A Visit to the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury, VT

🍦 A Visit to the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury, VT: Sweet Fun with a Side of Quirk! 🐄🌈 Located just off Route 100 in the heart of Vermont, the Ben & Jerry’s Factory is a iconic stop for ice cream lovers and curious travelers alike. While the tour itself is short and leans more toward fun than deep insight, the overall experience—complete with tastings, playful exhibits, and a charming “graveyard” of retired flavors—is a delightful way to spend an hour or two. Here’s what to expect! 🎟️ Tour Details & Tips • Hours: Open 10 AM–6 PM; closed Sundays and Mondays (check website for seasonal changes). • Tickets: $7 for adults (ages 13+), with discounts for kids and seniors. • Booking: Online reservations required—walk-ins not accepted. • Honest Take: The tour is a bit overpriced for what it offers, but the ice cream samples and quirky vibe make it worth a quick stop. 🎬 Tour Breakdown 1. Short Film: A 7-minute video covering the history of Ben & Jerry’s—from its humble start in a Vermont gas station to its global presence under Unilever. Engaging and well-produced! 2. Production Viewing: Guides lead you to an observation deck overlooking the factory floor (no photos allowed). You’ll learn about mixing, flavor infusion, and packaging—though the scale is smaller than many expect. 3. Flavor Lab & Tasting: The best part! Sample a freshly made flavor in the tasting room and hear how new ideas are tested (think weird combos like “Netflix & Chill’d”!). ⚰️ Don’t Miss: The Flavor Graveyard Tucked away on a hillside behind the factory (ask staff for directions!), this playful “cemetery” features tombstones for discontinued flavors like “Wavy Gravy” and “Dublin Mudslide.” Each epitaph is witty and nostalgic—a perfect photo op and a fun stroll! 🍧 Ice Cream Shop & Gifts • Scoop Shop: The real highlight! Try classic flavors like Phish Food, Cherry Garcia, or limited editions. Creamy, rich, and worth every calorie. • Gift Shop: Grab pint-sized merch, quirky lip balms, and Vermont-made goodies. 💡 If You Go… • Combine with Nearby Stops: Visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill (amazing donuts!) or explore downtown Waterbury. • Best for Families: Kids love the playground and ice cream; adults appreciate the nostalgia. • Manage Expectations: This is a light, fun experience—not an in-depth industrial tour. While the Ben & Jerry’s Factory tour might not be a deep dive into ice cream science, it’s a sweet, playful, and authentically Vermont experience. Come for the scoops, stay for the smiles—and leave with a newfound appreciation for two guys who turned a passion into a legacy! #BenAndJerrys #VermontIceCream #FactoryTour #WaterburyVT #FamilyFun #NewEnglandTravel #IceCreamLovers #TravelUSA