10 Cool Factory Tours
Show your grandkids where delicious candy and some of their other favorite things are made
by Zachary Collinger
Jelly Belly Factory – Fairfield, Calif.
Find out how jelly beans in 50 different flavors are made at Jelly Belly — and why it takes 20 days to make just one bean. A stop here is full of jelly bean-theme activities, food, and art; Reader's Digest once called this "The Best Factory Tour in America."
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Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory – Hyannis, Mass.
Take a self-guided glimpse into the construction of these kettle-cooked potato chips with a legendary crunch. Find out how the company uses natural ingredients and fresh flavors, combined with a hand-stirred kettle process to achieve that classic taste.
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Celestial Seasonings Factory Tour – Boulder, Colo.
Find out what's in that tea bag. This company is home to a cornucopia of spices and aromas; don’t miss the famous mint room.
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The Ethel M. Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Garden – Henderson, Nev.
Forrest Mars, the man who brought you the Mars Bar, named this candy factory after his mother, said to have been one sweet lady. Watch and learn what goes into the Mars family recipes, stroll around the garden, and pick up some treats for the road.
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Gibson Guitar Factory Tour – Memphis, Tenn.
Go behind the scenes to witness the construction of one of the greatest guitars in the world. For more than 100 years, the company's intricate process of binding, neck-fitting, painting, buffing, and tuning has been a gold standard in guitar production.
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Hoffman's Chocolate Factory – Greenacres, Fla.
See what chocolate looks like from above as you and your grandchildren watch the entire chocolate-making process from large glass windows overlooking the work-floor of this chocolate-maker.
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Morley Candy Factory – Clinton Township, Mich.
Pecan Torties, Coconut Clusters, and Mint Melt Aways are all deliciously created at Morley's Candy. It's a movie-set chocolate factory come to life, replete with free samples at journey's end.
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Stuffington Bear Factory – Phoenix, Ariz.
Take a behind-the-scenes look at the construction of America's favorite plush toys — even build your own. Learn all the history on the bear, from its humble beginnings and its association with Teddy Roosevelt to the real facts about the Black Bear and its role in nature.
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Tabasco Factory – Avery Island, La.
On Avery Island, in a swampy southern Louisiana bayou, the McIlhenny people create a signature American sauce. Visit and learn about the history and making of this favorite spicy condiment, and leave with a lagniappe (a parting gift) of recipes, samples, and tastings.
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The BratWorks Tour – Bucyrus, Ohio
Watch the well-seasoned sausage meats squirt their way through the machines to make miles and miles of links. Get your own links at the drive-through window on your way out.
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Visit the full map of 50 U.S. cities. There are 101 things to do with your grandchildren in every one! And be sure to check our ideas for 10 MORE Cool Factory Tours.
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