Rise and Dine is the brunch version of the Hershey trolley experience, and it suits a town whose whole identity is built around sweet things. Instead of a midday tasting lunch, you ride the vintage-style trolley in the morning with a small group, visiting local eateries for the sort of plates that make a late breakfast worth planning around: pancakes, pastries and specialty coffee, with chances to chat with chefs and owners at the stops. The advantage of a morning food tour is simple. It fills the hours when other attractions are not yet at their busiest, and it leaves the afternoon free for a full park day, a museum visit or a long drive to a day-trip destination. The guide handles the commentary on the ride, with stories about the town, its founder and the neighborhoods you pass, and the trolley takes care of the logistics so you do not have to choose a single restaurant for breakfast in a place with many good options and a lot of tourist traps.
Brunch tours tend to attract a different crowd from evening food tours. Couples, friends on a weekend away, parents with grown children and early risers all fit, and the atmosphere is relaxed rather than rowdy. The pace is gentler than a dinner crawl, and the tastings are lighter, though sweet plates add up, so plan for a late lunch to be small or skipped. Specialty coffee is part of the appeal, and it is a good chance to try the local independent cafes that sit outside the main tourist strip.
Book with the rest of the day in mind. If Hersheypark is your plan for the afternoon, remember that a big brunch and a roller coaster are an unforgiving pair, so consider moving the park to the following day. If you are planning a day trip to Gettysburg or Lancaster, the morning tour is better replaced by something that ends before 10am. The tour fits best on a day built around walking: Hershey Gardens, the Hershey Story Museum and a slow afternoon on Chocolate Avenue are all easy to reach afterward.
Details such as the exact route, the number of stops and the menu can vary by season and by the kitchens involved, so the confirmation you receive after booking is the reliable source. Tell the operator about food allergies in advance, since pastry-heavy menus often involve wheat, dairy and nuts.
Groups are small, so weekend mornings sell out, and the sensible plan is to lock in a date as soon as your travel dates are set. If mornings do not suit you, the standard Hershey Trolley Food Tour covers the midday slot, and the Oktoberfest edition covers the fall.
A few small decisions improve the morning. Eat nothing but coffee beforehand, drink water between stops, and wear something with a forgiving waistband. If you are traveling with someone who prefers savory food, mention it when you book, because brunch menus lean sweet and the operator may be able to steer you toward the stops with more savory plates. The same goes for dairy-free and gluten-free guests, who should raise their needs early rather than at the first table.
Late sleepers should note the departure time before choosing a hotel, since a morning tour means an early start, and a hotel with breakfast included becomes an irrelevant perk on tour day. Many guests finish the tour feeling pleasantly full, then spend the afternoon on something gentle such as Hershey Gardens, where the slopes and the butterflies make a better digestif than another meal.
What to expect
The experience
A morning vintage-style trolley tour with brunch stops at local eateries, offering pancakes, pastries and specialty coffee and time to talk with the people who make them.
Best time
Morning, ideally on a day without a park visit planned for the afternoon.
How long
A few hours; confirm the exact length when you book.
Tips
Skip breakfast beforehand, flag allergies in advance and plan a light lunch.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Brunch lovers, couples and friends who prefer a morning outing.
- Families
- Suits older children who like pancakes and pastries; ask about age rules.
- Couples
- A slow, sweet start to the day that leaves the afternoon open.
- Pair with
- Hershey Gardens or the Hershey Story Museum in the afternoon.
- Time needed
- A morning, plus parking time.
Good questions
What food is served?+
Brunch-style tastings such as pancakes, pastries and specialty coffee at local eateries. Exact dishes depend on the stops.
Do I meet the chefs?+
The tour is built to include time with chefs and owners at stops, so you hear about the food from the people who make it.
Is it a good fit before Hersheypark?+
It is better on a separate day. A big brunch and a day of rides can be uncomfortable together.
Can it handle dietary needs?+
Tell the operator in advance. Pastry-heavy menus involve gluten, dairy and nuts, so severe allergies may not be accommodated.
Is the trolley air-conditioned?+
The vintage-style trolley is described as air-conditioned, which helps on warm summer mornings.
