food factory tours alabama

8 fun factory tours in and around Birmingham, including Cahaba Brewing’s Taproom Tour

• LAST UPDATED 12/15/20

Who’s ever been on a fun factory tour in or around Birmingham? If you’re looking for something fun to do, whether with the fam, the biz or with visitors, we’ve got you covered. Read on for all the juicy details.

1. Golden Flake factory tour –North Titusville, Birmingham

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Golden Flake is an institution to anyone in the Southeast. Though the iconic local chip company is now owned by Utz, you can still catch a tour in North Titusville, right off I-65. While you can no longer get hot chips during the tour, it is still really fun and interesting to watch all the things be made. Plus, they give you bags of chips at the end—yum.

• Tour hours: Monday—Thursday 9:30AM, 11:00AM, 12:30AM
• Tour length: 30-45 minutes
• Reservations : Email [email protected] in advance to schedule a tour. Make sure you bring an email from them letting them know you’re approved.
• Know before you go: Tennis shoes are ideal. They’ll supply you with your own fancy hairnet—and beard net (assuming, of course, you have a beard). If you’ve got major food allergies or a weapon you usually carry, be sure to read the fine print here .
• Minimum age requirement: five
• Don’t bring: watch, gum, flip flops, tobacco, phones / cameras (well, not for the manufacturing part—company secrets and all)
• Address: 1 Golden Flake Dr., Birmingham, AL 35205

2. Mercedes-Benz U.S. International factory tour —Vance

I’ve always heard how cool the Mercedes plant tour is. It’s been on my list of things to do since my kids were born. Only a couple more years and we’ll finally be able to check it out!

• Tour hours: Mondays and Wednesdays, 9AM, 9:15AM, 12:30PM, 12:45PM
• Tour length: roughly 1.5 hours
• Reservations: Required. Call  (205) 507-2252  or (888) 286-8762 .
• Cost: $5 per person
• Know before you go: the walking tour covers a 2 mile distance. Wear comfy, closed-toe and closed-heel shoes. Get there 15 minutes ahead of time (minimum) to complete registration. Like trains in Germany, these tours run on time. Get there late and lose your spot. The assembly line may or may not be operational when you go, depending on the needs of the business.
• Accessibility: Wheelchairs are welcomed and not supplied. Mobility aids such as canes, crutches, and walkers—not allowed.
• Minimum age requirement: 10
• Leave in the car or turned off: cameras, phones, and other electronic devices are strictly verboten in the manufacturing areas. No smoking, shorts, sleeveless shirts, or open-toed or open-heeled shoes. Skirts and dresses must be two inches below the knee. Just like that strict teacher that wouldn’t let you get away with bending the rules, they mean business. Don’t bother bringing backpacks, briefcases, etc. Also not allowed. Ladies’ purses are okay. Just like at airport security, they might get inspected.
• Address: 6 Mercedes Dr., Vance, Alabama

3. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama factory tour—Montgomery

This place makes over 1500 cars a day. After a video, you hop on a tram and your tour guide takes you through the plant where you get to see what goes into making a car.

• Tour hours: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays—9:30AM, 12PM and 2:30PM
• Tour length: 75-90 minutes
• Reservations: required (don’t come without a confirmed reservation). Click here to make them —up to six months in advance. Current bookings start September 30, 2019.
• Know before you go: dress for the weather—you’ll be inside and outside. They’ll give you safety goggles and a headset to wear during your visit. That’s right—you listen to the tour guide on your very own headset.
• Minimum age requirement: six
• Leave in the car or turned off: no cell phones or cameras allowed in the manufacturing area.
• Address: 700 Hyundai Blvd, Montgomery, Alabama 36105  
• Phone number: (334) 387-8000 

4. Blue Bell Ice Cream viewing window —Sylacauga

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Because who doesn’t love some good ice cream. Or sherbet? And when you get to watch it being made, it’s that much more fun. Just know there’s no actual tour that comes with this one so you won’t be disappointed. Also, you could check out DeSoto Caverns while you’re in the area—great way to cool off.

• Hours: Monday-Friday, 9AM-4:30PM
• Know before you go: Word on the street is that this one’s not so much a tour as a viewing window where you can watch the ice cream being made from inside the ice cream parlor.
• Minimum age requirement: none
• Address: 423 North Norton Avenue, Sylacauga, Alabama 35150
• Phone: 256-249-6100 , 888-573-5286

5. Honda Manufacturing of Alabama factory tour—Lincoln

Like the other car plant tours, but Honda. You should totally check out their plant tours page, where you can learn fun facts like how they dust their cars by lady ostriches. Hop over there to find out why.

• Tour hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8:45AM and 12:30PM
• Tour length: 1.5 hours (ish). 1.2 miles.
• Reservations: required .
• Know before you go: no sandals or open-heeled shoes. Long pants. No shorts or skirts. No cameras or video recorders. You know the drill. Leave ’em in the car. Yep, phones, too. Leave your bags in your car.
• Accessibility: Not allowed—mobility aids such as canes, crutches and walkers. Wheelchairs are permitted but not supplied. All wheelchairs must be pushed from behind by an escort.
• Minimum age requirement: 12
• Leave in the car or turned off:
• Address: 1800 Honda Drive, Lincoln, Alabama 35096
• Phone: (205) 355-5000

6. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark guided tour—Birmingham

Those of us who live here in Birmingham often think of Sloss and its historic blast furnace as a backdrop for fun events. But even when nothing big is happening there, it is such a cool place to explore. Doesn’t matter whether you’re Birmingham born and bred or just passing through.

For this one, be sure to bring your camera. Here’s a sneak preview of some of what you might find.

• Tour hours: most Saturdays and Sundays at 1PM
• Tour length: about an hour
• Reservations: none required, though it’s good to call to make sure a tour guide will be available
• Know before you go: photographers rejoice—you can bring your camera! Dress for the weather and for walking outdoors. There’s also a self-guided tour you can do any time the park is open and an event’s not happening. Tuesday–Saturday 10AM-4PM, Sunday 12-4PM. 
• Minimum age requirement: birth
• Address: 20 32nd Street North, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Phone: (205) 254-2025

7. Tiffin Motorhomes factory tour —Red Bay

Watching the video for this factory tour made me want to drive out to Red Bay, a town right near the Alabama-Mississippi border, to go check out this factory tour. It’s obvious the folks who make motorhomes at this family-owned business are devoted to quality work and take real pride in what they do.

• Tour hours: Monday-Friday 9:30AM except the weeks of major holidays.
• Reservations: not required
• Know before you go: walking tour lasts about an hour. Wear comfy shoes, closed toe. Don’t bring your pets. If you go to this place, you are really closet to Alabama’s famous Coon Dog Cemetery . And the glowworms at The Dismals . And Natural Bridge . It might even be worth making a trip just so you can go see all those things.
• Address: 105 2nd Street NW, Red Bay, AL 35582
• Call: (256) 356-8661

8. Cahaba Brewing Taproom Tour—Avondale

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So bear with us for a sec on this one. We know a brewery’s not exactly a factory. And yet . . . it’s still pretty cool to discover what goes on behind the scenes. Getting ready for this one’s pretty simple. Here’s what you need to know.

• Tour hour: Saturdays at 2PM
• Tour length: 1 hour
• Reservations: not required. Head to the taproom and sign up at the bar.
• Cost: $10. You get stickers and a pint glass as souvenirs, too. Cool.
• Address: 4500 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222

Ready to go on a factory tour?

Whichever factory tour you decide to go on, always double-check the details and know that the needs of the business always will win. What this means is that if a factory doesn’t need to be running assembly lines on the day of your tour, they won’t. Or, if they need to cancel for whatever reason, they will.

That said, these places are all seasoned at welcoming visitors and giving them the behind-the-scenes look at their business. Obviously, many of them don’t want their inner workings to be broadcast, so most will require you to leave cell phones in the car or turned off.

Most of these places can arrange tours for your company, camp, school or religious group, too. Just get in touch with them directly to work out all the details.

Now tell us, what did we miss? And if you’ve been on one of these tours, let us know what you thought. We want to hear from you!

Sharron Swain

Writer, Interviewer + Adventurer | Telling stories to make a difference

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Made in the USA: Food Factory Tours in Every State

Are you taking a road trip this year and would like to see and do something different? Or maybe just go see something in your own state. Taking a fun Food Factory Tour may be right up your alley.

Here is a list of fun Food Factory Tours in every state. Go see how chocolate or ice cream is made. Maybe you would like to see how beer or bourbon is brewed.

This list has everything from Jelly Belly in California to fruit cake in Texas to maple syrup in New Hampshire. From learning about the history of these companies to all the ingredients used in the foods we eat, these tours are not only educational but fun.

It’s also exciting when we are able to get free samples at the end of the tour.

Food Factory Tours are always fun to go to and they are great things to do especially on a rainy day when you’re on vacation.

Table of Contents

Blue Bell Creamery, Sylacauga, AL

Although not a big tour, you get to see (through a glass window) the “real factory” making ice cream and packaging it into ½ gallon containers.

It’s fun for the kids as they have an ice cream parlor with every flavor of ice cream that they make. You can get a large scoop in a cup for just $1.

The factory is opened Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 4:30 pm. They also have a country (gift) store on the premises. Across the street, they have picnic tables and a grassy area for your convenience.

Alaskan Brewing Company, Juneau, AK

Alaskan Brewing Company brews and bottles 20 varieties of beer at their facility in Juneau. Tours are given through the Alaskan Tour Hallway from May through September.

These tours begin at Downtown Brewery Depot where you take a shuttle to where the beer is made. You get to see their 10 barrel system and how they make the beer as well as hear all about the history of the company which was the first brewery in Alaska.

Tours are for ages 8 and up and are $25 which includes free samples of their beer including some limited edition or rough draft brews. Tours last about 1 3/4 hours and it’s recommended to book them in advance.

Cerreta Candy Company, Glendale

Come see how this family-run business makes delicious chocolate. This 30 minutes guided tour is $5 and shows you how chocolate is made along with the soft flavourful centers.

Purchase a VIP pass for $12.50 and in addition to the tour your kids make a chocolate pizza with toppings like M&Ms, chips, pretzels and of course white chocolate “cheese”!

