24 Hours in Hershey, Pa.

You're advised to start your morning in Hershey, Pa. – an unincorporated community of about 15,000 residents in south-central Pennsylvania – with a cup of locally sourced coffee at the Cocoa Beanery. This purveyor of caffeine inhabits a storied farmhouse that first appeared on county maps in 1858 and boasts a front lawn that doubles as grounds for the local farmers market in the summer and a venue for a summertime concert series. If you're feeling particularly caffeinated, several scenic paths radiate in all directions through local parks and across picturesque Hershey farmland. The Beanery sits at the base of a hill that boasts a well-traveled running trail – and where locals assemble during summer evenings for the most spectacular sunset displays in town.

From there, head about six miles west to downtown Harrisburg for a midmorning refill at Little Amps Coffee Roasters – a hip, downtown corner coffeeshop at the midpoint between the capitol building and the running trails along the Susquehanna riverfront. It's brimming with retro décor, robust house brews and a bevy of dairy alternatives fit for the modern age. Just a few minutes down the road is historic Broad Street Market, which delivers a parade of vendors peddling a satiating blend of local and international delicacies and hand-crafted wares for five city blocks. A fabulous place to people-watch, and just a few cattycorner steps away, proudly sits Midtown Scholar Bookstore. A local epicenter of art and literature, this historic bookshop is a hometown favorite and a trove of new and used prints. Its bright and bustling upper floors present a cheery front for the winding labyrinth of rare and antique books that lies in the basement below.

Spend the afternoon exploring Hershey's namesake chocolate-related attractions, catch a ride on a few rollercoasters or watch the Hershey Bears face-off with the mid-state's ice hockey fans at the Giant Center. Try Spring Gate Vineyard and its food trucks for delicious food and beverages in a great outdoor space; Troegs Independent Brewing for craft beers and an upscale snackbar; or Mellow Mink if you're looking for a variety of craft brews, sours and ales in an all-inclusive taproom.

Finish the evening at the grand Hotel Hershey, an iconic and sprawling resort outfitted with a luxurious spa and a handful of deluxe and popular bars and restaurants. If you're lucky, you'll catch some live jazz on the hotel veranda – a surefire hit every Friday night, all summer long.

For dinner and desserts, sample appetizers during trivia challenges at Rotunda Brew Pub and chase them with the unbeatable confections next door at Desserts, Etc. Or take a short drive to Lancaster for some incredible international food: Awash for Ethiopian; Callalloo for Trinidadian; Luca for Italian; and Bistro Barberet for French. Finally, don't skip a nightcap at Conway Social Club, a moody speakeasy with a rich and creative cocktail menu.

Dr. Borusiewicz is PGY-4 in the integrated residency Program at Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center.