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Jelly Belly candies
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Sweet Side Trips
From jelly beans and saltwater taffy to chocolates and Key lime confections, these candy makers turn travel memories into sweet souvenirs.
By Marcea Cazel
Candy has the unique ability not only to bring up old memories but also to create new ones. A bag picked up on a family road trip, a sweet made only in one town or candies created right in front of customers can easily become part of the journey’s story.
These treats are easy to pack, fun to share and make thoughtful gifts for friends and family. Across the United States, candy makers are inviting travelers to bring home a taste of places they’ve visited.
JELLY BELLY VIDEO
Fairfield, California
Jelly Belly Candy Company Factory
Known for having more than 100 distinct jelly bean flavors, Jelly Belly traces its history back more than 150 years. Those candy makers weren’t just in it for the beans, they also made candy corn, which currently makes Jelly Belly Candy Co. the oldest candy corn manufacturer in the United States. Located at the company’s headquarters, the Jelly Belly Candy guided factory tour takes place seven days a week, except holidays. A self-guided option is also available, and both tour types include a stop at the Jelly Belly Museum.
On your way out, don’t forget to stop in the visitor center for some treats, including the famous Belly Flops (which are errors in production that still taste great).
HAMMOND’S CANDIES VIDEO
Denver, Colorado
Hammond’s Candies
A staple in the Denver community for more than 100 years and known for a variety of candies, including chocolates, peanut brittle and hand-pulled lollipops, Hammond’s Candies offers factory tours. On these forays into the hub of candy-making, visitors see where the magic happens and have the option of taking home a candy souvenir.
Looking for an even sweeter treat? Rent a private party room at Hammond’s and host a candy experience event! And, of course, a stop at the factory store is a must.
KEY LIME PIE COMPANY VIDEO
Key West, Florida
Key West Key Lime Pie Co.
No flavor says “Key West” more than Key lime. A much smaller, tarter lime than traditional ones, Key limes add a punch to sauces, candies and the well-known, well-loved official Florida state pie. A visit to the Key West Key Lime Pie Co. lets visitors view a variety of sweets and candies made with the unique citrus. A chocolate-dipped slice of Key lime pie on a stick offers a different tasting experience.
For those who really want an authenticKey West experience, sign up for the Key Lime Pie-Making Class. Attendees go behind the scenes in the company’s live kitchen and create their own mini Key lime pie to take home (or enjoy immediately afterward)..
Albanese candy factory VIDEO
Merrillville, Indiana
Albanese Candy Factory
With gummy bears known for their built-in sour flavor, Albanese Candy has been making gummies since 1998 and is located approximately 40 miles southeast of Chicago. While primarily known for their gummy bears, Albanese also sells gummy rings and worms, as well as chocolate-covered nuts and pretzels. It has two locations in Merrillville, Indiana: its main factory location and an outlet store. While tours aren’t available, both locations sell the company’s most popular sweets.
Shiver’s SALT WATER TAFFY VIDEO
Ocean City, New Jersey
Shiver’s Salt Water Taffey
The oldest business located on Ocean City’s famous boardwalk, Shriver’s Salt Water Taffy has been pulling taffy since 1898. Closely associated with Ocean City, getting some saltwater taffy while there is a must, and Shriver’s helps define the town’s sweet identity.
Although factory tours aren't available, visitors can watch candy being made in the back of the store. One of the few businesses on the boardwalk that’s open year-round, Shriver’s also sells chocolates, other candies and ice cream, in addition to its variety of different saltwater taffies.
OLIVE & SINCLAIR CHOCOLATE CO. VIDEO
Nashville, Tennessee
Olive & Sinclair Chocolate Co.
Located in a building over 100 years old, once home to a local grocery store and Archway Cookie Company, the owners of Olive & Sinclair Chocolate Co. are adding to its history. From traditional chocolate bars to duck fat caramels and aged cacao beans aged in bourbon barrels, their candies are crafted for a high-end palate.
Located three miles from downtown Nashville, the Olivia & Sinclair store is a convenient stop for visitors. Guided factory tours showcase how European candy-making techniques, blended with Southern flavors, create their unique treats. The shop’s small-batch chocolate bars feature flavors like Mexican-Style Cinnamon Chili, Coffee Crunch and Milk Chocolate. Whatever you choose, their treats make great Music City souvenirs.
Ready to add a sweet side trip to your next getaway? From candy making experiences and chocolate tasting tours to unique local attractions, you’ll find delicious ways to enhance your journey at AAA.com/TripCanvas.
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