We're NextGen AutoWorks, a family-owned repair shop at 130 N Faith Rd in Grantville — just off I-81 Exit 80 and only about 12 minutes north of Hershey. We've spent years working on the cars of the families, travelers, and event-goers who pass through this area, so we put together this guide the way we'd tell a customer in the waiting room: here's what's actually worth doing nearby, when to go, where to park, and what locals skip the crowds for. And if your vehicle gives you any trouble while you're in town, we're close by — more on that at the bottom.
These are the big-name stops most visitors come for — all roughly 10–15 minutes from our shop. (We'll add our own parking and timing tips here.)
Hershey, PA
A large amusement park with 70-plus rides and more than a dozen coasters, plus a water park in summer — the headline attraction for most visitors.
Hershey, PA
Free chocolate-making tour ride, create-your-own-candy, and a very large Hershey's store, right by the park entrance.
Hershey, PA
An 11-acre walk-through North American wildlife park connected to Hersheypark, available on its own or with park admission.
Hershey, PA
23 acres of botanical gardens plus an indoor butterfly atrium — a calmer, stroller-friendly stop near The Hotel Hershey.
Hershey, PA
An interactive museum on Chocolate Avenue telling Milton Hershey's story, with a chocolate lab and tasting experiences.
Hershey, PA
A historic theatre hosting Broadway tours, concerts, and shows; behind-the-scenes tours run on select dates.
This one's close to our heart. If you love vehicles even a little, the AACA Museum and the fall meet are the most natural stops on this whole list.
From our shop: our full list of repair services
Hershey, PA
The Antique Automobile Club of America Museum traces the car's history, evolution, and future across rotating exhibits — an easy win for anyone who loves vehicles.
Hershey, PA
Held each October at the Giant Center grounds, one of the country's largest antique-car shows and swap meets — plan ahead, it draws big regional crowds.
People drive in from all over the region for these, park, and head home late — which is exactly when a tired car can act up.
Hershey, PA
AHL hockey at the Giant Center — a long-running Hershey tradition with one of the most successful records in the league.
Hershey, PA
Touring concerts and big shows land here through the year; expect heavy exit traffic late at night.
This is the part most Hershey guides miss. These are the places right around our shop, off I-81 Exit 80.
From our shop: RV repair & hitch work · tires · brake service
Grantville, PA
Gaming, dining, and live horse racing right in Grantville, just off I-81 Exit 80 — essentially in our backyard.
Grantville / Lebanon, PA
Several campgrounds and RV parks sit along the I-81 corridor near us — handy if you're towing in for a Hershey trip. (We also do RV repair and hitch work.)
About 20–30 minutes out, and worth it if you're staying more than a day.
From our shop: auto repair near Harrisburg · auto repair near Hummelstown
Harrisburg, PA
A riverfront island in Harrisburg with minor-league Senators baseball, mini golf, a restored carousel, and beaches.
Harrisburg, PA
Free guided tours of Pennsylvania's landmark capitol building, about 25 minutes from Hershey.
Harrisburg, PA
Galleries, studios, and The Millworks — a brewery, restaurant, and artist space — anchor Harrisburg's walkable arts district.
Hershey, PA
A large, family-owned brewery in Hershey with a tasting room, snack bar, and free self-guided tour — a regional craft-beer anchor.
Our own picks — the places we'd actually send you to.
Palmyra, PA
A family-owned Palmyra pizza shop and Italian restaurant going strong for over 30 years, known locally for the sweet sauce that sets it apart from other shops.
Hummelstown, PA
A longtime local favorite and Hummelstown staple, family-run since 1978, serving pizza, Italian dinners, strombolis, subs, and more for dine-in, takeout, or delivery.
Hummelstown, PA
A family-owned Hummelstown staple at 103 E Main St serving authentic Sicilian-style pizza, home of the famous stuffed pizza slices, plus Italian family-restaurant fare.
Grantville, PA
A well-known family-owned pizzeria and restaurant in Grantville serving authentic Italian dishes alongside brick-oven pizzas, with pasta, seafood, chicken, and veal entrees.
Hummelstown, PA
A 1950s-themed diner in Hummelstown near Hershey, with a dairy bar and classic American fare. Go back in time and enjoy the retro ambiance, great food, and great prices.
Harrisburg, PA
Formerly the Hershey Road Family Restaurant, this family diner on N Hershey Rd near I-81 serves big breakfasts and classic comfort food — chicken parm, stuffed haddock, and homemade pies — at honest prices.
Palmyra, PA
Authentic Italian bistro in Palmyra serving pasta, seafood and gluten-free dishes. A nice spot for an adult night out, though kids are welcome too.
Hershey, PA
Longtime family-style bar and grill across from Hersheypark, with a casual pub menu, beers on tap, and TVs for catching the game.
Hershey, PA
Sports bar and seafood spot in Hershey with two dozen TVs, a raw bar, a game room, and a rotating list of mostly regional craft taps.
Hummelstown, PA
Neighborhood sports bar on Main Street with a big lineup of flatscreens, a rotating draft list, and award-winning wings.
Campbelltown, PA
Family-run walk-up stand on the Horseshoe Pike serving soft serve, hard ice cream, sundaes, floats and shakes. Seasonal (spring through fall) and cash only.
