Travelers Can Celebrate the World of American Business by Checking out Top 10 Factory Tours Across the Nation With Group Tour Opportunities and Savings
Traveling gives one the great opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of different pieces of history, including industry. From instruments, food, and athletic goods, factories are often the backbone of creating these wide arrays of products. Many factories are opening their doors to the public so that they may peer into the behind-the-scenes work involved in making these goods. One can see craftspeople working on the sire or watch products zoom by on conveyor belts.
These diverse experiences make these important businesses more memorable to the public. These factory tours offer ample opportunity for groups of a variety of sizes to tour. They range from being completely free to having relatively cheap ticket prices. Some of these tours even come with special perks, such as discounts. Most of these tours can also fascinate groups including individuals with a wide age range, as many of these staples can capture the interest the whole family.
PEZ Candy Factory Tour in Orange, Connecticut
PEZ Candy was first invented in Austria in 1927, with Edmund Haas III making the peppermint- flavored treat. Eventually, a factory began to operate in Czechoslovakia in 1935 and shipped PEZ to the United States before the Connecticut-based factory opened in November 1973. The popular candy and collector item factory hosts affordable tours that take visitors through 4,000 square feet of PEZ memorabilia and the building’s production area. The tours are self- guided and every visitor is given a lanyard to keep. One purchases tickets at the door and with the buying of the ticket, one gains a $2 credit that one can use to shop for merchandise the same day.
Annie Oakley Natural Perfumery Factory Tour in Ligonier, Indiana
Because of a collaboration between Renee Gabet and her daughters, in 1980 the Annie Oakley Natural Perfumery opened its doors. Initially starting as a home-operated project, eventually, the company expanded to having its own store. The perfumes sold at the store are hand-blended; essential oils and bath products are also available for purchase. Groups can come and tour the last remaining perfumery in the country. The tour takes visitors into the lab in which the fragrances are made. One can book group tours that can hold anywhere from five to 55 people. The around 45-minute tour has low-priced tickets and tourists $5 certificate to help them with buying any item that is $10 or more.
Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour in Waterbury Village Historic District, Vermont
The famous ice cream company began in 1978. Over the years the brand has diversified its flavors, business ventures, and company values. The brand has expanded to ice cream catering trucks and allergen-conscious creations. Moreover, the Ben & Jerry’s has used its products to promote social justice. Ben & Jerry’s hosts a multitude of guided group tours per week, and those who are in groups of 21 or a greater sum of individuals must book 2 weeks in advance. The 30-minute tour takes visitors through a lookout over the production floor and includes samples. The tour is age – appropriate for all and is entertaining for groups and families.
Bureau of Engraving and Printing Factory Tour in Fort Worth, Texas, and Washington, D.C.
The BEP is in charge of printing money for the Federal Reserve System. There are two centers in which this process happens. One in Fort Worth, Texas and one in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. The Fort Worth-based tour is free and self-guided. Visitors can look at exhibits about manufacturing money and the history of U.S. currency itself. In the Washington, D.C.-based tour, is also free and a group can easily find spots, as reservations can be made for 40 people per group or one can book two tours in a day, with 80 people in a group. Any one adult can also obtain 4 tickets.
Meier Skis Factory Tour in Denver, Colorado
The Meier Skis company focuses on creating eco-friendly and durable skis for anyone from avid skiers to beginners. Beyond the skis themselves, the company also has gear available for purchase. During their Craft Skiery tour, one can see the process of making skis, including the cutting and shaping of the wood through a window. Also, one can enjoy a complimentary drink from the bar. At a 5:30 p.m. appointment, one can get up close and see the process of ski-making in all of its parts.
Mason & Hamlin Factory Tour in Haverhill, Massachusetts
The piano factory that is currently amongst the last to be based in the United States was founded by Henry Mason and Emmons Hamlin in 1854. The quality pianos produced by Mason & amp; Hamlin have captured the attention of famous composers and musicians such as Maurice Ravel who complimented the models for their wide dynamics. The company offers tours that showcase pianos being crafted by artisans while using methods developed centuries ago. Tours can hold up to 16 people and are required to be booked a minimum of 48 hours in advance.
Airstream Factory Tours in Jacksonville, Ohio
Airstream first opened in 1931 and has become a popular brand in business and cultural settings ever since. Airstream produces vans and aluminum-shelled travel trailers. They also sell touring coaches. Notably, an airstream trailer was used as the quarantine zone for the astronauts in the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. During the one-hour tour, one can watch craftspeople create the vehicles. There are two tours offered: the travel trailer and the Basecamp Factory tour. Both tours are free.
Hammonds Candies Factory Tour in Denver, Colorado
Hammond’s first opened as Hammond’s Candy Company in 1920, with the owner Carl T. Hammond, Sr. having developed candy-making experience during a multitude of apprenticeships. In 2004, the current Denver location opened its doors. Hammond offers free 30-minute tours that can accommodate groups of up to 45 people. Groups can witness a variety of candies being made and packaged in real time. This tour is great for families and children too.
