Obsessed With Willy Wonka? Take a Tour at These Candy Factories! Javier Peinado May 20, 2024 Family Travel, Food & Drink When people think of vacationing in a city, museum tours and bountiful shopping opportunities are the things to usually come to mind. However, many cities are also home to candy factories, sweet destinations that offer enjoyment for the young…and the young at heart. Indeed, candy factory tours show vacationers the in-depth process of what it takes to make everyone’s favorite treats without the need of a pesky Golden Ticket signed by Willy Wonka himself. Here’s a list of five stops you need to make to satisfy that sweet tooth of yours! If you’re a fan of chocolates and candy, and curious about how it’s made, chocolate factory tours are a fantastic way to satisfy your sweet tooth while getting an inside look at the fascinating process of chocolate production. Whether you’re dreaming of a Willy Wonka candy factory tour or simply want to learn more about the candy-making industry, there are plenty of options available near you. Here’s a guide to candy factory tours and some popular candy stores that might pique your interest: Jelly Belly The Jelly Belly factory in Fairfield, California offers visitors a sweet experience at the reasonable price of $7 per adult and $3 per child. In addition to tours of the facility, visitors of the Jelly Belly Factory can behold an art gallery of portraits of historical figures…made entirely of jelly beans! Visitors will also get the opportunity to dine at the Jelly Belly Café, the factory’s restaurant that features truly one-of-a-kind eating, including the factory’s famed Chocolate and Wine Experience. The factory’s gift shop features over 100 different flavors of jelly beans and allows guests to purchase bags of “Belly Flops,” jelly beans the factory deems irregular due to shaping or color errors. Hershey Hershey Chocolate World just might be the most famous candy factory in the world. Located in the scenic hills of Central Pennsylvania, the Hershey factory is open year-round and offers free admission. Among the most noteworthy activities offered at Hershey Chocolate World is a ride that demonstrates how the candy makers at the company transform a simple cocoa bean into one of the globe’s best candy bars. The factory also invites visitors to enjoy several premium attractions for a small price. Among the most popular premium offerings at the Hershey factory is Create Your Own Candy Bar, which allows guests to design their own candy wrapper and even add custom ingredients to a chocolate bar of their own design for $28.95. PEZ Orange, Connecticut’s Pez Visitor Center offers something for everyone interested in learning about the company’s 95 years of bringing smiles to the faces of children the world over. Guests of the Pez Visitor Center take an interactive tour of major events in the company’s history, such as its origins in Vienna, Austria, and its move to the United States in 1973. Among the exhibits at the Pez Visitor Center are the world’s largest Pez dispenser and a custom motorcycle adorned with images and symbols of the company. Admission to the Pez Visitor Center costs $5 and comes with a $2 credit to the factory’s gift shop and a souvenir lanyard. Hammond’s Candies Established in Denver, Colorado in 1920, Hammond’s Candies makes every sweet treat you can imagine, but is most well-known for its candy canes and lollipops. Guests of Hammond’s Candies will see how factory workers make the company’s famous sweets by hand, pulling and twisting the candy until it settles into its iconic shape. Admission to the factory is free and tours, which are offered at the top of the hour and the half hour, take 30 minutes. In addition to seeing how Hammond’s Candies are made and packaged, visitors can also enjoy a video presentation of the company’s history and visit the factory’s gift shop. Due to high demand, guests planning to visit the Hammond’s Candies factory are encouraged to book their tour in advance on the company’s website. Theo Chocolate In the Pacific Northwest, you’ll Theo Chocolate, one of the world’s first organic chocolate companies. Founded in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle in 2006, Theo Chocolate prides itself on making products with the highest quality cocoa beans sourced from farmers under fair trade agreements. Visitors taking the factory tour learn of the company’s mission of creating high quality chocolate in detail while further learning how sustainability benefits the cocoa farming community. Theo Chocolate charges $14 for admission to its one-hour tour, which also includes samples of the company’s products. While children under 5 are not permitted on the tour, the company does offer Kids Chocolate Story Time from Friday to Sunday, which also details the company’s sustainable approach to chocolate creation. Spangler Candy Company Dum Dums by Steve Snodgrass licensed under CC BY 2.0 DEED Located in Bryan, Ohio, the Spangler Candy Company is renowned for its Dum Dums lollipops and candy canes. Established in 1906, Spangler Candy combines tradition with innovation, making it a must-visit for candy enthusiasts. Visitors can embark on a virtual tour of the factory via the company’s Spangler Candy World experience, which also includes interactive games, STEM activities, robotic stations, and themed photo opportunity booths. Reservations are recommended due to the tour’s popularity and limited space, ensuring a memorable and educational experience for all ages. Wockenfuss Candies Wockenfuss by Maryland GovPics licensed under CC BY 2.0 DEED Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Wockenfuss Candies is one of the city’s oldest and most beloved candy makers, with a history dating back to 1915. The factory offers engaging tours that showcase the creation of a wide variety of non-chocolate candies, including gummies, taffy, and hard candies. Visitors can observe traditional candy-making techniques, enjoy live demonstrations, and sample freshly made treats. The on-site store features an extensive selection of Wockenfuss’s finest candies, perfect for gifts or personal indulgence. Tours take place once annually, and provide a personalized and informative experience that highlights the craftsmanship and dedication behind each sweet creation. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, a tour of Wockenfuss Candies is a delightful way to spend an afternoon. You may also like: Sweet Madrid! 5 Places to Taste Traditional Candy on Any Visit to Spain’s Capital Fannie May Chocolates Situated in North Canton, Ohio, Fannie May Chocolates offers an immersive factory tour that showcases the creation of its iconic confections. Founded in 1920, Fannie May is known for its rich history and commitment to quality. The guided tour takes visitors through the entire production process, from roasting cocoa beans to crafting and packaging their famous chocolates and candies. Guests can observe skilled artisans at work and enjoy samples of freshly made treats. The on-site shop features a wide range of Fannie May products, perfect for gifts or personal enjoyment. Tours provide a fascinating and delectable experience for all ages, celebrating nearly a century of sweet tradition. FAQs: Q: How long do most candy factory tours last? A: Most candy factory tours typically last between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the factory and the type of tour offered. Q: Are there any age restrictions for the tours? A: Age restrictions vary by factory. For example, Theo Chocolate does not allow children under 5 on their main tour but offers a Kids Chocolate Story Time. It’s best to check each factory’s policy before visiting. Q: Do I need to make a reservation for a candy factory tour? A: While some tours do not require reservations, many recommend or require booking in advance due to high demand and limited space. Check the specific factory’s website for details. Q: Can I buy candy directly from the factory? A: Most candy factories have on-site gift shops where visitors can purchase a variety of their products, including exclusive or discounted items. Q: Are there any special activities or experiences available at these factories? A: Many factories offer unique activities. For instance, Hershey Chocolate World offers a “Create Your Own Candy Bar” experience, and Spangler Candy Company has interactive games and STEM activities in their Spangler Candy World experience. Q: Are the tours suitable for people with dietary restrictions? A: While many tours include tastings, it’s important to check with the factory beforehand regarding dietary restrictions or allergies. Some factories may offer alternatives or provide detailed ingredient information. Do you know any other scrumdiddlyumptious factories that allow tours? Let us know at our comments section below!
