Summer might be coming to an end, but there’s still time to make this summer a little sweeter. We’ve gathered some of the best places to go if you have a roaming sweet tooth. From theme parks dedicated to candy to factory tours that show you how your favorites are made, there’s something for everybody. So get your bags packed, but make sure to leave room for a bag or two of your favorite treats.
1.Hersheypark
Make sure you are buckled in because this isn’t your typical candy store. In 1905 Milton Hershey built a pavilion that held baseball games. A year later he officially opened the space which turned into what we today call Hershey park. Since the first ride, the merry-go-round, was built in 1908, the park has added a water park, The Boardwalk at Hershey park, rides named after classic candy favorites, and a zoo. Surely you’ll work up an appetite just trying to do everything! Let’s not forget Hershey’s Chocolate World. There, you can find Hershey treats, take a tour, and even make your own Hershey’s bar. Now that’s a sweet souvenir.
http://www.hersheypark.com/
2.New York City
The city that never sleeps is home to some of the best candy stores around. It’s easy to be restless when every sweet treat is within reach 24/7. There’s no Grand Central for candy, but most top shops are within easy traveling distance from each other. Of course, in iconic Times Square you have both M&M’s World and Hershey’s Times Square. There, you can find M&Ms in almost every color and then hop across the street to pick up some Kisses. Both stores also have a huge selection of toys and gifts with your favorite treats on them. Uptown, there’s New York favorite Dylan’s Candy Bar. Not only can you grab almost any candy you could ever think of, but also grab a sweet candy-holic drink. Something for the parents while the kids go, well, as crazy as kids in a candy store. Finally, there’s the deep-rooted Economy Candy in the Lower East Side. This store is less flashy than the other stores, but it’s perfect for the nostalgic tourist looking for a trip back to simpler times.
3.Jelly Belly Factory
Love jelly beans all year round? Well, here’s the perfect place for you. The magical bean factory is located in Fairfield, California on, you guessed it, Jelly Belly Lane. During the factory tour you can see how over 150 different flavored Jelly Belly beans are made. After the 40-minute tour, be sure to check out the store for free samples and the cafe for a jelly bean shaped burger! Now that’s a meal worth taking a picture of.
https://jellybelly.com/info/visit_jelly_belly/california_factory_tours
4.Las Vegas
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Unless it happens at one of Vegas’s many candy attractions. Then please bring some home! Not only will you again find M&M’s World and Hershey’s Chocolate World locations (there are a lot of worlds out there), but you’ll also find the Ethel M Chocolate Factory. Don’t recognize the name? Well, if you are a Snickers, Dove, or Twix fan, you should. This chocolate factory is owned by our favorite chocolatey family, the Mars clan. Ethel was the mother of Forrest Mars, Sr. who started Mars Inc. and brought us some of our favorite treats. In this factory tour you can see how the Mars family makes their high-end chocolate. There’s also the Ethel M Botanical Garden to walk off any free samples, and make room for more.
http://www.ethelm.com/about_us/factory_tour.aspx
5. Wolfgang Chocolate factory
Last but not least, there’s a factory tour for those who like their chocolate in a box rather than a wrapper. Located in York, Pennsylvania, the Wolfgang Das Sweeten Haus is a spot chocolate lovers cannot miss. Unfortunately, tours through the production area are no longer offered, but there’s still fun to be had. Discover the history behind making some of America’s favorite chocolates. You’ll also learn how chocolate is tempered and how to make it hollow. Science never tasted so good. Don’t forget to stop by the retail store and the Das Sweeten Haus Museum to bring home some sweet history.
http://www.wolfgangcandy.com/aboutwolfgang/factory-tours/