Let’s face it. Money is tight these days, and the thought of dishing out dough for a grand vacation gives some of us heartburn. For those of you heading to Chocolatetown, U.S.A, we’ve come with this crackerjack list of fun free things to do in Hershey.

Tour the Pennsylvania State Capitol

Interested in touring the storied place that President Theodore Roosevelt dubbed, "the handsomest building I ever saw?" The Pennsylvania State Capitol building in downtown Harrisburg remains one of Commonwealth’s most popular national historic landmarks. The majestic public building symbolizes history and building, and the interior was designed in the early 20th century as a "Palace of Art." Featuring paintings and artwork designed by the best artisans of the day, the piece de resistance of the Capital building is the 272-foot, 52 million-pound vaulted dome. The breathtaking masterpiece is modeled after Michelangelo’s work on St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Free-guided tours, occurring year-round, last for approximately 30 minutes.

Hike the Appalachian Trail

For a true outdoors adventure, lace up your boots and get ready to explore nature on the famed Appalachian Trail. The Peters Mountain Ridge to Clark Creek section of the trail offers stunning views of the Susquehanna River. During your hike, you will get lost in the beauty of the surrounding mountainous terrain as you ascend over 1000 feet to the to of Peters Mountain. Your hike will take approximately five hours to complete as you march along approximately 10 miles of the Trail.

Embark on the HERSHEY’S GREAT AMERICAN CHOCOLATE TOUR

Experience firsthand Hershey’s legendary chocolate making process on this tour at HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE WORLD. Start off with a lesson on how cacao beans are grown in the tropical rain forest. Trace the path of the developing beans as they harvest and are transported across the ocean to America. Then, watch in amazement as the beans move through the HERSHEY’s Chocolate Factory and transform into something scrumptious right before your eyes.

Tour the Rose Lehrman Arts Center

At the Harrisburg Community College, treat yourself to a tour of the area’s best art exhibitions. The featured works of nationally and internationally known artists is on display at this venue. Throughout the year, visiting artists offer lectures and workshops. Contemporary art is showcased in dramatic fashion at the Gallery, which opens its doors from September through May.