Traveling Far-and Staying Local

Traveling Far—and Staying Local

As I prep for an upcoming trip to the Netherlands—passport in hand, bags slowly filling, lists multiplying—I’ve been thinking a lot about travel. This trip isn’t just about sightseeing or eating stroopwafels (though I fully plan to do that). It’s about something more meaningful: visiting family and reconnecting with loved ones across the ocean.

There’s the excitement of the unknown, the thrill of seeing new places and meeting new people, and of course, the joy of trying new food. But it’s also about something deeper: stepping outside your routine to notice more—more beauty, more culture, more meaning in everyday moments.

And I realized something: that same sense of wonder we chase when we travel? It exists right here at home, too.

I live in Hershey, PA—The Sweetest Place on Earth. It’s touristy, sure. People come from all over to visit the parks, the chocolate-themed attractions, and the iconic Hershey Gardens. But for those of us who live here, it’s easy to miss the magic in our own backyard. We’re used to the sights, the traffic, the chocolate-scented air.

But lately, with travel on my mind, I’ve been trying to see my hometown through fresh eyes. And do you know what I’ve found? Local spots like Savory Café, where the cinnamon buns are legendary and always worth the wait. Family-run restaurants like Funck’s, where you can taste the tradition in every bite of their fried chicken. Or Two Brothers Pizza, where the owner greets you by name—and often already knows what you’re going to order.

In short? The heart of a place isn’t just in its landmarks. It’s in its people and its small businesses.

That’s what we do at Yokl. Through Yokl trolley food tours, we invite visitors (and locals!) to see Hershey and the surrounding area not just as a destination, but as a community. One bite, one stop, one story at a time.

We celebrate the cafes, the mom-and-pop shops, the farms and food trucks that make our town unique. We help guests slow down and really see the places they’re in—which, when you think about it, is the whole point of travel in the first place.

So whether you’re flying across the ocean or booking a weekend Yokl trolley food tour down the street, here’s my encouragement: approach every place with curiosity. Try something new. Talk to someone local. And remember, travel doesn’t always mean getting on a plane. Sometimes, it’s just seeing what’s around you with fresh eyes.