These tours are given from Monday to Friday at 10 am and 1 pm.

Markham & Fitz’s Chocolate, Bentonville

Take a tour of Markham & Fitz’s facility and see how their chocolate is made from the cocoa bean to their chocolate bars.

Tours must be scheduled and are $20 per person. You will taste each part of the process from the nid, liquid chocolate to the finished bar.

Tours take about an hour and you will receive a chocolate bar at the end.

The store has everything from cookies, cakes, all kinds of chocolates to all types of chocolate drink.

Jelly Belly Factory, Fairfield

The Jelly Belly Factory offers several tours as follows:

• Watch videos of the process and take a self-guided walking tour along the factory to see how the jelly beans are produced. At the end enjoy the free samples of their products. This tour is free and can be taken Monday to Friday from 9:15 am to 4 pm.
• Personal guided tours are given 7 days a week (although no productions on weekends) at 10, 11:30, 1 and 2:30 pm. These tours are up to 6 people and are $39 per tour.
• Jelly Belly University Tour is on the actual factory floor with a close up on how Jelly Bellys are made. At the end, you get a “Beanology Degree”. Cost is $59 per person, must be reserved in advance and you will be required to wear lab coats, hairnets, and gloves.

Hammond’s Candies, Denver, CO

Since 1920, Hammond’s has been making candy canes, lollipops and other candies by hand. You can take a 30-minute free tour and see how they pull, twist and shape their candies by hand.

Factory store hours are Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm with tours given Monday to Friday from 9:15 am to 2:45 and Saturday from 9:15 am to 2:15 pm.

Tours can be booked online (24 hours in advance) or by calling 303-333-5588 ext 110. Reservations are accommodated as walk-ins are not guaranteed and based upon availability.

Connecticut

Pez visitor center, orange.

See the largest selection of PEZ memorabilia in the world including a PEZ motorcycle built by Orange County Choppers in this 4,000 square foot facility.

Take the tour of the production area seen through glass windows and watch videos for how they actually make this famous candy.

Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for seniors and children 3 to 12. Under 3 are always free. You paid ticket received a PEZ lanyard and a $2 credit towards merchandise in the gift shop.

For an additional $3, Monday to Friday, you can also get an in-depth candy demonstration. You must be at least 6 years old and would need to stand through the 20-minute presentation. You also need to wear a hairnet.

The PEZ Center is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from noon to 5 pm.

Dogfish Head Brewing Company, Milton

There are no food factories in Delaware but they sure do know how to make craft beer. Dogfish was established in 1995 and has become a staple of the community.

Brewery & Distillery hours are Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm and Sunday from noon to 7 pm.

They offer the following tours:

Quick-Sip–A 25-minute free tour around the brewhouse and a free sample flight of 4 beers (they pick 2 and you pick 2) following the tour in the tasting room.

This tour is given on Monday to Thursday at noon, 2 and 4 pm and Fridays to Sundays at 11:20, 12:20, 1:20, 2:20, 3:20 and 4:20.

Off-Centered Tour–An hour-long tour consisting of the brewhouse and their R&D system area where you sample an experimental brew. Then you are off to the packing area where beer is kegged, canned and bottled. When finished you go to the tasting room where you get to choose your sample flight of 4 beers.

This tour is $10 per person and you even get to take home a glass with the Dogfish logo. Tour is given Monday to Thursday at 11 am and 1, 3 and 5 pm in addition from Friday to Sunday every hour on the hour from 11 to 5 pm.

Note: To take either tour, you must wear closed-toed shoes.

Florida’s Natural Growers Grove House Visitor Center, Lake Wales

Although not a factory tour, you get to see several videos all about citrus farming and the process of making juice. You can also take an outdoor tour through the orange groves.

This free tour is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm. Free samples of Florida’s Natural Brand juices are available for you to try.

Note: This tour is only open seasonally from October to May.

World of Coke, Atlanta

Located in downtown Atlanta, the World of Coke, although not a factory tour but a total coke experience. Come see where the secret Coca-Cola formula is located and try over 100 different drinks coke sells throughout the world.

 You also get to see the bottling process as well as over 100 artifacts of Coke throughout the years. On the second floor, there is a 4D video that feels like a ride as the seats move. At the end is the Tasting Room.

Admission for adults is $17, Senior 65+ $15, children 3-12 $13 and 2 and under free. Admission is also part of the Atlanta City-Pass.

Opened year-round, hours and days change according to season so check their website . Plan on sending 2 to 3 hours here.

Dole Plantation, Wahiawa

Although not a factory tour, the Dole Plantation is a whole pineapple experience.

You can choose the tour you want depending on your time and what you want to spend. Tours are offered daily from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.

The following tours can be purchased as a package or purchased separately:

The Pineapple Express Tour Train—A two-mile 20-minute train ride learning all about the history of pineapples in Hawaii. Train tickets range from $9.50 for kids to $11.50 for adults.

Plantation Garden Tour—This is a walking self-guided tour of eight different gardens including coffee beans, exotic fruits, cacao pods  and of course, pineapple. Garden tickets are between $6.25 for kids and $7 for adults.

The Pineapple Garden Maze—One of the largest garden mazes with 2.5 miles of paths covering 3 acres of land of pineapple plants. Maze tickets range between $6 and $8.

Combination tickets can be purchased depending on the experience you are looking from and start at $13.50 and go up to $24.

Ballard Family Dairy Farm & Cheese Factory, Gooding

Located in Southern Idaho is this family-run farm that starts the cheese process with milk from their own Jersey cows. You can take a one hour tour for just $2.50 per person and see the animals on the farm to the whole cheese-making process.

They make several award-winning kinds of cheese in many different flavors from white cheddar to curd cheeses in 7 flavors including garlic her, garlic pepper, dill, tomato & basil, spicy pepper and plain.

So if you are ever in the area stop by for a tour and sample some cheese!

Long Grove Confectionery, Buffalo Grove

Be greeted by a 500-pound chocolate Santa and a 2,500-pound chocolate Statue of Liberty as you enter the Long Grove factory. Start your tour with a video then take a look at how chocolate is made.

Depending on production you may see caramel being make or the staff hand painting molds before being filled. This wholesaler of chocolate products makes over 300 varieties sold throughout the country.

They are famous for Milk Chocolate Pecan Myrtle.

Tours are given Monday through Friday and cost $2 per person. A reservation is required.

Albanese Confectionery Group, Merrillville

World-famous Gummies are made at Albanese Confectionery and you can take a free tour to see how they are made. This self-guided tour can be taken Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 8 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.

 After watching a video, you get to look at the factory through 8 different windows explaining how gummies and Gold Label chocolates are made.

And of course, free samples of gummies and chocolates are available at the end for your enjoyment.

Note: There are no tours available during November and December since Santa is there and March and April for the Easter Bunny.

Hensen’s Farm Fresh Dairy, Hudson

Hensen’s Farm offers several kinds of tours during their season which runs from April 1st to October 31st and is open Monday through Saturday. All tours are by reservation only.

The following tours are available:

Hands-On Tour

This 2-hour tour takes you from the farm with a trolley where you get to milk a cow, bottle feed a calf, pet goats and kangaroos and make butter. You also get to sample many products including ice cream. Cost is $15 for ages 4 and up, 3 and under are free. This tour is given at 3:30 Monday through Saturday.

Animal Petting Tour

This also includes a trolley ride to the farm and walking tour to see the animals were you get to pet cows, calves, goats and kangaroos. You also get to make butter and sample products and eat ice cream. This tour is only available on Saturdays at 12:30 pm and costs $12 for ages 4 and up and free for ages 3 and under.

School tours and adult group tours are also available. Call 319-988-9834 to book these tours.

Kansas Underground Salt Museum, Hutchinson

This tour takes you by tram 650 feet underground to see where salt comes from. This is a working salt mine and when there you can feel the salty taste on your lips. The mine is opened Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm (tours start at 9:20 with the last tour beginning at 3 pm) and Sundays from 1 pm to 5 pm (last tour starts at 3).

In addition to the museum, several different tours are offered as follows:

Dark Ride Tour

You first enter an elevator where you go down into the mine where you get the tram. The dark ride tour is in the lighted area of the mine where you learn all about salt mining. You also get to take a piece of salt home with you.

This tour ranges from $12.50 for ages 4 to 12 to $19 for adults.

Salt Safari Shuttle

This is in addition to the dark ride tour and costs an additional $12.50 per person. You get to ride for miles in the unlit area of the mine just being able to see with your lighted hard hats.

Note: Children 4 and under are not allowed in the salt mine. Also, you will be supplied with a hard hat to hear in the mine.

Wild Turkey Bourbon, Lawrenceburg

Kentucky is known for its bourbon, has several manufacturers with Wild Turkey being the largest. You can take a one hour tour of their distillery and rickhouse (where the barrels are aged) for $11 per person. (Current military and Veterans are free if ID).

After the tour, you will receive a flight of different bourbons to try. Tours are given Monday through Saturday beginning at 9 am and the last tour starts at 4 pm.

Note: Minor can take the tour however you need to be 21 to taste any bourbon.

Tabasco Sauce Factory, Avery Island

This is where Tabasco Sauce has been made for over 100 years by the same family. You can take a self-guided tour starting at the Tabasco Museum and continuing for 10 stops from how the peppers are grown to the bottling and packaging of the sauce.

Tours are given 7 days a week beginning at 9 am and the last tour starts at 3:30 pm. They are walking tours and are $5.50 ages 5 to 54 and $4.95 for ages 55+ and veterans.

Wilbur’s of Maine Chocolates, Freeport

Wilbur’s of Maine offers factory guided and non-guided tours of their facility on certain dates of the week changing all the time so you need to visit there website for days and times.

During their guided tour (which is $4.50) you get to see how the chocolate is made but also get to make your own chocolate too. And of course, samples are given!

Spagnvola Chocolatier, Gaithersburg

Spagnvola used to give weekly tours but now only give tours during events. You can take a chocolate-making 101 class where you get an in-depth tour of the factory as well as learn to make different candy fillings and chocolate treats.

This event costs $75 and is 2.5 hours long. Reservations are a must and you can find out details on their website .

