When one thinks of Las Vegas, they don't tend to think about a "chocolate factory", but it might surprise people to know that Las Vegas is actually home to one of the greatest chocolate factories on the planet - Ethel M Chocolate Factory. (Even though it's technically located in Henderson, it's basically an honorary Vegas location.)
What makes Ethel M so amazing? Well, firstly, their chocolates are incredible. But secondly, it's more than just a place where chocolate is made. Ethel M hosts classes and events, they have tours, a cafe area to hang out in (complete with free wifi), a huge selection of drinks, candies, and treats, and one of the most impressive cactus gardens you'll ever see. Thus, Ethel M isn't just a chocolate factory, it's also quite an experience as well.
There is a "tasting room" in Ethel M where classes are held, as well as "chocolate and wine" tastings. There is also a self-guided tour of the factory where you can see the various chocolates and treats Ethel M is famous for being made, complete with informational writings on the windows that explain exactly what each room on the tour is responsible for. You can go to the candy store area and sample some of the wide variety of gourmet chocolates on display. Ethel M also offers treats like chocolate covered pretzels, candy apples, cupcakes, and other delights.
Of course, you can get drinks at Ethel M as well, not the least of which is their rich and creamy hot chocolate - a favorite of kids and adults alike. (Also perfect on a cold night!) Ethel M is owned by the Mars company, so their standard for their candies and food is quite high. One need only sample a few of their chocolates to know this place is the real deal.
Plenty of pre-packaged candies are available for sale, but you can also create a candy box to suit your own tastes (or that of a friend/spouse). Ethel M is a great place to get special gifts for loved ones, particularly for Valentine's Day. They also have Golden Knights themed chocolates for locals who love our hockey team. It's also extremely family-friendly and a perfect place to take your kids for a special treat (so long as you don't mind them being cracked-out on sugar, lol).
Ethel M is definitely an off-Strip hidden gem that most tourists to Vegas don't know about. However, locals love it, and often come here to walk through it's huge and beautiful outdoor cactus garden. Nothing is more relaxing than enjoying a hot chocolate outside among the various desert plants. It's really beautiful.
But Ethel M shines brightest (both literally and figuratively) during the holidays, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, when they decorate their cactus garden with Christmas lights. It turns the outdoor area into a dazzling winter wonderland, and it's a must-have experience for locals to go walk through with their children to get into the holiday spirit. Seriously, it's one of the most beautiful things you'll see in Vegas all year.
Though tourists may not know about Ethel M, this place is plenty busy. There's lots of parking nearby, but during the holiday season the lights attract huge crowds making parking fill up quickly, so you'll have to arrive early or risk parking far away and walking to the establishment.
I honestly can't say enough good things about Ethel M Chocolate Factory. It's a wonderful place to hang out and bring visitors to. The treats here won't fail to please your sweet tooth, and it's a must-visit location during the holidays. If you're new to Vegas, or just visiting, be sure to check it out...
Read moreTitle: A Decadent Chocolate Haven Wrapped in Christmas Magic!
Review: 🐼🐼🐼🐼🐼
My recent visit to the Ethel M Chocolates Factory & Cactus Garden in Henderson, Nevada left me with nothing but awe and delight. This review will focus on the enchanting experience of visiting the festive decorated Cactus Garden during Christmas and witnessing the wonder of chocolate-making.
Stepping into the Ethel M Chocolates Factory & Cactus Garden, I was immediately greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. Before even entering the factory, the kind staff welcomed me with a delectable piece of chocolate to set the tone for the delightful journey that awaited. The sweet gesture demonstrated their dedication to ensuring a memorable and indulgent experience from the very start.
One of the highlights of my visit was the breathtakingly beautiful Cactus Garden adorned with festive decorations for Christmas. As I strolled through the garden, I was amazed by the meticulous attention to detail and the creative display of lights, colors, and holiday-themed ornaments. The combination of the natural beauty of the cacti and the whimsical Christmas decorations created a truly magical ambiance that captured the spirit of the season.
While the Cactus Garden was a visual delight, I was equally captivated by the opportunity to witness the chocolate-making process firsthand. The factory's transparent viewing windows allowed guests to observe skilled chocolatiers meticulously handcrafting their artisanal creations. From tempering chocolate to molding and finishing each delectable piece, the level of craftsmanship and dedication was truly impressive. It was a fascinating experience to see the mastery behind these mouthwatering treats.
The aroma of freshly made chocolates wafted through the air, tantalizing my senses and further heightening my anticipation. The factory's informative displays and knowledgeable staff provided insight into the artistry and passion that goes into creating each delectable chocolate. It was evident that Ethel M Chocolates takes great pride in using the finest ingredients and maintaining the highest standards in chocolate production.
At the end of my visit, I couldn't resist treating myself to some of their exquisite chocolates. The wide variety of flavors and textures available catered to all palates, leaving me spoiled for choice. The beautifully packaged chocolates were not only a delight to the taste buds, but also made for perfect gifts for friends and loved ones.
In conclusion, the Ethel M Chocolates Factory & Cactus Garden in Henderson, Nevada is a gem that combines the magic of the holiday season with the enchantment of chocolate. The festive decorations in the Cactus Garden created an enchanting atmosphere, while the opportunity to witness the chocolate-making process was both educational and mesmerizing. From the warm welcome with a piece of chocolate to the exceptional quality of their treats, Ethel M Chocolates exceeded my expectations at every turn.
If you're in the Henderson area, I highly recommend visiting the Ethel M Chocolates Factory & Cactus Garden for an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a sweet taste in your mouth and cherished memories of...
Read moreWent online and ordered a $60 SMALL box of candy and was asked at checkout what date I would like it delivered. I chose a date 3 weeks out, a week before Valentine’s day, as it was going to be a birthday gift. I was emailed a confirmation of the order, confirmation of delivery date, and the email stated I would receive the tracking number via email when the order shipped. Two days before the delivery date I chose I realized I never received an email with the tracking number. So I emailed customer service and received a robo response stating they would get back to me in 2 DAYS. So I called customer service, and when the phone was answered I could hear 5 or 6 employees in the background laughing loudly. I have the rep my order number and asked what the status of the order was. I was put on hold for over 20 min and then told the order was packed up and ‘ready to ship’, but no tracking number could be provided. Huh??!! It was CLEARLY just ‘packed and ready to ship’ AFTER I called to inquire about it, and when I asked if it was going to be shipped overnight so it would arrive on the date I requested 3 weeks prior, I was told they would do ‘their best’. The $60 box of candy still has not arrived 2 days later so I emailed them again to cancel the order and was told ‘okay’. Okay??? Wow, GREAT customer service. No apology for the incredible inconvenience, no apology for wasting my time online and on the phone ordering their overpriced chocolate, no acknowledging they NEVER would have even shipped the $60 candy I ordered unless I called to check on it, and then not acknowledging even though I called to find out the status and was told it would be shipped out immediately, it was still NOT shipped since they could cancel the order 2 days later. Do yourself a favor and buy your chocolates and gifts somewhere else. Somewhere that values customers, actually provides responsive customer service when a mistake is CLEARLY made by them, and then follows through with what they say they will do. NO offer at any time to try to make things right, no apology for wasting my time and money, nothing. Maybe if their employees spent less time laughing amoungst themselves and more time paying attention to pre paid customer orders they would have repeat customers instead of bad reviews. But apparently they could...
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