I've been going to Hersheypark for over 30 years. Here are 17 things I love to do and eat whenever I visit.

• I've been visiting Hersheypark since the late 1980s for its various attractions and three resorts.
• I always stay at the Hershey Lodge because of its cozy vibes and great amenities.
• The Wildcat and Whip rides, candy-making activities, and drinks should be bucket-list experiences.

I've been going to Hersheypark for over 30 years and I love its seemingly countless attractions and three on-site resorts.

Here are 17 of my favorite things to do, eat, and drink whenever I visit:

One of my favorite parts of Hersheypark can be found at the entrance

Since I was a little kid, I've begun every visit at the park's height-measuring board.

Hersheypark uses different candies, including Twizzlers and Miniatures, to mark each height range and determine who can ride each attraction. 

The park's Dutch-style pretzels are some of the best baked goods I've had

Hersheypark's soft and buttery hand-rolled pretzels, made from a classic Pennsylvania-Dutch recipe, are the absolute best I've ever had.

The pretzels come in a variety of flavors, including cinnamon sugar, and are accompanied by dips, from cheese to chocolate.

I love the classic plain pretzel with cheese dipping sauce. 

Its rollers coasters are some of the best in the country, and I always have to ride the Wildcat

Hersheypark has 15 world-class roller coasters. My favorite is the Wildcat, a wooden roller coaster that opened in the 1990s known for its large, twisting drop.

The Whip has always been one of my favorite rides

Though it's tamer than a roller coaster, the Whip is a classic theme-park attraction.

The ride houses guests in small vehicles that travel along an oblong track and "whip" around at each turn.

Vintage theme-park photos also line the attractions' walls. 

The Kissing Tower is an iconic stop for any visitor

Hersheypark's Kissing Tower is one of its most iconic attractions.

Standing at 250 feet, visitors can see it looming in the distance as they approach the park.

The Hershey's Kiss-shaped windows provide a 360-degree view of the park and surrounding town as the enclosed cabin rotates high in the sky.

Chocolatetown is the newest area and a fantastic addition

Inspired by the legacy of Milton S. Hershey, Chocolatetown is the largest expansion in the park's history. It's attached to the theme park and admission is not required.

In addition to a large merchandise store, it includes several dining options with nods to the history of the chocolatier.

Milton's Ice Cream Parlor is my favorite stop for its use of 100%-local dairy and its delicious and creamy house-made treats.

Chocolatetown also features a vintage-car display, which is a great way to learn about the history of the park and get a unique photo opportunity.

When visiting Chocolatetown, I always eat and drink at The Chocolatier

One of the best eateries in the park is The Chocolatier. With a carousel bar as its centerpiece, the unique space uses pieces from the ride as decor and even tables for diners.

I usually order the Cocoa Cuban, which uses Hershey's cocoa-rubbed pork shoulder and is a nod to Milton S. Hershey's ties to the processing plant in South America.

I also enjoy the restaurant's chicken and waffles. Plus, there's a wide variety of drinks at The Chocolatier bar

In addition to rotating seasonal cocktails, I love the Reese's Cupfusion Old Fashioned, which combines rye and peanut-butter whiskeys and is garnished with a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup.

Makin' Whoopie is one of the most unique snack experiences in the park

At Makin' Whoopie Pies, guests can create made-to-order treats from a variety of baked pie shells and fillings.

The ingredients are fresh and the pies are one of the most delicious and unique snacks in the park.

I always stay at the Hershey Lodge

Hersheypark houses three official resorts: Hershey Lodge, The Hotel Hershey, and a camping retreat.

I've always enjoyed staying at the Hershey Lodge. Though the converted motor lodge has been upgraded throughout the years, it's still cozy and now offers upscale amenities.

Adorned with welcoming nooks and fireplaces, the resort offers several dining options, including Fire & Grain, as well as an indoor water park.

I love to end the day with a chocolate martini at the bar and enjoy Hershey treats upon check-in.

But I also love visiting Hotel Hershey

The Hotel Hershey is an AAA Four Diamond-rated resort that has a Spanish garden-inspired courtyard and a variety of dining options, including the Iberian Lounge.

Inspired by Milton S. Hershey's travels around the globe, the Hotel Hershey houses stunning artwork, internationally-inspired bites, and a selection of over 100 whiskeys.

My trip isn't complete without trying something chocolate-infused

Chocolate is incorporated in both sweet and savory dishes served at the park.

From cocoa-barbecue wings to the Yuengling Hershey's Chocolate Porter, even those without a sweet tooth can find something to enjoy.

Some of my favorite dishes include Hershey's dark chocolate s'mores fondue from Fire & Grain and Hershey's house short-rib flatbread from The Chocolatier. 

The chocolate martinis are my go-to drink wherever I go in the area

No visit to Hersheypark is complete without one of its chocolate martinis, which are served in resort bars and restaurants.

Available in several versions, my favorite is the signature chocolate martini made with chocolate and vanilla vodkas and white crème de cacao. 

ZooAmerica is attached to Hersheypark and included in admission

Admission to Hersheypark also includes ZooAmerica, which has over 200 animals.

At 11 acres, the over-100-year-old zoo is dedicated to the conservation of North-American wildlife, including rare and endangered species. 

Visiting Chocolate World is an absolute must

Hershey's Chocolate World, a Willy Wonka-esque building, is located outside the Hersheypark gates.

The attraction includes a chocolate-inspired food court, the world's largest Hershey's Chocolate retail store, and an interactive tasting lab.

The Reese's Stuff Your Cup experience is a bucket-list offering

Hershey's Chocolate World lets guests channel their inner Willy Wonka and create a 1-pound, custom-stuffed Reese's Peanut Butter Cup.

This larger-than-life concoction uses fresh Reese's peanut butter direct from the factory, located down the street.

A Tröegs drink is a great way to relax in the park

Inside Hersheypark, you'll find an outpost for local Pennsylvania craft-beer company, Tröegs Independent Brewing.

I love trying its seasonal offerings and appreciate that the park supports a local business.

I love visiting Hersheypark during Christmas

During the holidays, it's worth visiting Hersheypark to ride its roller coasters through displays of over 5 million lights.

Another highlight includes Christmas Candyland's drive-through spectacular, Hershey Sweet Lights, which allows you to pass by hundreds of holiday-centric displays.