Massachusetts

Cape Cod Potato Chips, Hyannis

Come see how Cape Cod Potato Chips are made one batch at a time in custom barrels. Can you believe that they make 30,000 pounds of chips this way every day?

This is a free self-guided 30-minute walking tour. Of course, you get a free sample at the end. And the company recently built a new patio where you can relax and enjoy your chips.

Jiffy Mix, Chelsea

Jiffy Mix offers free one hour tours beginning with a video and then a guided walkthrough of their facility.

You will get free samples and refreshments. They even give you a free gift bag too!

Tours are given Monday to Friday from 9 am to 3 pm. Reservations are required by calling 4734-372-0223.

• Children must be at least in first grade to take the tour.
• You will be required to wear hairnets for part of this tour.

Redhead Creamery, Brooten

You begin your tour at the farm with the cows, you’ll even see where the cows are milked. Then you will see how the cheese process is done.

Tours are $10 and take between 1 and 1.5 hours. It’s a walking tour and is wheelchair accessible. Tours are given on Friday and Saturday at 12:30 pm.

Of course, get ready to try lots of cheese samples!

Mississippi

Lazy magnolia brewery, kiln.

The Lazy Magnolia Brewery offers several tours given on Thursday and Fridays at 6 pm and Saturday at noon, 2 and 4 pm.

Available tours are as follows:

• Front Porch Tour is $10 and includes a tour of the brewery and a pint glass.
• Back Porch Tour is $20 per person and includes a brewery tour, a flight of beer and a pint glass to take home.
• Debutante Tour is $30 and in addition to the brewery tour, flight and pint glass you also get a growler and a growler coolie to take home.

Note: Anyone can take the tour but you must to 21 years old to drink and take home the growler.

The Roasterie Factory, Kansas City

Take a tour and see how coffee is made at this must-see experience while you’re in Kansas City.

Factory tour includes the company’s history, see the roasting floor, see a live brewing demo and taste their cold brews.

Tours are 45 minutes long for a $5 fee and are given as follows:

• Monday to Friday 10 am and 12″30 pm
• Saturday 8:30, 10, 11:30, 1 and 2:30
• Sunday 10:30 and 12:30

You can also take more in-depth classes, check out their website for details.

Hop-On Montana Brew Bus Tour, Whitefish

This tour takes you to 3 breweries, wineries or distillery where you get to see the products that they make and get a flight or pint at each stop as a sample.

Tours run about 4 hours and reservations can be made at their website . Tours cost $65.

UNL Cheese Factory, Lincoln

Come and see this working dairy and find out how they make milk into cheese and ice cream.

Tours are free but must be scheduled 2 weeks in advance by calling 402-472-2973.

At the end of the tour, you can purchase ice cream at a discount.

Kimmie Candy, Reno

Take a free tour of the Kimmie Candy Factory and see how they make their Sunstars candy.

Your first stop is a video to see how the cany is made. Then you’re off to either a mini self-guided tour or a guided full tour of the factory. The choice is up to you but no matter which one you decided your get free samples!

You must call 775-284-9200 to schedule your tour which are given weekdays 10 am, noon and 3 pm.

New Hampshire

Parker’s sugar house, mason.

You need to time this tour right (so call ahead) with Mother Nature but is usually March through the end of April to see how maple syrup is made.

Here you get to see how the Native American made maple sugar the old fashion way to today how Parker’s make it in a wood-fired evaporator.

They have a year-round restaurant (Maple Barn) that gets a high rating and a gift shop that of course sells Maple Syrup all year round.

David Bradley Chocolatier, Robbinsville

You can watch (through observation windows) chocolate being made anytime from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. Discover how to make temper chocolate at home from their instructions. Of course, samples are available for your pleasure.

Eagle Ranch Farm Tour (Heart of the Desert), Alamogordo

Take a free 45-minute walking tour of the Heart of the Desert Pistachios and Wines. Here you can see how the products are being made from the start (crop) to finish. The tours explain and show you how pistachios are grown and processed. You see the fields, processing plant, packaging, and shipping.

Tours run daily Monday to Friday at 1:30 pm from September to May and twice a day at 10 am and 1:30 pm from June to August.

Brewery Ommegang, Coppertown

The Brewery opened its doors in Cooperstown in 1997 and has become one of the top craft beers in New York.

You can take a brewery tour for $5 per person. This 30 minute guided tour takes you through the brewhouse, cellars and packing hall. Afterward, you can take a guided tasting (for $10 per person) which included 6 kinds of Ommegang beers.

If you are ever in this area of New York and don’t want to take the tour, the brewery has a 100 person cafe with 20 beers on tap.

A summer concert series has become very popular in recent years with some top names performing.

Tour and tasting hours are Wednesday to Saturday from noon to 4 pm and Sunday from 11 to 3.

North Carolina

French broad chocolate factory & cafe, ashville.

Take this guided tour of the factory and see chocolate being made beginning with the coca bean to how they form the bars and also bonbons. And of course, free samples!

Tours are $12 for adults and children 12 and under are free. They are given Monday to Friday at 2 and 4 pm and Saturdays at 10 am, 12, 2 and 4 pm.

North Dakota

Drekker brewing company, fargo.

Drekker Brewing Company offers free tours on the first Saturday of each month at noon. These tours are given by one of the owners or the brewers so you really get to learn all about how their beer is made starting with the grains to the end.

You get to try samples of the raw products and finish with a tasting of 4 beers. Tours must be reserved in advance.

Although these tours are free, the company asks for a donation that is given to a different non-profit each month in the Fargo community.

Dum Dums (Spangler Candy) Bryan

Take the Dum Dum trolley on a tour of the factory and see the candy packing and warehouse areas. Learn about all the different flavors of Dum Dums and which are the best selling ones.

Tours are given Wednesday to Friday from 10 am to 3 pm (the last trolley leaves 2:30) and from Memorial Day to Labor Day tours are from Monday to Friday.

Tour prices are as follows:

• Adults $6.00
• Seniors $5.00
• Ages 6 to 18 $4.00
• 5 and under are free with paying adult

Braum Family Farm (Braum’s Ice Cream), Tuttle

Come down to the Braum’s Farm and tour the processing plant and bakery. See how they make ice cream, ice cream cones, milk, cookies and so many other products.

Tours are given Monday to Friday at 9 and 11 am. You must reserve and do it early as these tours fill up fast by calling 405-228-4604.

Tours are free and take about an hours and of course, you get free ice cream and bakery items at the end.

Harry & David, Medford

Take the Harry & David tour and see their products being made, including cheesecake, baklava, chocolate truffles and of course their famous Moose Munch.

You will also get to see how they prepare their “towers” and other gifts including preparing their pears for shipping.

Tours are given Monday to Friday at 9:15, 10:30, 12:30 and 1:45. Cost is $5 per person and you receive a $5 discount off $40 of goods at their store.

Reservation for the tour is recommended especially the closer it gets to the holiday season.

Pennsylvania

Hershey Chocolate World, Hershey

Hershey offers a 30-minute ride showing you how their chocolate is made. This is not a factory tour but you will see the process they take and find out all about the ingredients they use.

For more information read about the Hershey Tour and many other fun factory food tours in Pennsylvania.

Rhode Island

Newport vineyards, middletown.

Although not the Napa Valley, Newport Vineyards is the largest winery in New England. They offer complimentary tours of the vineyards and winemaking. Times and days change depending on the season.

After the tour, you are welcome to take a wine tasting for $17 which also includes a souvenir logo glass.

South Carolina

Charleston tea plantation (bigelow tea), wadmalaw.

Come see the tea plants at the only tea factory in America, Charleston Tea Plantation and take one of the many tours they offer.

This tour is a free self-guided walking tour where you look down into the actual tea factory. There are TV screens where the Bigelows explain the tea making process.

A Trolley Tour is also available for $14 for adults and $7 for children 4 to 11 (3 and under are free) and takes you all through the acres of tea bushes explaining all about them. You also make a stop at a greenhouse where you see how the bushes actually grow. This tour is about 35-40 minutes.

South Dakota

Sdsu davis dairy plant & sales bar, brookings.

Visit the South Dakota State University campus in Brookings and discover what great things the students are learning.

They have a Dairy Plant were they learn to make milk, ice cream, cheese, and butter. The Sales Bar 1.5 miles away serves everything that it made. The students are responsible for everything from making the products from raw milk to marketing and sales.

Take a tour and see for yourself this state of the art dairy plant. Taste the products made there and experience what these students are learning.

You can schedule your tour here .

Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Lynchburg

What would a trip to Tennessee by like without going to see where Jack Daniel’s is made?

The Dry County Tour is a tour of the distillery and the whiskey-making process without tasting any of the products. It’s a little over an hour long and costs $15 for adults and $7 for children 10-17. These tours are given Daily including Sundays from 9:00 to 4:30.

The Flight of Jack Distillery Tour is the same as the above however at the end you go to the Barrell House where you get a flight of 5 different kinds of whiskey to taste. This tour is $25 and is 1.5 hours long.

The Angel’s Share Tour is the same as the Flight tour except you will be given the whiskey from the single barrel collection. This tour is $30 and is also 1.5 hours.

Note: With the Flight of JackTou r and the Angel Tour you can be 18 years old to take the tour but must be 21+ to drink the Whiskey.

Collins Street Bakery, Corsciana

For over 100 years Collins Street Bakery has been home to its famous Deluxe TM Fruitcake. Factory tours are given seasonally by appointment in their Downtown Corsicana location.

See how its fruitcake is made and delivered throughout the world.

Sweet Candy, Salt Lake City

Known for its salt water taffy, chocolate covered jelly sticks and fruit sours, this family-owned business has been making candy for over 100 years.

You can take a free guided tour of their factory Monday to Thursdays from 9 am to 4 pm and Friday from 9 am to 11 am. The tour included free factory samples and all tours are by appointment only.

Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, Waterbury

Take a 30 minute guided tour to one of America’s favorite ice cream factories, Ben & Jerry’s.

Hear about the company’s history as well as see how the ice cream is made. And as expected, get a free sample of ice cream.

Tours are given daily, times vary depending on the season but run consistently throughout the day, the last tour beginning an hour before closing.

Tours are $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and 12 and under are free.

