Dolly, Dutch Country & Hershey

Duration: 2 Days | Meals Included: 1 Breakfast, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner

 

Trip Highlights:

 

Smuckers Quilt Shop

Visit Smuckers Quilt Shop for a charming look at the art of traditional quilting! Learn how beautiful quilts are created, from selecting fabrics and arranging patterns to stitching the pieces together. Enjoy a small demonstration that offers a closer look at the techniques and craftsmanship behind these timeless works of art.

 

Country & Cookie Buggy Ride Tour

Enjoy a peaceful horse-drawn carriage ride through the heart of Lancaster County’s Amish countryside. Travel along quiet country roads, passing Amish homes, local businesses, and farmland where fields are still plowed by horses. Along the way, see some of the area’s earliest farms, settled as far back as 1737, and experience a glimpse of the traditional Amish way of life. Depending on availability, Amish neighbors may come to the carriage to offer homemade cookies, snacks, and drinks for purchase (cash only).

 

Kitchen Kettle Village

Hungry for Pennsylvania Dutch goodness? Visit Kitchen Kettle Village, a charming outdoor village filled with more than 40 specialty shops. Begin at the famous Jam & Relish Kitchen, where you can sample nearly 100 homemade treats, from jams and jellies to salsas, relishes, and pickles. Wander through shops offering handcrafted leather goods, pottery, candles, specialty yarns, furniture, oils, and Amish quilts. Try local favorites like shoofly pie, whoopie pies, hand-twisted soft pretzels, kettle corn, smoked meats, and other sweet and savory delights. Enjoy demonstrations of basket weaving, fudge making, homemade ice cream churning, woodcarving, leather crafting, and more.

 

 

 

Dolly Parton Tribute at Dutch Apple Theatre

Karen Hester’s performance as Dolly Parton is a heartfelt homage that blends uncanny vocal accuracy with the signature “sparkle and sass” of the country legend. Karen meticulously replicates Dolly’s bubbly energy, distinct Southern twang, and sky-high blonde hair. Her costumes are custom-designed, often featuring the fringe, sequins, and rhinestone-studded magic associated with the Queen of Country. The show is more than a concert; it is a celebration of Dolly’s legacy, tracing her path from humble beginnings to global stardom through storytelling and music. Backed by a live country band, she performs powerful renditions of classics such as 9 to 5, Jolene, I Will Always Love You, Two Doors Down and so much more. Known for her warm audience interaction, Karen captures Dolly’s wit and charm, often leaving crowds feeling they have experienced the real “Hello Dolly 2.0”.

 

Hershey Gardens

Hershey Gardens offers a beautiful blend of colorful flowers, landscaped gardens, and fascinating natural attractions. Stroll along paved outdoor pathways, admiring seasonal blooms, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Plenty of benches are located along the approximately 3/4-mile garden path, providing opportunities to sit and relax along the way. Be sure to visit the Butterfly Atrium, an indoor tropical paradise where hundreds of butterflies from around the world flutter among lush greenery and colorful flowers. You may even see butterflies emerging from their chrysalises!

 

Sweet Success, Big Heart's Guided Sightseeing Tour through Hershey, PA

From the hills of Tennessee to the chocolate town of Hershey, two American success stories share some surprising similarities. This 90-minute guided tour explores the stories of Dolly Parton and Milton Hershey—two people who rose from humble beginnings, built extraordinary legacies, and ultimately measured their success by what they could give back. Along the way, we'll see some of Hershey's most significant landmarks and share stories about Milton and Catherine Hershey, Milton Hershey School, and the community that grew around Hershey's vision, while weaving in connections to Dolly's life, philanthropy, Imagination Library, love of children and education, and, of course, a few fun Dolly touches along the way.

 

 

Meal Information:

 

Lunch on day one is included at Plain & Fancy

Lunch will be served family-style and features fried chicken, sliced ham, meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, brown buttered noodles, and green beans. Lunch is served with rolls & butter, coleslaw, and dessert. Iced tea, lemonade, coffee and hot tea are included. Every guest will also receive a Dolly Inspired Mocktail.

 

Dinner on day one is included at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

Lunch is served buffet-style and features chicken, fish, beef, an assortment of sides, vegetables, salad bar, rolls & butter, and a variety of pies, cakes, ice cream, and specialty desserts. Sugar-free desserts are available upon request. Iced tea, coffee, and hot tea are included. Sodas and all other drinks are an additional charge.

 

Lunch on day two is included at Funck's. Choices are:

• California Cheeseburger: served with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and cheddar on a brioche roll, and chips on the side

• Turkey Cranberry Wrap: turkey breast, cranberry mayo, spinach, swiss, and dried cranberries on a wrap, served with chips

• Chicken Ranch Wrap: grilled chicken, bacon, cheddar jack, lettuce, tomato, and ranch on a wrap, served with chips

• Crispy Chicken Salad: romaine, shredded cheese, bacon, tomatoes, croutons, crispy chicken, and honey dijon dressing

Lunch is served with apple crisp with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Soft drinks, coffee, and hot tea are included.

 

Menus are subject to change.

 

Need to Know:

• Baggage handling services are not available at the hotel; guests will need to manage their own luggage during their stay.

• Every Starr trip includes deluxe round-trip motorcoach transportation from one or more of our departure locations.

• A Starr Tour Director will accompany you on this trip. 

 

Accessibility:

• Country & Cookie Buggy Tour: There are a couple of steps to get into the carriage, they have sturdy wooden step stools to close the gap from the ground to the first step. There are handrails to hold on to. The carriages have cushioned bench seats with backs that face the interior on the carriage. 

• Hershey Gardens: The outdoor path is paved and approximately 3/4 mile long, with plenty of benches along the way to sit.

• Starr has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

Heritage Hotel Lancaster (Lancaster, PA)

The hotel features a restaurant/lounge and a fitness room. Guest rooms include a coffee marker, mini-fridge, microwave, hair dryer, and iron/board.

 

Please be aware that baggage handling services are not available at this hotel; guests will need to manage their own luggage during their stay.