16 Famous Factory Tours in the U.S. Where You Actually Get Samples
Factory tours are a fun way to learn how some of your favorite products are made, and the best part? You get to taste what they’re known for. Whether you’re a fan of chocolate, beer, or ice cream, there are plenty of places across the U.S. where you can watch the production process up close and sample the goods. These tours not only offer a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship but also give you a chance to indulge in delicious treats. It’s an experience that’s both informative and satisfying, perfect for a family outing or a day of adventure with friends. So, if you’re looking for something fun and tasty to do, consider visiting one of these famous factories.
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Hershey’s Chocolate World – Hershey, PA
Hershey’s Chocolate World is a must-visit destination for anyone with a sweet tooth. Visitors can take a tour through the Hershey factory and see how chocolate is made, from the raw ingredients to the finished product. One of the highlights is the free chocolate sample you get at the end of the tour. The experience is interactive, with a ride that explains the chocolate-making process.
After the tour, guests can head to the Hershey’s Chocolate World store, which offers a variety of unique chocolate treats and themed merchandise. Whether you’re a fan of classic milk chocolate or prefer more unique flavors, there’s something for everyone here. For chocolate lovers, this is an unforgettable experience where you can also take home your own personalized chocolate bars.
Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour – Waterbury, VT
Ben & Jerry’s factory in Waterbury, Vermont, invites visitors to see how their iconic ice cream is made. The tour includes a behind-the-scenes look at the production process, from the blending of ingredients to the final steps of packaging. At the end of the tour, guests are treated to a free sample of one of the company’s popular flavors. The tour also educates visitors about the company’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
It’s a fun experience for families and ice cream fans alike, with the option to purchase limited edition flavors and merchandise. The interactive tour allows visitors to ask questions, and the guide shares interesting facts about the history of Ben & Jerry’s. For anyone craving a sweet treat, this factory tour is a fun way to learn about the brand’s philosophy and indulge in delicious ice cream.
Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour – St. Louis, MO
Anheuser-Busch’s brewery tour in St. Louis, Missouri, offers a comprehensive look at the brewing process of the world-renowned beer. Guests can explore the historic brewery, which has been brewing beer since the 1800s, and see the fermentation process up close. At the end of the tour, visitors are given the chance to sample a variety of Anheuser-Busch’s beers, including some of the company’s classic and seasonal offerings.
The tour includes a visit to the famous Clydesdale stables, where the iconic horses are kept. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, this experience gives beer enthusiasts an in-depth understanding of how their favorite beers are made. Visitors can also enjoy a relaxing time at the beer garden after the tour, sipping on freshly poured beer. This is a great tour for those interested in the history and craft of beer-making.
Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tour – Lynchburg, TN
A visit to Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee, is an unforgettable experience for whiskey lovers. The tour takes guests through the distillation process, from selecting the finest grains to aging the whiskey in barrels. The highlight of the tour is the opportunity to sample some of Jack Daniel’s most popular whiskeys, including their signature Old No. 7. Visitors will also learn about the history of the distillery, founded by the famous Jack Daniel himself in the 1800s.
The beautiful Tennessee landscape adds to the experience, with scenic views of the rolling hills surrounding the distillery. For fans of whiskey and its rich history, this tour provides an engaging, informative, and delicious experience. There are also options to purchase Jack Daniel’s memorabilia and bottles of whiskey to take home.
Tennessee Whiskey Tour at George Dickel Distillery – Tullahoma, TN
Another great distillery tour in Tennessee is at the George Dickel Distillery, located in Tullahoma. This distillery is known for its smooth and flavorful Tennessee whiskey, and visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the distillation and aging process. As part of the experience, guests get to taste several of the distillery’s whiskey offerings.
The tour explores the rich history of George Dickel whiskey, which has been made using the same methods since the late 1800s. Visitors will learn about the unique charcoal mellowing process that gives the whiskey its signature smooth taste. The tour also covers the distillery’s commitment to sustainability and environmental practices. At the end of the tour, guests are invited to relax in the tasting room, where they can sample a variety of whiskies.
Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory Tour – San Francisco, CA
Ghirardelli’s chocolate factory in San Francisco offers an exciting and indulgent experience for visitors. The factory tour allows guests to watch how Ghirardelli’s signature chocolate squares, bars, and other treats are made. At the end of the tour, visitors are treated to a free sample of the company’s famous chocolate. The factory’s location in the heart of San Francisco adds to the charm of the experience, with beautiful views of the city and bay.
The Ghirardelli Chocolate Store is also located on-site, where visitors can purchase a wide variety of chocolates and even customize their own chocolate creations. The tour is informative and fun, with a focus on the company’s history and dedication to quality ingredients. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Ghirardelli or new to the brand, this factory tour is a sweet experience not to be missed.
The Jelly Belly Factory Tour – Fairfield, CA
Jelly Belly, known for its vibrant and unique jelly beans, offers a fun and colorful factory tour in Fairfield, California. The tour provides an inside look at how the company’s signature jelly beans are made, with a detailed explanation of the manufacturing process. Visitors can also enjoy sampling some of Jelly Belly’s popular flavors throughout the tour. The tour includes a walk through the factory floor, where guests can watch the candy-making process in action.
Jelly Belly is known for its wide variety of flavors, including gourmet and novelty options like popcorn and even draft beer. The tour is both informative and entertaining, with interactive displays and a knowledgeable guide. At the end of the tour, visitors can shop for a wide selection of Jelly Belly products, including bulk candy and gift items.
M&M’s World – Las Vegas, NV
M&M’s World in Las Vegas offers a fun and colorful tour that’s perfect for families and candy lovers. The tour is interactive, giving visitors the chance to learn about the history of M&M’s and how the candy is made. One of the highlights of the tour is the opportunity to create a personalized mix of M&M’s in your favorite colors and flavors. M&M’s World also features a 3D movie that tells the story of the famous candy’s creation.
Throughout the tour, visitors are encouraged to sample different M&M’s varieties, including seasonal and limited edition flavors. The M&M’s store in Las Vegas is a candy lover’s paradise, with a wide selection of products, including exclusive merchandise. Whether you’re visiting for the experience or to pick up a souvenir, M&M’s World is a fun stop for anyone in Las Vegas.
Blue Bell Creameries Tour – Brenham, TX
Blue Bell Creameries in Brenham, Texas, is a must-see for ice cream enthusiasts. The tour takes visitors through the production process, from mixing the ingredients to packing the finished product. At the end of the tour, guests are treated to a free scoop of Blue Bell’s signature ice cream in a variety of flavors.
The company has been making ice cream for over 100 years, and the tour highlights its history and dedication to quality. Blue Bell’s ice cream is known for its rich, creamy texture and unique flavors, and the factory tour gives visitors a firsthand look at how it’s made. Visitors can also shop for Blue Bell products at the factory store, including ice cream, novelty treats, and branded merchandise. For ice cream lovers, this tour offers both a fun and delicious experience.
The Biltmore Estate Winery Tour – Asheville, NC
The Biltmore Estate Winery in Asheville, North Carolina, offers a luxurious and educational tour for wine lovers. Set on the expansive Biltmore Estate, the winery’s tour walks visitors through the wine-making process, from grape harvesting to fermentation. At the end of the tour, guests are given the opportunity to sample some of the estate’s best wines. The Biltmore Winery is known for producing award-winning wines, and the tour emphasizes the estate’s rich history and commitment to quality.
The beautifully designed winery is located in a grand French château, making it a unique place to visit. The tour also includes a visit to the on-site wine cellar, where visitors can learn about the aging process. For those looking to enjoy a relaxing day, this tour offers both educational insights and a chance to indulge in some fine wine tasting.
Coca-Cola Factory Tour – Atlanta, GA
The Coca-Cola Factory tour in Atlanta, Georgia, is an iconic stop for soda enthusiasts. The World of Coca-Cola is an interactive museum that takes guests through the history of the famous beverage, starting with its creation in the late 1800s. During the tour, visitors can sample over 100 different Coca-Cola beverages from around the world, making it a fun and flavorful experience. The museum features a variety of exhibits, including the “Vault of the Secret Formula” and a 4D movie about the brand’s global impact.