Note: You can’t make a reservation for the tours and during peak season they can get busy having to wait up to 2 hours, however, you can purchase tickets for that day and come back at a later time.

Route 11 Potato Chips, Mount Jackson

Take a tour and see the entire process of how potato chips are made through big windows looking down into the factory (except for the peeling of the potatoes).

Tours are free and available Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. After you can get samples of many kinds of potato chips to try.

Theo Chocolate, Fremont

Take an hour tour learning all about the process of making Theo Cholcate from the cocoa beans to the making of the bars. This is an inside view of the actual factory where the chocolate is made. You get to try a wide variety of samples along the way.

Tours cost $12 per person and are given Monday through Saturday however there is no production on Saturdays. Reservations in advance are highly recommended by calling 206-632-5100.

West Virginia

Hatfield & mccoy moonshine, gilbert.

Located in the West Virginia mountains is the Hatfield & McCoy Moonshine Distillery. Stop by and see how their moonshine is made with all-natural ingredients from white corn (grown in West Virginia). It’s made in small batches and its strong at 90 proof!

Twig’s Beverage, Shawano

Start with a movie on the history of the company and learn all about their beverages. See how all their products are made with real sugar the old fashion way and bottled in glass containers.

After the tour take a break at the soda tasting bar and sample Twig’s products. Schedule your free guided tour by calling 715-526-5031 a week ahead.

Jackson Hole Still Works, Jackson

Take a tour and learn about the entire process of how they make their vodka and gin production. All ingredients are grown in Wyoming including the best tasting water from the Tetons.

Tours are given during regular hours daily from 10 am to 6 pm. They are given every day but call ahead to arrange your time at 307-699-8998.

Final Thoughts

There are so many made in America products and I hope you enjoyed the reading about them. So on your next road trip take a break and stop to see some fun food factory tours along the way!

Pin this and save for when you’re on the road!

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34 thoughts on “Made in the USA: Food Factory Tours in Every State”

The Jelly Belly tour!! Its added to our next holiday when we visit!

Thanks for the thorough post, gotta add some of these to my bucket list now. I wanna see all the breweries and the orange juice factory haha!

Wow! I have lived in FL, NJ, PA, and VA and I have never gone to any of these places. Definitely going to have to go back and visit.

There are a lot of food factories in PA, they have a whole snack trail plus many more

I’ve toured the Blue Bell factory! It’s always interesting to see the behind the scenes.

Yes it is fun to see how the products are made

What a fun post! Crazy that as many states as I’ve been to, I don’t think I’ve made it to one of these. I’ll definitely be bookmarking this for my next trip.

Yea some states I’ve been to I didn’t go the factories but a great thing to do on a rainy day

Oh, cool! I didn’t even know that my home state, Florida, did the “how to make orange juice” thing, and I definitely want to go sometime!

Yes so many different things to see in all the states!

What a great list! The Hammonds candy factory in Colorado is a good one. I went once. It was a quick tour, but I loved seeing the factory at work. You can also visit the Celestial Seasonings factory in Boulder as well. That one was really cool!

I’ll have to check the celestial Seasonings factory out one day. Yes it is cool seeing these factories and how they make their products.

What a fun idea for a list! We travel in our camper a lot so I need to save this list for when we’re on the road. We’ve been to Cerreta’s a few times! It’s a little small but young kids really enjoy it! They even have conveyer belts like on I Love Lucy. LOL

Us too, we travel in a camper too so we never know where we will end up. Love road trips and the many different places out there that you can discover.

I love this. I am a huge fan of food factory tours, and we love the Ben and Jerry factory in Vermont. It is right near some great ski resorts. We also love to do this in other countries. It is a great way for kids to learn about the culture. Such a fun activity for families!

Yes I agree and it’s good for kids to see how products are made. I also agree the Ben & Jerry factory in Vermont is cool, been there several times.

This is such a great post so many cool places I would love to visit, the oj factory. These would be great options for homeschooling too.

Yes many of the places on the list would be good for homeschooling, there is so much to learn at many these places

Ohhh So good such a yummm derailed blog good to see Thanks good information , keep doing good work skin care products and remedies

Amazing list! I love touring factories – I’ve been to a few places on this list! The Pez Visitor Center is such a hidden gem, great way to spend a few hours!

Yes it is, Its fun to see all the different PEZ dispensers that they have on display!

Wow, what a thorough post! Totally a foodie here so I love this.

This is such a great list! As someone who loves food and travel, a list of state food tours is perfect! Thanks so much for compiling this information.

We travel to a lot of states too that’s why I decided to make this list because you never know where you will be

What a neat read – I had no idea there was a Theo Chocolate just a couple hours north of me. We will have to check this out one day!

Thank you and enjoy your chocolate tour when you can get there!

I love this list, pinned for later 🙂

P.S. The Oklahoma Factory is Braum’s with an M, we used to live there and they make THE BEST ICE CREAM and milk!!!

Thank you for this great list! I grew up going to the Jelly Belly factory but have yet to take my own kids! I had no idea Reno had one, we were just there and looking for things to do with the kiddos. And the Pez and Ben and Jerry’s states will have to go on our travel wish list!

Ben & Jerry is a great tour and the kids love all the ice cream, well the adults love it too, lol

I live in NC and will be checking out the chocolate factory next time I’m near Ashville. Thanks for sharing 😊

Thank you, visiting food factories can be lots of fun!

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Take a Made in America Alabama Factory Tour

Whether you live in Alabama, are on vacation, or just passing through, check out these fun and educational Alabama factory tours you can take with your classroom, family, troop, or other group.

Alabama Factories That Offer Tours

Alabama auto plant tours.

Honda | Lincoln, AL

The Honda Alabama Plant offers one-and-a-half-hour tours with advance registration. All tours are free. Must be 12 years old to enter the plant.

Hyundai | Montgomery, AL

Watch team members and robots alike assemble the Hyundai Elantra, Santa Fe, Tucson, Santa Cruz, and the Genesis Electrified GV70 in one of the world’s most advanced automotive plants. Tours are free by reservation only.

Mercedes-Benz | Birmingham, AL

Two-mile walking tour that lasts about an hour and a half. The assembly line may or may not be running. Advance reservations are required. Search “tours” on the website for current information.

#Mercedes-Benz

Alabama Aircraft Factory Tours

Airbus U.S. | Mobile, AL

Mobile is home to one of five Airbus manufacturing facilities. Get behind the scenes in the assembly line hangar that is more than two football fields long with a 91-foot ceiling. The Airbus tour requires a security check and a valid government I.D. for all adults 18+ (driver’s license, passport, etc.).

Motorhome Factory Tours in Alabama

Tiffin Motorhomes | Winfield, AL & Red Bay, AL

See how they build luxury motorhomes with a guided tour at any of the three factory locations in Alabama or Mississippi. Appointments aren’t necessary but requested for groups of ten or more. The Tiffin Motorhomes tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

#Tiffin Motorhomes

Other Alabama Factory Tours

Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark | Birmingham, AL

Enjoy a guided or self-guided tour of the historical Sloss Furnaces where iron and steel impacted the growth of Birmingham, Alabama. You’ll learn how the furnaces worked and about the people who worked there.

More Tours in Alabama

Alabama Dairy Farm Tours

Made in the USA Matters has a complete directory of United States dairy farm tours . Check out the dairy farm tours in Alabama .

USA Factory Tours

Did we miss an Alabama factory tour? Please share it with our community in the comments below.

American Dairy Farm Tours | See Dairy Products Made in the USA

American Cheese Factory Tours | See Cheese Made in the USA

American Chocolate & Candy Factory Tours | See Chocolate & Candy Made in the USA

American Potato Chip Factory Tours | See Snack Foods Made in the USA

American Distillery & Brewery Tours | See Spirits Made in the USA

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Birmingham Food and Drink Tours

Embark on culinary adventures in Birmingham, Alabama, with our Food and Drink Tours. Discover the Magic City's finest dining, from barbecue to Southern comfort food, craft beer to local cocktails. Join us to savor Birmingham's cuisine, one bite at a time.

Book Your Culinary Journey Now!

Seats are limited and in high demand. Secure your spot today to explore Birmingham's culinary landscape with us.

Scroll Down to Explore

Scroll down to learn more about our tour offerings and reserve your spot for a foodie adventure that will delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Don't wait – book now and experience the best of Birmingham's food and drink scene!

Welcome to Smokehouse Secrets

Your Ultimate Birmingham BBQ Adventure

Uncover the BBQ Wonders of Birmingham

Prepare for a savory journey like no other. Our Smokehouse Secrets tour takes you on a delectable expedition through the heart of Birmingham's legendary BBQ scene. You'll explore hidden gems and famous smokehouses alike, savoring mouthwatering dishes that define Southern comfort food.

Why Choose Smokehouse Secrets?

Indulge in birmingham's bbq excellence.

When you join our BBQ adventure, you're in for a treat. We pride ourselves on offering:

• Expert Local Guides: Our passionate guides are BBQ aficionados with deep knowledge of the Birmingham BBQ culture.
• Exclusive Access: Gain entry to renowned BBQ joints and explore secret gems you won't find on your own.
• Mouthwatering Tastings: Savor a diverse array of BBQ dishes, from succulent ribs to smoky pulled pork.
• Cultural Insights: Learn about the history and traditions that make Birmingham's BBQ scene unique.

Book Your BBQ Adventure Today

Don't miss out on the ultimate BBQ experience in Birmingham. Join us for an unforgettable culinary adventure filled with smoky flavors and secret recipes. Book your Smokehouse Secrets tour today!

Lunch or Dinner at the Temples of Smoke and Fire

Monday – Saturday

3 to 4 hours – 4 different local BBQ pits – Beginning at 10 AM & 4 PM

$175 per person – All Inclusive

————————————————————————————————

Budget Friendly 2 Hour Tour 

2 to 3 hours – 2 different local BBQ Pits – Beginning at 10 AM & 4 PM

$100 per person – All Inclusive

Welcome to the Southern Lunch Tour

Discover the Essence of Southern Cuisine

Embark on a Southern Culinary Adventure

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds on our Southern Lunch Tour . This extraordinary journey will take you on a delectable exploration through the heart of the South, celebrating the rich and diverse flavors of Southern cuisine.

