foil wrap, a pretzel its twist? If you'd like to know the answers to these and other snack food quandaries, a visit to the factories where each one is made will satisfy your every curiosity.
On a factory tour, you can watch fudge and nuts get mixed in with the ice cream, see kernels of popcorn get slathered in caramel or drool over rivers of chocolate being molded into candy kisses. Munching on the enticing goodies is, of course, encouraged. There's almost always a free sample after the tour and most factories have a visitor center, gift shop or retail store bursting with delectable goods and fun souvenirs.
One of our favorite fun food factory tours is the Sturgis Pretzel House in Pennsylvania--discover the secrets to the art of pretzel-making and enjoy a salty one while you're there.
STURGIS PRETZEL HOUSE FACTORY
LITITZ, PENNSYLVANIAEarn your own "Official Pretzel Twisters Certificate" when you visit America's first pretzel bakery in Lititz, Pennsylvania, established in 1861. First you'll get to make your very own pretzel with a piece of dough you can twist into a shape you design. Next, tour the pretzel house that Julius Sturgis built to learn about the history of the pretzel and see the modern machinery that creates 400 pounds of pretzels an hour. The bakery produces several types of pretzels--Thins, Rods, Big Boys and Nuggets. Since it's located in the heart of Amish Country, it even offers a pretzel shaped like a horse and buggy. You can also watch the old way of baking pretzels in brick ovens that date back to the 1700s.
Tours last about 35 minutes. Located at 219 East Main Street in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Open 9 A.M. to 5 P.M., Monday through Saturday. Admission is $2. Click here or call 717-626-4354 for more information.
Writer Troy Corley lives in Los Angeles with her two children.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated July 2005.
