How convenient is Manheim to Hershey & Lancaster

Hello all,

We are thinking of staying in Manheim because it seems about halfway between Hershey %26amp; Lancaster. But I wonder what the traffic is like and how long it takes to get from Manheim to Hershey %26amp; Manheim to Lancaster. The maps show it about 12 miles.

Should we stay in Manheim for 5 days and drive to/from Hershey %26amp; Lancaster or iIs it better to spend a little more and stay in Hershey for 3 days and then pack up and spend 2 days in Lancaster and avoid the extra driving? Help is appreciated. thanks

How convenient is Manheim to Hershey %26amp; Lancaster

Manheim is a borough along Rt. 72 about 10 miles north of Lancaster. It happens to be home to the largest auto auction in the world, which causes serious traffic congestion every Thursday %26amp; Friday. Even on a good day, Rt. 72 is a major truck route %26amp; has a lot of auto dealerships %26amp; other businesses in East Petersburg (midway between Lancaster %26amp; Manheim) so traffic can be a headache more often than not.

Another thing...Manheim is only ';on the way'; from Lancaster to Hershey if you take Rt. 322...Rt. 283W to 743N would be better, maybe half an hour to 45 minutes, so it is possible to stay in Lancaster %26amp; do day trips to Hershey.

Manheim has an interesting history %26amp; lots of 19th century architecture, but I never thought of it as a vacation destination.

Other than being home to the auction %26amp; hundreds of auto ';detail'; %26amp; repair shops, Manheim is perhaps best known in Lancaster county for being passionate supporters of ';The Barons';, their beloved high school football team.

How convenient is Manheim to Hershey %26amp; Lancaster

May I ask where in Manheim you are staying? My answer may depend on that. Manheim runs about 12 miles up/down route 72. (This may not seem like much but with the heavy traffic on 72 those 12 miles very well may take you 30 - 40 minutes.)

Thanks for the question. We are planning to stay @ the Hampton Inn in Manheim. The map shows that it is near the intersection of Rte 76 %26amp; 72. BTW, we are my wife and I, and 2 daughters, ages 10 %26amp; 7.

Thanks for your help.

You are up close to the turnpike. Mile wise you are probably of equal distance to Hershey and Lancaster. Traffic wise it will probably take you about 30 minutes to get to Hershey and 45 to get to Lancaster City. (Both very direct routes by the way, you should have no problems with getting lost.) Check out the Renaissance Faire and the Mount Hope winery probably less than 1/2 mile to both.

Thanks for all the input.

The alternative itinerary is 3 nights @ Hampton Inn in hershey (already booked) and 2 nights @ Amishview in Lancaster (already booked). I%26#39;m trying to get into the BIH Family Inn, instead of the Amishview, but it is booked. If 2 nights open there, would you take it instead of the Amishview?

Thanks again.

Sounds very good in terms of Hershey. I, however would take the family inn over the Amishview if it does become available.

Having stayed at the Hampton Inn/Manheim--I think you will find it to be a well-appointed Hampton with very good service. It is located right off of the PA Turnpike. Surrounding scenery is rather nondescript, but hotel is nice with good continental breakfast in the morning. While about midway between Hershey and Lancaster, it does feel a bit of a trek to Amish sites east of Lancaster. If you prefer to stay in one hotel, however, throughout the trip, this would be a great choice!

Any reviews I have read of Amishview have only been excellent. If you are looking to keep your budget in bounds, I think you can do cheaper elsewhere, but people who have stayed there have nothing but good to say!!

I tend to agree with the other posters. Manheim and where you are staying has very little to offer in the general area. The Ren faaire would be okay, but that really is about it. Getting to Hershey would not be so bad, but I think going to Lancaster, you would spend a lot of time in the car due to traffic and there really is only one way to go. I also agree with BIH if you decide to stay in Lancaster area. They have a great mini golf on premise. The food is more authentic of the area. And the location is better. Whatever you do Have a great visit.

If you are looking to stay in a town that has more sights to see in that area why not try staying in Lititz? They have some great shops downtown, Wilbur chocolate factory, pretzel factory and a great park to take a stroll in.

It is only about 30 minutes from Lancaster and roughly 40 minutes from Hershey.