Why Choose Our Southern Lunch Tour?

Savor the authenticity of southern dishes.

When you join our tour, you're in for an unforgettable experience filled with:

• Local Expertise: Our guides are passionate about Southern cuisine and will share their insights into the regional delicacies.
• Hidden Gems: Discover charming local eateries and iconic Southern restaurants, each with its own unique charm.
• Mouthwatering Tastings: Relish a diverse array of Southern dishes, from savory fried chicken to soulful gumbo.
• Cultural Heritage: Gain a deeper understanding of the South's culinary traditions and the stories behind each meal.

Book Your Southern Lunch Adventure

Don't miss the opportunity to experience the South's culinary treasures. Join us for an unforgettable culinary journey through Southern flavors. Book your Southern Lunch Tour today!

Lunch at the Kitchens of Southern Goodness

3 to 4 hours – 4 or 5 different local Southern Restaurants 

(loosen your belt and enjoy a vast array of Southern Goodness)

 Beginning at 10 AM

2 to 3 hours – 3 different local Southern Meals

Beginning at 10 AM

Experience Birmingham, Alabama’s vibrant nightlife and culinary scene on our Downtown Dinner Tour! Taste the best of the city’s dining scene as you visit top-rated restaurants and bars in the heart of downtown. From upscale Southern cuisine to creative cocktails, our tour offers an unforgettable culinary experience. Immerse yourself in the city’s lively atmosphere as you explore its historic streets and landmarks. Learn about the history and culture of Birmingham from our expert guides, and discover the stories behind the city’s foodie culture. This is the perfect way to enjoy an evening out in Birmingham and discover the city’s hidden gems!

Indulge in a journey through the Prohibition era with our Cocktails and Speakeasies Tour! Follow in the footsteps of 1920s bootleggers as we take you to hidden underground bars, secret back rooms, and unmarked doors. Sip on handcrafted cocktails made by skilled mixologists, and learn about the history and culture of the speakeasy scene. This immersive tour is perfect for a unique and exciting night out. Whether you’re a history buff, a cocktail enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun evening, our Cocktails and Speakeasies Tour will surely be a memorable experience.

Multiple tours in town take you to the breweries, but we take you to the, hidden(and not so hidden) cocktail bars, join us for a night you will remember, due to the nature of this tour – it is 21 and up only, wednesday’s at 8:15 pm.

Click to  Call us at 205-440-2720

Click to email [email protected]

The Birmingham Historic Touring Company (BHTC) is a boutique tour company devoted to strange, dark, and unusual walking and intimate driving tours of Birmingham, Alabama, and the surrounding area. Our unique tours are meticulously written and researched, one-of-a-kind creations led by expert guides. We are a locally-owned, independently operated business and are consistently one of the Best things to do in Birmingham, Alabama. 

Copyright 2023 Birmingham historic touring company. All rights reserved.

• [email protected]
• (205) 440 - 2720

EST. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response to your inquiry. Emails sent during non- office hours will be responded to on the next business day.

Alabama factories to visit and tour

Alabama has factories to visit and tour. Below, first are the active, working factories. The next section has historical operations which often have demonstrations or renactments. These incluse both large and small operations, from several person chocolate factories and cheesemakers to large manufacturers making paper towels, wood products, beverage cans and bottles, are open to the public with real tours, exhibitions and fun education.

In some cases, such as a manufacturing process that is no longer in use, the only way to see it and learn about it is a museum or living history center. So, we also provide information about engineering facilities and museums, dinosaur digs, even government facilities, like NASA, astronomy oberservatories and more that are open to the public on certain days and times. And if there is some place that is just plain fun to visit, we add that, too!

These are perfect for homeschooling, for STEM and for fun! Kids love visiting these places! They're learning and getting an education without even realizing it. And most of these are either free or under $10! What's better then fun, entertaining, good for children and families, educational and free?

Here are some of the top factory tours in Alabama and contact information and tips about visiting them.

Factories to visit in Alabama

Factories, engineering, museums and other fun demonstrations and exhibits to visit in alabama.

• Austal USA - shipbuilder 1 Dunlap Drive, Mobile, AL 36602. Email: [email protected] . It says, you can book tours and activities on Expedia, but there's nothing there right now.  Presumably, you can take a guided tour of the shipyard. Austal USA is an American shipbuilder based on Blakeley Island known for constructing naval vessels and commercial ships. Tours of their shipyard offer an opportunity to see the shipbuilding process, from design to construction, and learn about the maritime industry.
• GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico - maritime museum Cooper Riverside Park, 155 Water St, Mobile, AL 366024. Phone: (251) 436-8901. GulfQuest/National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico opened on September 26, 2015, is a non-profit interactive maritime museum dedicated to the maritime heritage and culture of the Gulf of Mexico.
• Honda Manufacturing of Alabama - car manufacturer 1800 Honda Drive, Lincoln, AL. Open: October 2023 their website says "The Honda Visitors Program and all plant tours are currently suspended. Please check back regularly for the most up-to-date information on when tours will resume. Thank you!" Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Advance reservations required. Tours typically last approximately one-and-a-half hours. Limit of 50 people per tour. For more than 50, type the number in special accommodations. Must be at least 12 year old to tour. All tours are free of charge.
• Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Factory Tour - automobile manufacturer 700 Hyundai Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36105. Open: Reservations Required: To book a Hyundai tour, click here. Tour reservations may be made up to six months in advance. You are invited to come watch the process of building over 1,500 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles each work day. After checking out the display vehicles in the showroom, you’ll watch a briefing and video before boarding the tour tram and putting on a headset and safety glasses. Your tour guide will drive you though the manufacturing plant and explain the many steps involved with making a vehicle. You’ll enjoy watching the technology, learning how it all works, and waving at our enthusiastic Alabama Team Members. Cost: No Charge. Tour Days and Times: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m by reservation only. The tour provides an opportunity to witness the assembly of Hyundai's new design direction called "Fluidic Sculpture" and see the all-new Hyundai Sonata and Elantra. The tour is free of charge and lasts approximately 75-90 minutes. Reservations are required and can be made up to six months in advance⁵.Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama offers guided tours of its manufacturing facility where Hyundai vehicles are produced. Visitors can learn about the various stages of vehicle assembly and the advanced technology used in the manufacturing process.
• Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. (MBUSI) - automobile manufacturer 11 Mercedes Dr, Vance, AL 35490. Phone: (205) 507-2252. Open: Please call (205) 507-2252 or, toll-free, (888) 286-8762 between the hours of 8:30 am to 4:00 pm CST for tour availability or to request your reservation. Their website in October 2023, says the tour is temporarily unavailable. The Mercedes-Benz factory tour provides an inside look at the production of luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Visitors can see the manufacturing process, from the assembly line to quality control, and gain insights into the craftsmanship that goes into these vehicles.
• Remington Firearms Factory - gun maker Huntsville, AL. They closed in 2020.
• Tiffin Motorhome Factory Tour - RV factory Wayfarer Winfield, AL Plant. Tifton Winfield, AL Directions . For more information or to schedule a tour of our Wayfarer Plant please call (205) 487-4710. Take a guided factory tour of Tiffin Motorhomes to see how we build our luxury RVs! Starting Monday, May 1, we will offer tours Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at our Red Bay facility starting at 9:30 a.m. We will offer one tour at both our Belmont and Winfield facilities on Thursdays starting at 12:30 p.m.  Holidays are excluded from these days. Please wear comfortable closed-toe shoes. The Red Bay walking tour departs from the Visitor’s Center at the front gate and lasts approximately an hour and a half.  The Belmont tour departs from the guard shack at the entrance. The Winfield tour departs from the main lobby. No appointment necessary. The tour provides an opportunity to see how Tiffin motorhomes are assembled from start to finish. The tour is free of charge and lasts approximately two hours.

Alabama Historical Forts and Sites, Famous buildings, Active Federal facilities to tour, Geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

• NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center is situated on the U.S. Army's Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. Visitors are welcomed at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center , Marshall's official Visitor Center, which offers public bus tours of Marshall. Space and Rocket Center visitors can learn more about Marshall's legacy and ongoing work. Interactive exhibits and historic artifacts demonstrate our critical role in supporting the breadth of NASA's exploration and science missions. Visitors will learn how Marshall develops, integrates and manages complex space systems and scientific research projects that continue to yield exciting and innovative scientific discoveries. Space and Rocket Center bus tours of Marshall are $20 for guests ages 5 and up. Children 4 and under ride free. For more information, visit: https://www.rocketcenter.com/bustours . The U.S. Space and Rocket Center (USSRC) is a Smithsonian Affiliate and the Official Visitor Center for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. We have one of the largest collections of rockets and space memorabilia on display anywhere in the world. Learn More and Get Tickets

State parks

• Bladon Springs State Park
• Blue Springs State Park
• Buck's Pocket State Park
• Cathedral Caverns State Park
• Cheaha State Park
• Chewacla State Park
• Chickasaw State Park
• DeSoto State Park
• Frank Jackson State Park
• Gulf State Park
• Joe Wheeler State Park
• Lake Guntersville State Park
• Lake Jackson RV Park at Florala
• Lake Lurleen State Park
• Lakepoint State Park
• Meaher State Park
• Monte Sano State Park
• Oak Mountain State Park
• Paul Grist State Park
• Rickwood Caverns State Park
• Roland Cooper State Park
• Wind Creek State Park

Seasons, bugs, topography and climate

Camping in alabama.

If you're looking to save money on your trip, camping may be a fun alternative to hotels and motels, especially, if you already have the gear, or are looking to get some. BTW, this websites ( https://RoadTrippingAndCamping.com ) explains everything you need to know about camping gear and where to the best gear at the lowest prices.

There are both state parks and private campgroundsin Alabama .

Where to go in Central Alabama: Factory tours, museums, hiking & more

• Family / Travel
• 10 Feb, 2015

Here is the second installment of what to do in Alabama.  Remember the other day I posted the first installment called: Where to go in North Alabama: U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Sci-Quest, Monte Sano, Jesse Owens, Oakville Indian Mounds & more

Remember these are places we have visited as a family.  There are a number of spots we haven’t visited. The reviews are based on my personal experience with the facilities or locations.

