the pressure of fixed meal times. The vintage trolley provides a picturesque setting, and the diverse stops give a true taste of local flavor, from spirits to Italian comfort food and craft beers.
For those who appreciate a mix of history, scenery, and good eating, this tour delivers a practical and enjoyable experience. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who enjoy exploring at their own pace, savoring tastes, and soaking up the local atmosphere—all while riding in style on a vintage trolley.
If you’re after a low-cost, authentic, and fun way to discover Hershey’s food and drink scene, this tour fits the bill nicely.
FAQ
Is the trolley tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the relaxed pace makes it suitable for families, couples, and groups of friends.
Are meals included in the tour?
No, meals are not included, so you’ll need to buy food and drinks at each stop.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, giving ample time to explore each stop at your own pace.
What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for the weather, especially since you’ll be outdoors at each stop and on the trolley.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
Is the trolley accessible for people with disabilities?
The information suggests most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed, but specific accessibility details are not provided.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead guarantees your spot and confirms your schedule, especially during busy weekends.
This comprehensive review hopes to help you decide whether the Hershey Trolley Crawl is the right fit for your Hershey visit—offering a fun, relaxed, and tasty way to experience the town.