Gather round, folks. We’re going to take a little journey around Ohio that involves guided tours and eating food.
Sounds pretty good, right? There are tons of factories around Ohio making all manner of goods. From Airstream trailers to washboards, if you’re into how things are made, Ohio is a dream. But it’s not all mechanics. Luckily, for all of us, there are factories that produce yummy treats, and most of them offer tours that involve tasting those treats.
If you’re looking for a fun and unique experience, look no further. Here are the best food factory tours in Ohio.
Anthony Thomas Factory
Location: 1777 Arlingate Ln, Columbus, OH 43228
Tour Hours: Open House Tours are open to the public, no appointment is required. You can stop in June-August any Monday through Thursday between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. Tours begin on the hour.
Details: Children under 2 are free. Ages 3 to 18 are $2.00 per person. Ages 19 and over are $4.00 per person. Admission fee may be used towards a purchase.
Velvet Ice Cream
Location: 11324 Mt. Vernon Rd, Utica, OH 43080
Tour Hours:Tours are available on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (excluding major holidays) from May 1 through October 31.
Details: During the free 30-minute walking tour, Velvet Ice Cream tour guides will show you how the century-old company got its start, as well as all the steps that go into the perfect, creamy ice cream.
Heini’s Cheese Chalet
Location: 6005 Co Hwy 77, Millersburg, OH 44654
Tour Hours: Heini’s is open Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. No appointment required.
Details: So full disclosure, this one is less about touring and more about eating, but we’re not complaining. Guests can sample 70+ types of cheese, watch videos about how that cheese is made, and then purchase the ones they fall in love with at the gift shop.
Spangler Candy Company
Location: 400 N Portland St, Bryan, OH 43506
Tour Hours: Hours vary by week, but you can check them out here.
Details: Are suckers food? I would have argued yes as a kid. You eat them, they’re delicious, what more qualifications could it need? The tour at Spangler Candy is a big screen experience, which shows you exactly how they make 12 million Dum Dums a day!
Young’s Jersey Dairy
Location: 6880 Springfield Xenia Rd, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Tour Hours: Hours vary at Young’s depending on the experience you’re planning. Click here for details so you can plan your trip accordingly!.
Details: Young’s Dairy is so much more than just a farm. From family fun activities like putt-putt and petting zoos to behind-the-scenes looks at how ice cream becomes frozen and delicious, you can spend the whole day at the farm and still not see everything! Admission prices vary depending on the activities you participate in, so be sure to check their website above.
Al’s Delicious Popcorn
Location: 1500 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43220
Tour Hours: You’ll need to make a reservation for your tour here.
Details: As their flagship store, Al’s Delicious Popcorn does most of their new flavor development and testing at their full-service location in Columbus. It includes a retail counter, kitchen, and packaging operations, and of course, private tours and tastings!