Each of my travel posts will include an educational value star rating system.  Below is an explanation:

★ – Very little educational value. No signage, museums, plaques, explanation of visual interests.

★★ – Some information is provided or readily available online.  It could also mean the item or location has a deep history worth researching however information is not provided at the scene.

★★★ – The location or attraction offers educational talking points, signs, displays but is low on quantity of information provided.

★★★★ – Great quality of information, worth stopping by and offers informative and educational experiences throughout the facility.

★★★★★ – A must see attraction or experience with an abundance of resources, educational scavenger hunts, worksheets or books.  Plaques, displays are interactive and thorough.

So here we go county by county:

CALHOUN COUNTY 

Anniston Museum of Natural History/Berman Museum of World History

Educational value: ★★★★★

Description: These museums are worth checking out if you head over to Anniston.  It’s been a while since we visited but there are some great exhibits the kids loved. They often have community events and educational programs.  They also have free admission days throughout the year for special occasions.

Admission: Free if you’re an ASTC member.  Adults $6, kids $5 for Natural History & Berman is $5 for adults and $4 for kids.

Go here for info about Anniston Natural History, go here for Berman.

CLEBURNE & CLAY COUNTY

Cheaha State Park (Highest point in Alabama)

Educational value: ★★★☆☆

Description: This is a beautiful state park.  Hike Bald Rock to get to the edge of Mt. Cheaha.  There are few educational spots along the way.  Check out the ranger station.  Go here to read my review previously posted on Bargain Mom. (the formatting is terrible, because it’s so old and al.com has updated their site too many times.)

Admission: It’s usually $3 each but sometimes you can get in free.

Go here for more info and directions.

JEFFERSON COUNTY 

Aldridge Gardens (Hoover)

Educational value: ★★☆☆☆

Description: This is a beautiful park in Hoover that’s worth checking out, especially during hydrangea season.  Take your camera.  They do have frequent educational events for members and some are open to the public.

Admission: Free

Go here for information and directions.

Barber Motorsports Museum

Description: This is not a kid friendly museum in my opinion.  No hands-on activities, just a giant museum of motorcycles. However if you have a racing and motorsports fan in the family, I would stop by when you can.  I also think this museum is overpriced and rarely do they offer admission discounts.  There are a number of signs and historical tips throughout the facility.  It’s not for younger children though, they will get bored quick.   Make it interesting by asking them to find a favorite on each floor or look for models that are significant years, like birth years of family members etc.

Admission: $15 for adults. $10 for children ages 4-12 (Charging $10 for a 4 to 5 year old is absurd.)  Also there are armed guards that will yell at the kids if they are even remotely walking fast.

Go here for more information and directions.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens   

Description: This gem in the city is beautiful and includes some great hikes.  The best part of the gardens is that most of it is in the shade.  There are markers for all the plants, educational programs scheduled throughout the year and classes. FreshAirFamily.org often offers free educational plant identification hikes.

Go here to learn more and get directions.

Birmingham Museum of Art

Description: This is a must stop.  If you are new to Alabama, been here all of your life or just passing through – put the BMOA on your list.  It is a spectacular collection of beautiful art, sculptures and the largest collection of Wedgwood pottery. Go here to learn more. However, the best thing about BMOA is the exceptional children’s educational programs they have on a regular basis.  Free art projects every Saturday are held in the Bart’s Art room. There is free parking in the back.

Go here to learn more.

Birmingham Zoo 

Description: I have a love, hate relationship with the Birmingham Zoo.  Sometimes I think it’s good and other times I’m really annoyed with it.  The quality is ok but I think the Montgomery Zoo is better and much more reasonable.  The price and lack of fresh signage, or more comprehensive signage I should say, is why I give this three stars.  If you never go, you haven’t missed anything. But if you do go, bring lots of water and your own snacks.  Zoo food and drinks are overpriced. Skip the souvenir shop. Trust me.

Admission: Adults – $15* Children 2 – 12 years old – $10* Senior Citizens 65 years+ – $10* Military (Active duty only- must show military ID)- $12.75* *Plus tax

Admission is half price every Tuesday. (Half price special applies only to individual admission. It does not apply to Group rates.)

Go here for directions.

Golden Flake Factory Tour (Downtown Birmingham)

Description: This is a fun tour in the heart of Birmingham.  Kids and adults can tour the factory and see where chips and more are made!  It’s really a fantastic tour and depending on the tour guide’s mood it’s really educational.  However I’ve been a few different times and had two different guides. One was great, the second not so much. You’ll need to wear closed toed shoes and shirts with sleeves.  You’ll wear a hair net.  If your husband has a beard, he’ll wear a beard-net. It’s funny. They are generous with full size bags or snack bags of chips too.  Put this on your list for the summer.

Go here to learn more and to call to make a reservation.

Lakeshore Rehab Center & Olympic Training Facility (Homewood)

Description: This center is doing amazing things with children and adults needing rehab, therapy and more.  The training facility is open for tours.  However you’ll need to call to confirm someone is available.  You can also attend sporting events, wheelchair basketball, etc.

Go here for more information.

McWane Science Center

Educational value: ★★★★★

Description: This is your standard science center.  I personally stay away from McWane. I’ve been. The kids enjoy it. But I can’t stand all of the unsupervised kids that roam aimlessly around the center, while their parents chat with each other.  Yes I sound bitter, but it’s ridiculous.  If you go on an off time you will have a good time.  They do have some great programs that are worth attending, like touring exhibits or educational events.

Admission: If you’re an ASTC member you could get in free, this does exclude Southern Museum of Flight members. Adults are $13, Kids $9 (ages 2-12) Kids under 2 are free.

Morris Avenue Peanut Depot

Description: This is a staple of Birmingham.  Known for delicious roasted and boiled peanuts it’s a tradition you will need to check out one day. If you’re lucky you can ask for a demonstration of the roasting machines that are more than 100 years old. It’s fascinating how old the machines are and how well the workers know the machines and process.

Admission: Free, peanuts are for sale at various prices.

Go here to learn more. 

Railroad Park & Rainbow tunnels

Educational value:  ★☆☆☆☆

Description: Railroad Park is an urban landscape that’s usually packed during warm days.  It’s worth visiting at least once. There are frequent events there throughout the year.  Check their calendar for details. If you go to the area look for the rainbow tunnels.  Go here for more details. 

Admission free.

Go here for park details.

Red Mountain Park 

Educational value:  ★★☆☆☆

Description: This is a cool park off Lakeshore Drive in Homewood.  It’s not the best spot for education, but it’s a fantastic spot for hiking and adventure. Take water, lots of it.  Tell someone you’re going and take snacks too.  You can make it educational if you read the signs, learn about the site and tell the kids to actually look at the dirt and minerals along the paths. Go here to read tip post I did on Bargain Mom.

There is a zipline park that is not free.

Go here for details and information.

Regions Field (Home of the Barons – Downtown Birmingham)

Description: Follow the Barons Facebook page for updates on free tour dates.  A tour includes seeing the locker room, dugouts, press boxes and more.  It’s worth a visit.  Otherwise there’s nothing to do, unless you’re going to a game.

Admission: Tours are free on select dates. (Varies each year)

Rickwood Field (West Birmingham)

Description: The website is your best bet for information to make this place more educational.  The actual stadium isn’t that educational.

Admission: Free.

Go here for details.

Ruffner Mountain Nature Center

Description: The kids love this park for a number of reasons. One is the nature center.  There is a free animal viewing area inside and outside of the center.  They love to hike there as well.  This center has a number of free educational activities throughout the year.  You must keep up with them online for all kinds of great events your kids both young and older will love.

Admission: Free (However they do accept donations) Some events do have small supply fees.

Go here to learn more about the center and get directions. (Do not use Apple maps to get you there, use Google Maps)

Southern Museum of Flight

Description: I call this museum the underdog of Birmingham. It’s often overlooked but it shouldn’t be, because it’s packed with educational information on all periods of flight.  There are static displays outside along the route to the museum and at the museum.  They have a scavenger hunt available that will help get the kids involved in your self-guided tour.  The kids will enjoy a play area and some simulators. They’ve also added a video game area.

Admission: This is the museum I joined to gain access to the ASTC passport program that allows me to get free access to more than 300 science and technology centers across the nation including the Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville.

Adults are $7, students are $6

Sloss Furnace 

Description: If you make it to Birmingham you need to do the self-guided tour of Sloss Furnace.  It’s more than just a home to a Halloween event, it’s the heart of why Birmingham is Birmingham. The industrial skeleton is an educational goldmine about Birmingham’s past.  Take your cell phone to use along with the signs.  If you have little ones, you will need to pay close attention to what they’re doing and where they walk.  Wear sneakers, not flip-flops or Crocs.

Admission: Free, although donations are accepted.

Turkey Creek Nature Preserve

Description: This is a favorite water hole in Pinson, Alabama.  Known by the locals for swimming and hiking, I would just stick with hiking. The water is pretty but full of junk.  You can wade in the water and be fine, but I wouldn’t swim. They do have events in the park, including reenactments.

Go here for directions and more.

Vulcan Park

Description: Have you visited Vulcan?  No?  Then you should.  There is a museum (that’s entirely too short for the cost of admission) but it’s worth checking out, especially if you use the scavenger hunt feature with your kids.  Admission includes the observation deck.  You can access the observation deck after hours for $4 through 10 p.m.

Admission: Adults are $6, kids are $4

SHELBY COUNTY 

(There are a number of things we haven’t done in Shelby County. Go here to see a full list of stops.)

Alabama Wildlife Center (Oak Mountain State Park)

Description: This center is free with paid admission to Oak Mountain State Park.  The kids can see baby birds being nursed back to health, rescued birds and more.  There are outdoor and indoor exhibits.

Admission: Adults $3

American Village 

Description: This amazing campus in Montevallo will transport you back to colonial times.  You can tour the facility by yourself or with a guide.  They have exceptional programs throughout the year.  Actors portray historical figures throughout the park.  There is a presidential wax doll museum to visit and sometimes you can see reenactments.

Admission: Price can vary.