Palmyra, PA
Locally owned seasonal stand known for shaved-ice snowballs and stuffed snowballs alongside hand-dipped and soft serve, sundaes, shakes and homemade waffle cones.
Palmyra, PA
Locally owned brewery with a taphouse on the Horseshoe Pike in Palmyra — house beers and pub food — plus its original Lebanon brewpub and a Fort Indiantown Gap outpost.
Harrisburg, PA
Locally owned Harrisburg craft brewery (since 2015). Visit its Outpost at Midtown Cinema (250 Reily St) or the Broad Street Market for house beers.
Hummelstown, PA
Locally owned craft brewery in downtown Hummelstown, brewing beer on site and serving food and cocktails with a small-town taproom feel.
Hershey, PA
Hershey's craft brewery and restaurant on Chocolate Avenue, pouring house beers alongside brew-pub fare — a sister to the Annville Rotunda Brewing Company.
Grantville, PA
Family-run winery and vineyard just past Hollywood Casino in Grantville, pouring its own wines seven days a week with daily tasting room hours.
Hummelstown, PA
Estate winery on the multi-generation Cassel family farm near Hersheypark, pouring wines, ciders, and ports from its own vineyard, with summer live music and food trucks.
Harrisburg, PA
Formerly SpringGate Vineyard, this 60-acre estate winery near I-81 and I-83 reopened in 2025 under new family ownership, with wine, a brewery, events, and live music.
For fresh air, fresh food, and a plan B when the weather turns.
Dauphin County, PA
Kayaking, fishing, and easy paddling close to home along the Susquehanna River and Swatara Creek.
Dauphin, PA
Mountain-biking and hiking trails near Dauphin, popular with the local riding community.
Halifax, PA
Safari tours and a petting zoo in nearby Halifax — a solid family half-day, weather permitting.
Dauphin/Lebanon County, PA
The AT crosses the ridges north of us; several access points make for a quick out-and-back with a view.
Grantville, PA
Year-round indoor market in a restored barn, right off I-81 exit 80 (head south toward Hershey, on the left) just minutes from our shop. Open Fridays and Saturdays.
Hershey, PA
A downtown Hershey market in a renovated historic building, with a lower-level farmers market of local produce and regional makers. Open Thursday through Saturday.
Hummelstown, PA
Guided tours wind through limestone caverns that stay a constant 52°F year-round, plus gem mining, a gift shop, and a petting zoo above ground — open daily, rain or shine.
Palmyra, PA
A 32-lane bowling center with automatic scoring, bumpers, and glow bowling, plus the attached Sinkhole Saloon & Grille full-service bar and restaurant — a solid indoor outing.
Lemoyne, PA
Indoor high-speed go-kart racing on an all-electric road course, plus an arcade. Way better than most karting you'll find in the area, and a great rainy-day pick.
Harrisburg, PA
Indoor trampoline and adventure park with attractions like trampolines, ropes course, climbing walls, go-karts, and more, open year-round whatever the weather.
Hummelstown, PA
Locally owned, brick-and-mortar toy store on Hummelstown's Main Street, in business 30-plus years with hand-picked toys, games, and gifts for all ages.
Lebanon, PA
A video game and electronics shop in the Lebanon Valley Mall where you can buy, sell, trade, and rent consoles and games — an easy indoor stop on a wet afternoon.
Free playgrounds and indoor ice — easy wins with kids in tow.
Hershey, PA
Free, castle-themed community playground in front of the Derry Township Community Center, rebuilt in 2017 with modern equipment and separate areas for older kids and toddlers.
Grantville, PA
Free 105-acre East Hanover Township park near Fort Indiantown Gap with a playground plus nature trails, a bird sanctuary, and tennis, basketball and volleyball courts.
Annville, PA
Go ice skating at Klick Lewis Arena, an indoor rink complex in Annville with public skate sessions on evenings, weekends, and weekday afternoons, plus skate rentals.
When you want a night out with some boots and a band.
Grantville, PA
A country saloon in Grantville near Hollywood Casino, with country line dancing and live music plus drinks and a full menu.
If your vehicle gives you any trouble while you're in the area, we're a family-owned shop right off I-81 Exit 80. Here's a calm, no-scare rundown of what to do.
Car Trouble While Visiting Hershey? →Grantville is about 12 minutes north of Hershey via I-81 Exit 80. Our shop, NextGen AutoWorks, is right at the exit at 130 N Faith Rd.
Plenty — the AACA antique car museum, Hershey Bears hockey and concerts at the Giant Center, Hollywood Casino in Grantville, Indian Echo Caverns, local wineries and breweries, farmers markets, and family spots like Cocoa Castle playground and Klick Lewis ice skating.
Local favorites include Bartolo's in Palmyra, Fabio's in Grantville, and Jo Jo's and Palermo's in Hummelstown for pizza; The Soda Jerk Diner for a retro bite; and Lazzaro's Italian Bistro for a sit-down dinner.
Indian Echo Caverns, Palmyra Bowling, K1 Speed indoor karting, Urban Air trampoline park, Toys On The Square, and the indoor Hershey classics (Chocolate World, the Story Museum, and the AACA Museum) are all good rainy-day options.