If you’ve ever wanted to know the secret behind everyday items, such as baseball bats, ice cream, jelly beans, or even crayons, you’re in luck! Along with feedback from our Facebook and Twitter fans, we’ve picked 10 can’t-miss factory tours in the U.S. that are both entertaining and enlightening.
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Samuel Adams Brewery, Boston, Massachusetts
Though there are a slew of popular brewery tours around the country, the Samuel Adams Brewery factory tour has become a favorite stop for both tourists and local Bostonians alike. During your visit, you'll learn about the history of Samuel Adams, the patriot and brewer; witness the entire brewing process from hop to table; and discover what it means to maintain Craft Brewer standards even while striving to surpass an annual production of two million barrels. You can then quench your thirst with free samples of an array of award-winning brews, but you must be at least 21 years old to partake. Tours last about an hour, and are free. However, a donation of $2 is appreciated, and goes to local charities.
Are you a beer aficionado? Where's your favorite place to watch beer being brewed? Tell us below!
Samuel Adams Brewery, Boston, Massachusetts
Though there are a slew of popular brewery tours around the country, the Samuel Adams Brewery factory tour has become a favorite stop for both tourists and local Bostonians alike. During your visit, you'll learn about the history of Samuel Adams, the patriot and brewer; witness the entire brewing process from hop to table; and discover what it means to maintain Craft Brewer standards even while striving to surpass an annual production of two million barrels. You can then quench your thirst with free samples of an array of award-winning brews, but you must be at least 21 years old to partake. Tours last about an hour, and are free. However, a donation of $2 is appreciated, and goes to local charities.
Are you a beer aficionado? Where's your favorite place to watch beer being brewed? Tell us below!
Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, Waterbury, Vermont
If you scream for ice cream, it doesn't get much cooler than Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream factory in Vermont's Green Mountains. The guided tours provide insight into the standards and production of the frosty treat, and include a history "moo-vie" viewed in the Cow over Moon Theater, a glimpse into the production line from a glassed-in mezzanine, and a final stop at the Flavoroom to sample the flavor of the day. Ice cream is produced Mondays through Fridays, so you may miss an actual viewing of the process if you visit on the weekends. Tours cost $3 per adult (kids 12 and younger are free), and last about 30 minutes. The factory also features a gift shop, scoop shop, playground, picnic area, and flavor graveyard.
Where do you go for the ins-and-outs' of making ice cream? Share your favorite spots below!
Jelly Belly, Fairfield, California
It may not seem like there's much to jelly beans, but you'd be surprised at the amount of work and research that goes into each tiny bite. Discover first-hand what it takes to make this popular candy so flavorful, including why a single jelly bean takes at least one week to make. On a daily basis, the Jelly Belly candy making factory smells of buttered popcorn, cinnamon, watermelon, or whatever flavor is cooking that day. During your tour, you'll see a real working factory in action, producing more than 150 different kinds of candies. Tours are free, and last about 40 minutes. A candy store, cafe, and chocolate shop are also available for exploring.
Where's your favorite sweet treat factory tour? Tell us below!
Gibson Guitars Factory, Memphis, Tennessee
When it comes to rockin' tours, Gibson Guitars is by far the best pick. Watch as Gibson's Luthiers skillfully and lovingly bind, paint, neck-fit, buff, and tune these one-of-a-kind musical instruments at the Memphis guitar factory. Witness the craftsmanship behind the same guitars used by B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and Bob Marley. During the tour, you'll learn how Gibson has contributed to the history of music over the last 100 years, and how it continues to make a difference in the sounds of today. Tours cost $10, and last about 45 minutes to an hour.
What music-related tours have you been on? Leave a comment below!
Hershey's Chocolate World, Hershey, Pennsylvania
Though not technically a working factory, Hershey's Chocolate World is still sweeter than many of its counterparts. You can take a free simulated ride through the production of chocolate from bean to bar (complete with a sample at the end), enjoy a Hershey's Chocolate Tasting Adventure ($9.95 for adults), become an official Hershey's Kisses packaging worker for the day (free to package kisses), and see the Hershey's characters come to life in the Hershey's Really Big 3-D Show ($5.95 for adults). Hershey's newest attraction also lets you create your own candy bar and experience what it's really like to work in a factory.
Where do you go to satisfy your sweet tooth? Do you have a favorite chocolate tour? Share with others below!
Harley Davidson
If you love the workmanship and intricate design of motorcycles, you'll be in hog heaven at Harley Davidson's manufacturing facilities. With four locations to choose from—Kansas City, Missouri; York, Pennsylvania; Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin; and Tomahawk, Wisconsin—you can learn all about the inner workings of these world-famous vehicles. The York facility is the largest, and offers daily tours that provide a behind-the-scenes look at the manufacturing and production areas, as well as an introductory movie. From parts to finish, you'll watch as the bikes transform into the road warriors you recognize. Tours are free, and last about one hour. The facility is open Mondays through Fridays.
Do you have a favorite vehicle factory? Share where you go to see metal before it's made into a pedal!
Celestial Seasonings, Boulder, Colorado
If you've ever wondered how plants, fruits, or herbs come together to create a satisfying drink, Celestial Seasonings' tour may be just your cup of tea. At the factory, you'll watch as natural ingredients from around the world are blended, packaged, and shipped; visit the Mint Room, which is just as the name suggests and can be a bit overpowering; have the chance to taste free samples of every type of tea the company makes; and explore an impressive display of original artwork designed just for the boxes. Tours are free, and last about 45 minutes. The Celestial Cafe and gift shop provide plenty to eat or do before or after the tour.
Know of any other tours like Celestial Seasonings? Tell us!
Tillamook Cheese, Tillamook, Oregon
Though there are many cheese tours around the country, Tillamook is by far the cheesiest. The self-guided tour offers an in-depth peek into the art of award-winning cheesemaking by giving visitors the chance to watch workers produce and package fresh cheese. However, the tour doesn't stop there, because there is also a video on the nearly 100-year history behind Tillamook, kiosks with oodles of cheesemaking information, and a variety of tasty samples. Tillamook also features an ice cream counter, Farmhouse Cafe, fudge counter, and gift shop.
Do you have a top spot to learn about dairy products? Please leave a comment below!
Louisville Slugger Museum, Louisville, Kentucky
With the more than two million people who have paid homage to the Official Bat of Major League Baseball, the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory is a homerun. Here you will learn about the family owned and operated business that played a major role in turning a sport into a national pastime. During the tour, you'll watch as bats are handcrafted in front of your eyes, discover 125 years of baseball history, and receive a miniature Louisville Slugger of your own. Tours cost $10 per adult, and last about 25 minutes. Allow up to two hours to experience all the museum and tour have to offer.
Do you know of any other sports-related tours? Share below!
Crayola Factory. Easton, Pennsylvania
Though the Crayola Factory may not be your typical factory tour—there's no actual working factory at this facility—the interactive exhibits offer insight into the creative world behind Crayola's artistic products. Watch as your very own souvenir crayon pack is made in the same fashion as crayons from the early 1900s, walk along with Crayola's chronology, and learn about nontraditional printing techniques. You can also let your inner child run free, as you are encouraged to color on the walls, draw on the floor with sidewalk chalk, and paint with melted wax. Entrance costs $9.75 for adults.
What other art-related tours have you been on? Tell us below!
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