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum & Train Rides

Description: If you head down for a train ride, don’t miss the museum inside the depot.  There are some cool things inside the kids will find interesting and so will adults. Go here to see my 12 tips for visiting the museum. 

Admission: Train rides vary. You can purchase tickets up to an hour before the train ride to save on fees.

Go here for details and directions.

TALLADEGA COUNTY 

Blue Bell Factory Tour (Sylacauga)

Description: Make sure you plan ahead to secure a spot on the Blue Bell Factory Tour. It’s fun, tasty and easy for the kids to enjoy especially since they get cute ice cream parlor hats.

Admission: $3

Comer Museum & Imerys-Gantt’s Marble Quarry observation area

Educational value: ★★★★☆

Description: This free museum and observation area are a few miles apart but worth visiting if you’re in Sylacauga.  The museum is full of interesting facts and artifacts.  The observation area is open to the public during the day.  Sylacauga marble was used to make the Lincoln Memorial. NOTE: The  Hodges meteorite exhibit is here. You can see the radio it hit before hitting Ann Hodges in 1952.  The real meteorite is at the Alabama Museum of Natural History in Tuscaloosa.  See their info below.

Go here for details and more from the Comer Museum. Go here for quarry details.

TUSCALOOSA COUNTY

Alabama Museum of Natural History (University of Alabama campus)

Description: This museum is packed with cool exhibits from dinosaurs to minerals.  It is an evolution based museum so be prepared if you’re a Creationist.  There are several hands-on areas for kids.

Admission: $2 for adults, kids are $1

Go here for info and directions.

Moundville Archaeological Park 

Description: This is a well known spot in Alabama and worth visiting. However it’s expensive and overpriced in my opinion.  There is a cool museum/center but there’s not much to it.  The mounds are accessible, however you’ll need to do some leg work at home to make it a full educational experience.  They do have Knap-in events and festivals throughout the year that can enhance the park experience.  I’ve been to a few and some of the exhibitors are terrible and some are great.  It’s a hit or miss.

Admission: $8 for adults, $6 for kids

Go here for directions and information.

Tannehill State Park & Iron and Steel Museum of Alabama

Description: The park itself is beautiful and full of hiking trails.  However the real gem is the Iron & Steel Museum.  There are some fantastic artifacts of history in this museum.  Ask for a scavenger hunt sheet to help the kids enjoy and embrace the history.  There is a short film at the beginning to explain the history of the park.

Admission: $4 for adults (museum price is $2 additional)

HAVE YOU DONE SOMETHING COOL IN NORTH ALABAMA THAT’S NOT ON THIS LIST? THEN SEND ME INFO AND YOUR STAR RATING AND IT COULD BE ADDED TO THIS LIST.

Tags: Central Alabama Travel

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There is a groupon for Vulcan right now, and you can use the 20% off on top of it.

Excellent tip Amy! Thanks so much!

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Birmingham Taste Tours

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Birmingham Taste Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Meet Alabama’s Artisanal Cheesemakers

By jess simpson, table of contents, day 1 – take in small-town allure: elkmont, what to see & do, where to stay, day 2 – see where cream rises to the top: alexandria, where to eat, day 3 – become a goat rancher for a day: harpersville, day 4 – see where it all began: elberta.

Get your camera ready for this Instagram-worthy tour through Alabama farmland to meet a few of the state’s top artisanal cheese producers. Throughout Alabama’s rich agricultural history, farmers have utilized the mild climate and fertile soil to create distinctive dairy products. Today, the artisanal cheese movement is in bloom with a new generation of innovators garnering much-deserved national attention and accolades.

This road trip takes you north to south through scenic rural areas showcasing a diversity of landscapes and micro-climates. With each stop, you’ll compare and contrast how distinctive farming and grazing conditions and an individual producer’s artistry work together to create unique flavors and styles. And you’ll meet the torch-bearers who are carrying the art form into the future. It’s a road trip that reveals Alabama as a foodie’s paradise and a cheese lover’s dream.

After lunch, head across the street to the  Richard Martin Trail . This 10.2-mile trail running along the former rail line is a haven for walkers, runners and horseback riders as well as history buffs. The trail goes over historic bridges and past an important Civil War site, the Battle of Sulphur Creek Trestle.

If seeing Alabama by kayak floats your boat, it’s easy to arrange a trip along the Elk River. Fort Hampton Outfitters (256-431-8988) will pick you up at U.G. White Mercantile downtown for the two-hour excursion. Before leaving, check out the town’s shops including Artisan South , a boutique featuring innovative works by Southern artists.

Plans are underway to establish a bed-and-breakfast in Elkmont. Until those accommodations are available, travel down the road to Athens (256-232-5411) or Decatur (256-350-2028) for one last city fix before tomorrow’s drive to the country.

A scenic two-hour drive through Central Alabama brings you to 200-acre Canebrake Farm in Alexandria, proud home of Wright Dairy (241 Cane Creek Farm Rd.; 256-820-1020) and a herd of the happiest cows you’ve ever seen.

Farmer David Wright admits his status as “cheesemaker extraordinaire” came along almost by accident. His family has been dairy farming for more than 40 years and has cultivated new ways to use the abundance of milk. First there was butter and then ice cream, but after the first experiment with cheese, Wright found his true passion.

Since then, he’s been producing a range of the good stuff, from sharp Peaceburg Cheddar to smooth fontina-style Alexandria. Visit the farm store housed in the original milking barn to stock up on the many varieties, plus milk, lotion and soap. With any luck, you’ll experience the leisurely parade of cows coming in from the fields for their twice-daily milking sessions.

Love pairing cheese with wine? Plan an afternoon visit to White Oak Vineyards (1484 Dry Hollow Rd., Anniston; 256-231-7998) . Tours are available Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and by appointment.

For lunch, enjoy down-home cooking at nearby Beans and Greens (8314 AL Hwy. 144; 256- 770-7235) or make the short drive to Cheaha Brewing Company (1208 Walnut Ave., Anniston; 256-770-7300) for craft brews and sandwiches featuring the Wright Dairy cheese.

Reward yourself for supporting sustainable agriculture with a scrumptious dinner at Classic on Noble (1024 Noble St.; 256-237-5388) , housed in one of Anniston’s most historic buildings.

Get some shut-eye in style at downtown Anniston’s Parker House Bed and Breakfast (330 E. Sixth St.; 256-405-9262) in a beautiful Victorian home dating from 1889. You’ll awake to a delicious breakfast featuring dairy products from – you guessed it – your friends at Wright Dairy.

An hour’s drive southwest brings you to the celebrated goat cheese producer Stone Hollow Farmstead (2006 Dead Hollow Rd. N.; 800-285-8950) in Harpersville. You know you’re in prime farming country as you pass Morgan Creek Vineyards and the pumpkin patch and rows of Christmas trees at Old Baker Farm (184 Furrow Ln.; 205-672-7209) along the way.

As you continue down a dirt road under a canopy of trees, it’s hard to believe the big city of Birmingham is a mere 30 miles away. At the driveway, the farm’s Great Pyrenees dogs greet you as the s the rural beauty of the farm stretches out before you.

From horses, goats and chickens to herbs, flowers and vegetables, this working farmstead exemplifies sustainability and gives visitors a comprehensive taste of farm life. Owner Deborah Stone began with five goats that produced more milk than her family needed, so she began making cheese for friends. Glowing reviews followed, and an artisanal line of goat cheese was born.

Visit the rustic-chic store for a sampling of cheese with highly original flavors, including blackberry and wine, stinking rose (garlic) and rose petal. Tours are available by appointment on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

All ages can get a true country experience through “Life on the Farm” classes in which students learn the ins and outs of farming as well as producing delicious cheeses.

For an ample dose of Southern hospitality, make reservations at Blue Spring Manor (2870 Hwy. 83; 866-672-9955) in nearby Vincent. With lawn games, a putting green and pool, you may never want to leave.

A slightly longer driver delivers ample reward as you see firsthand where Alabama's artisanal cheese movement began: in Elberta. Enjoy the unique scenery of the state's southernmost point as you make your way to Sweet Home Farm (27107 Schoen Rd.; 251-986-5663) , the first licensed farmstead cheesemaker in Alabama. It has been producing world-class creations from this small town for more than 30 years.

Follow the signs for cheese from the main road and see cows grazing in the field as you approach the farm store. Alyce Birchenough and her husband, Doug Wolbert, preside over the mom and pop operation that has inspired cheesemakers throughout Alabama and beyond. Using only milk from their own herd and growing all the herbs, garlic and peppers for the cheeses result in sophisticated offerings with the flavor and aroma of the surrounding terrain. As you sample the aged, unpasteurized cheeses such as Baldwin Swiss, Bayside Blue and Southern Fox (soaked in muscadine wine), a sense of place shines through. Be sure to try the cheese fudge, which Birchenough says reminds people of chocolate cheesecake. (Yes, please!)

Signs reading “Eat Well. Be Well.” bid you farewell. And after four days of touring the state’s farms, you’ll take this philosophy to heart like never before.

While in the area, be sure to visit a few more farms. Oak Hollow Farm (14210 Greeno Rd., Fairhope; 251-928-4840) offers horseback rides by appointment.

For a great burger featuring Sweet Home Farm cheese, visit Locals (410 Fairhope Ave.; 251-517-9043) , a Fairhope restaurant true to its name and mission of supporting local farmers.

As a grand ending to the road trip, reserve a night – or maybe a few – at the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club and Spa (One Grand Blvd., Point Clear; 205-928-9201) for a distinctly Alabama experience on beautiful Mobile Bay.

Strolling Through the Vineyards

In a boon for visitors, this Alabama cheesemakers tour intersects at points along the way with Alabama’s official wine trail. After visiting Stone Hollow Farmstead, hop over to the farm’s next door neighbor, the acclaimed wine producer Morgan Creek Vineyards (181 Morgan Creek Lane; 205-672-2053) . Since 2000, the Brammer family has been crafting world-class wines from muscadines, peaches and blueberries including the dry, full-bodied Cahaba White and smooth, fruity Vulcan Red. Free tastings and guided tours of the vineyards are offered Monday – Saturday.

