Things to do / Travel Guide
In addition to the historical draws of Philadelphia and a fine selection of cultural and family attractions, the eastern Pennsylvania region is simply bursting with behind-the-scenes and factory tours for your enjoyment. With tours of factories producing various products ranging from crayons to chocolates to motorhomes to guitars, there's an interesting tour in the region for everyone in the family.
Behind-the-Scenes at Hershey's Chocolate World
One of the highlights of any visit to eastern Pennsylvania, and probably one of the best-known factory tours in the country, is the behind-the-scenes tour of Hershey's Chocolate World. If you aren't already, you'll likely become an instant chocoholic while walking around this virtual chocolate heaven in Hershey, the Sweetest Town on Earth. On this free tour you'll learn about the legacy of Milton Hershey, the chocolate magnate who founded the company, and receive free samples from the delicious product line, which includes Kisses, Hugs, and just about every other “loveable” chocolate known. About a two-hour drive from Philadelphia, located just northeast of Harrisburg, if you only have time for one factory tour in this region, this is the one to take.
Factory Tours in Greater Philadelphia
Pennies, nickels, quarters, and dimes - they'll be showing you the money at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia. Millions and millions of dollars are on display at the Mint, where you can witness the riveting coin manufacturing process and learn about the history behind those coins in your pocket. You'll also learn about the craftsmanship required throughout the minting process, from the original designs to the actual striking of the coins. Unfortunately you won't be provided with free samples at any point on the tour.
You don't need to be a piano player to appreciate how the elegant instruments are made. On a free factory tour of the Cunningham Piano Company you'll learn how the 88 keys get crafted and combined with strings, hammers, pedals, and other parts in the piano manufacturing and restoring processes.
Behind-the-Scenes Tour of QVC Studios
Surely, while flipping through the TV channels, you've happened upon some amazing item being hawked on QVC. About 20 miles west of Philadelphia, in West Chester, you'll get your chance to see how QVC Studios and the world of electronic retailing look from the other side of the camera. On your guided behind-the-scenes tour, you'll catch a glimpse of the live broadcast, and see how all those products get tested, are presented on-air, and are shipped out to millions of customers.
Factory Tours in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley
Your kids will be begging you to make a trip to Easton when they hear that it's the home of the Crayola Factory. A behind-the-scenes factory tour there offers entertainment for the whole family year-round. See how Crayola crayons and markers are made and get in touch with your colorful and creative side. While on tour, you'll also learn about the history of the Crayola brand and be able to explore dozens of interactive projects and activities. It's like arts and crafts class all over again!
Just to the north, in Nazareth, you can take a free guided factory tour of the Martin Guitar Company. World-renowned for their acoustic guitars, the company's blend of old world craftsmanship and modern technology is on display as you watch the instruments being made. And if your ears are tuned in to slightly lower pitches, then a free factory tour of Ken Smith Basses, Ltd., in Perkasie, is for you. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how basses (with four strings, strung an octave lower than guitars) are made, and see what is probably the largest collection and variety of acclimated musical-grade woods in the world.
Near Allentown, see what it means to be built like a Mack Truck, at the factory where they are built in Macungie, Pennsylvania.
Can't wait to get to Hershey? Do you just like your chocolate in a more intimate environment? Stroll through Asher's Chocolates in Souderton, north of Philadelphia, and watch chocolate and other candies be created right before your very eyes.
Factory Tours in Pennsylvania Dutch Country
Part of the experience in touring the quiet towns of Pennsylvania Dutch Country is visiting the simple factories of the area. In fact, “factory” might be too formal a term when describing the pretzel bakeries of the area. Pretzels are serious business in the region, with historical roots going back to the Middle Ages in Germany. German immigrants to this area (“Deutch” not “Dutch”) brought the baked delicacy with them and set up factories, still family-run today.
The Amish-owned and -run Intercourse Pretzel Factory produces all its pretzels by hand and allows you to help out as well, while the Sturgis Pretzel House Factory, in nearby Lititz, has been producing pretzels in the same stone building for 150 years. Whether you like 'em salty, plain, hard, soft, or covered in sesame seeds, there's no doubt that you will look at your pretzel in a different light after these tours.
Right next door to the Intercourse Pretzel Factory, you will find the Intercourse Canning Company. This factory, also staffed by the Amish and Mennonites, is a good place to watch the canning process and take in the aromas of pickles, jellies, relishes, and more. Both factories have stores specializing in local products from spices to pickles to candy.
Not far from the heart of the Pennsylvania Dutch Country you can take a tour of the Sunline Coach Company, in Denver. Reserve your spot in advance for this free tour where you can see how chasses and other auto parts combine to make some of the largest vehicles out on the road - RVs. Rev your engines, this tour is a must!
Factory Tours near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
If you prefer vehicles of the two-wheeled variety, then head out to the Harley Davidson Motor Company, in York. The motorbike plant offers free tours of its manufacturing and assembly areas on the shop floor, after which Harley enthusiasts can visit the gift shop for tour-related souvenirs. And if you've got tykes who love bikes, while you enjoy the welding, polishing, and chrome plating, you can send the little ones off to the Kids' Rally, a specially designed area for visitors under the age of 12.
Feel like seeing furniture being made? Visit George's Woodcrafts in Marietta. Want to learn about the weaving process from yarn to fabric? Try Family Heir-Loom Weavers in Red Lion.
Behind-the-scenes and factory tours are typically family-friendly activities good for a short and interesting diversion from a region's mainstream tourist activities. Generally inexpensive, visitors are often given complimentary tastes and samples, like at Hershey's Chocolate World, the region's pretzel factories, or Asher's Chocolates, the oldest family-owned candy manufacturer in the U.S. Note that some tours have irregular hours and admission restrictions. Click on the individual icons for more practical information.
Behind-the-Scenes and Factory Tours in Philadelphia, Lancaster, the Poconos, Eastern Pennsylvania
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