Guests will also learn about the company’s branding and marketing strategies. The factory tour concludes with a visit to the tasting room, where visitors can enjoy refreshing Coca-Cola products and purchase exclusive merchandise. For fans of the brand, this tour offers both an educational and enjoyable way to learn about one of the world’s most recognized companies.
Sweetwater Brewing Company Tour – Atlanta, GA
Sweetwater Brewing Company in Atlanta, Georgia, offers a fun and engaging brewery tour for beer lovers. The tour guides visitors through the brewing process, showcasing how Sweetwater’s craft beers are made. During the tour, guests are treated to samples of some of Sweetwater’s flagship and seasonal brews, making it a great way to discover new favorites. Sweetwater Brewing is known for its unique and bold flavors, and the tour highlights the company’s commitment to sustainability.
Visitors will also learn about the company’s history and the importance of quality ingredients. The tour ends with a stop at the brewery’s taproom, where guests can relax and enjoy even more beer selections. For those looking to experience the craft beer scene in Georgia, this brewery tour is an enjoyable way to spend the day.
Pabst Blue Ribbon Brewery Tour – Milwaukee, WI
Pabst Blue Ribbon Brewery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, offers a fun and informative tour for beer enthusiasts. This historic brewery has been producing beer since the 1800s, and visitors can explore its brewing process through an interactive tour. Guests will learn about the history of Pabst Blue Ribbon and the different methods used to brew the signature beer.
At the end of the tour, guests are treated to a sample of Pabst Blue Ribbon and other beers made at the brewery. The brewery is located in a beautiful historic building, adding to the charm of the experience. Visitors will also get to explore the brewing equipment and learn about the different styles of beer Pabst produces. For those who love history and beer, this is a great stop to appreciate both.
Spoetzl Brewery Tour – Shiner, TX
Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner, Texas, is known for its famous Shiner Bock beer, and the brewery tour offers visitors a chance to learn about the brewing process. The tour guides visitors through the brewery, where they can see how beer is made using traditional methods. The highlight of the tour is the opportunity to sample some of Shiner’s best beers, including the signature Shiner Bock.
The tour also provides insight into the history of the brewery, which has been brewing beer since 1909. Visitors will learn about the importance of quality ingredients and the unique brewing techniques that make Shiner beer stand out. The tour includes a visit to the brewery’s gift shop, where visitors can purchase exclusive merchandise. For anyone looking to taste authentic Texas beer, this is a great place to visit.
Napa Valley Wine Tours – Napa, CA
Napa Valley is home to some of the finest wineries in the U.S., and many of them offer tours that include wine sampling. Visitors can tour the vineyards, see the wine-making process in action, and learn about the different varieties of grapes grown in the region. At the end of the tour, guests are treated to tastings of Napa Valley wines, which are known for their rich flavors and exceptional quality.
The region is famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot wines, and visitors can sample these and many more. Napa Valley’s picturesque landscapes also make the tour a scenic experience, with vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. Some wineries even offer food pairings with their wines, enhancing the overall tasting experience. Napa Valley wine tours are perfect for those who appreciate fine wine and want to learn more about the wine-making process.
Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour – Frankfort, KY
Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, is one of the oldest distilleries in the U.S. The tour offers visitors an in-depth look at how bourbon is made, from the fermentation process to the aging of the whiskey in charred oak barrels. At the end of the tour, guests are treated to samples of some of Buffalo Trace’s finest bourbon.
The distillery is known for producing some of the most sought-after bourbons, including Pappy Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace Bourbon. Visitors will also learn about the history of the distillery, which dates back to the 1700s. The tour includes a visit to the distillery’s beautiful grounds and historic buildings. For bourbon connoisseurs, this tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the craft of bourbon-making in one of the most iconic distilleries in the world.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.