Related Road Trips

Elkmont: Goat Cheese Heaven

Elkmont is best known as the home of an internationally acclaimed goat cheese maker. It is also a place to explore Civil War history, pick, grin and dance the night away at an old railroad depot, or listen to country music by Nashville entertainers inside a little red caboose.

See & Sip at Alabama’s Wineries

Keeping step with Alabama's burgeoning craft beer industry and award-winning restaurants, vineyards around the state are producing homegrown vintages with distinctive flavors. The state currently boasts 14 vineyards and wineries, most of which rely on Alabama's only native grape, the muscadine.

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Everything Alabama has to offer —in one easy place!

Looking for information on state parks, hot spots to have fun in the sun, or the best places for fishing or bird-watching? How about the world’s best museums or science centers? The Alabama Vacation guide will help you discover so many new and unique experiences. No matter where you’re headed or what you feel like doing, the Alabama vacation guide will get started on the right path.

Fill out your information below to receive a printed guide and Alabama state highway map in the mail. Note: Currently we only send mail inside the United States. All fields are required unless otherwise specified.

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East Alabama Travel Destinations

The foothills of the appalachian mountains: off the beaten path in alabama's scenic paradise, blue bell creameries.

Blue Bell opened its Sylacauga manufacturing facility in 1996. Sylacauga is located about 45 miles southeast of Birmingham off of Highway 280 in central Alabama. Tours are available by appointment only, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Tours last 45 minutes and include a serving of ice cream.

Enjoy watching ice cream being made–and then enjoy eating some!

Phone:  256-249-6100

Website:  www.bluebell.com

Hours of Operation:  by appointment only Monday- Friday 9am to 1pm.

Admission Fee: 3 dollars per person

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Tags: agriculture , food

Welcome to East Alabama

From the mountains in the north to the nearly endless lakes and rivers found throughout, you’ll discover natural resources like nowhere else. Outfitters in our area will gladly help you plan your own trip or take you to some of the most beautiful and hidden places in the region. Outfitters are also a great way to see if you are ready to go all in, get the equipment you need and become a nature fanatic! While you are here, visit our historic downtowns, relax in one of the many bed and breakfasts, inns or more traditional hotels and enjoy some of our food, from old-fashioned Southern cooking and the best BBQ anywhere to fine dining.

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FACTORY & MAKER TOURS NEAR YOU

Factory tours offer a behind-the-scenes view of how your favorite products are made. Be prepared to be educated and entertained as you learn how things are made. 

DISCOVER TOURS BY STATE

Each US state has a unique manufacturing history and something to share. From the Washington Apple Farm Tours to Wisconsin Cheese Manufacturing to California Food Factories… explore, discover and learn what makes each US State so special. 

Connecticut

Massachusetts, mississippi, new hampshire, north carolina, north dakota, pennsylvania, rhode island, south carolina, south dakota, west virginia, popular category tours.

Cheese Tours

Who doesn't like cheese?

Chocolate Tours

Chocolate... yes please!

Candy Tours

Just one bite... I swear!

Can I pet this animal? Yes!

Ice Cream Tours

Can I fit one more scoop?

Is there told in them their hills?

Taste of Fairhope Tour

Explore fairhope on a guided, walking food tour.

Fairhope’s best food and drink in one experience!

FEATURED FOOD TOURS

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The Fairhope Foodie

Enjoy dishes from some of the most beloved restaurants in the area, favored by locals and visitors alike. Learn about the unique founding of Fairhope and the stories that make Fairhope a must-visit destination in the South. It’s an unforgettable food and drink adventure through Downtown Fairhope!

• Happy Hour Tour!
• Hour Glass 2 Hours

Fairhope Happy Hour Cocktail Crawl

Join our Happy Hour Cocktail Crawl tour for an unforgettable mix of Fairhope’s finest cuisine, cocktails, culture, and history. Each month has a different theme!

EXPLORE FAIRHOPE'S FOOD SCENE!

Let us introduce you to the hidden gems and beloved favorites located in Downtown Fairhope! Our team is passionate about showcasing the best of Fairhope’s culinary scene. Enjoy the signature dishes of our town along with stories about our unique founding, and thriving culture we enjoy today.

I enjoyed the Taste of Fairhope tour with Jennifer yesterday! She is a lovely tour guide. She made me feel comfortable and welcomed here. She is very knowledgeable about the town, its people, the food, the culture & everything. She gave us lots of 411 on shopping and different places to see while here. Everything we had on the tour was absolutely delish! Thank you Jennifer for the fun afternoon. You’re the best!

Great tour of a beautiful downtown! Parker (guide) was friendly, knowledgeable and fun. Food portions were huge and delicious! All locations were friendly, local and had a lot of charm! Would recommend!

Taste of Fairhope food tour was AMAZING! Parker was super friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the food and the history of the town. Definitely come hungry. Would highly recommend.

We had the best time and were waddling by the end of the tour! You definitely get your money’s worth and the food and drinks are delicious! Jennifer our tour guide was a doll! Can’t wait to visit these restaurants again! The weather was gorgeous and everything was paced out.

We had an absolute blast at the Taste of Fairhope tour today! The food was delicious and our sweet tour guide, Parker, was knowledgeable, friendly, and made a rainy day so much fun! If you want to get a “taste of fairhope,” without visiting six different restaurants, this is the way to do it. I never know what to order at a restaurant, so this allowed me to sample the most popular items at several different places. The variety of food on this tour was just what we needed. It’s definitely worth the money!

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR ALL THINGS FOOD IN FAIRHOPE!

A perfect weekend itinerary in fairhope, alabama.

Discover the charm and beauty of Fairhope, Alabama, with this perfect weekend itinerary. Explore the picturesque downtown, savor local flavors, and immerse yourself in the town’s vibrant arts and culture scene. Get ready for a weekend full of memorable things to do and experiences in this enchanting coastal town. Friday: Morning : Arrive in Fairhope and…

15 Must Have Dishes in Fairhope, Alabama

by: Chris Andrews  Fairhope is a city full of iconic dishes that reflects the city’s history and character. Located on the shores of beautiful Mobile Bay, come see why people from all over the country are flocking to Fairhope to relish the delicious food scene! Here are 15 MUST HAVE dishes in Fairhope, Alabama!  …

10 Things You Must Do in Fairhope, AL

By: Chris Andrews There’s no shortage of things to do and places to see in Fairhope. Whether you’re a long time resident or visiting for the first time, here are 10 things you must do in Fairhope, Alabama! 1. Visit the Fairhope Pier The Fairhope Municipal Pier is the iconic symbol of town. Generations…

8 Yummy Food Factory Tours In Pennsylvania You'll Gobble Right Up

Beth Price-Williams

A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.

More by this Author

Living in the Snack Food Capital of the United States comes with quite a few perks. Of course, the biggest perk is we have easy access to plenty of goodies. But, we’re also lucky enough to be able to visit many of the factories – that make PA’s most popular chocolate, candy, and snacks – for a fun, insightful tour. Here are eight yummy food factory tours in Pennsylvania that offer a memorable way to spend a few hours.

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Do you know of any other food factory tours in Pennsylvania that should be on a part two of this list? Let us know in the comments below! Then, click here to read about 12 popular foods every Pennsylvanian has tried at least once.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Anchor example

This modal can be opened by clicking the anchor icon in the pre-header. Because the link uses an href anchor (instead of data-open-modal) you'll see #example_modal in your address bar. If you want to see the hidden modal, manually change the url in your address bar to #hidden_modal .

data-open-modal example

This modal can be opened by clicking the window icon in the pre-header. Because the link uses data-open-modal (instead of an href anchor) nothing appears in the address bar. You also can't use the back/forward buttons to close or reopen the modal. However, if you know the ID of the modal, you can still manually type the anchor link in your address bar and it will open (handy for client previews).

To simulate an extremely long modal and show how modals scroll, here's a ton of lorem ipsum:

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Rerum fugit, aperiam qui ducimus incidunt quis ad saepe at! Quis pariatur id nemo iusto. Delectus doloremque, voluptates dicta ab ullam quibusdam!

Illo debitis nihil, labore impedit voluptates soluta asperiores dignissimos dolorem cupiditate optio possimus, accusamus sit libero magni saepe quae explicabo obcaecati laboriosam! Veniam nobis incidunt nam cum a quasi voluptas commodi voluptates rerum dolore nulla nihil numquam perspiciatis at blanditiis odio similique, consequuntur et.

Consequuntur doloremque distinctio quis aperiam quidem labore nisi aspernatur necessitatibus, perspiciatis quas nulla exercitationem voluptate cupiditate natus? Aperiam cum unde ut doloribus! Aliquid omnis aperiam, magni iure exercitationem numquam quas blanditiis repellendus. Debitis error reprehenderit, laboriosam praesentium neque porro placeat dignissimos dicta natus adipisci!

Ipsam blanditiis neque rerum, saepe nam assumenda odio sed nostrum dolorum sint exercitationem repellat necessitatibus provident aliquam quod tenetur voluptatibus sapiente perspiciatis! Maxime, consectetur quae. Repellendus vitae minima distinctio, esse, iste ut quibusdam nemo doloremque iure eum ex deserunt illum at voluptatum quisquam aperiam?

Dolorem facilis aspernatur explicabo deserunt a provident iste consequuntur, earum, odit iusto cupiditate odio. Molestias aspernatur quo reprehenderit voluptatem accusamus tenetur natus. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Illo magnam, totam omnis pariatur voluptatum ullam in, cumque error unde cupiditate molestias nihil accusantium dolorum accusamus quo odit. Nulla, nostrum ex.

Eum vel natus iusto provident atque quis officia, adipisci quibusdam. Esse, officia doloribus corporis eius optio accusamus natus error iure ducimus sed? Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Eius libero sequi quis sint reprehenderit accusantium laudantium nam eos delectus blanditiis, recusandae consectetur qui sed totam beatae et ratione dolorum quae?

Hidden modal

This modal has no link to it. The only way you can find or open it is by manually entering #hidden_modal in the address bar.

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Proposition 65 WARNING

Consuming this product can expose you to chemicals including acrylamide, which are known to the state of California to cause cancer. Acrylamide is a chemical that can form in some foods during high-temperature cooking processes, such as frying, roasting, and baking. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/food . We care about our customers' safety and hope that the information above helps with your buying decisions.