Philadelphia, PA - From guitars and motorcycles to crayons and pretzel treats, Pennsylvania is a hotspot for manufacturing the world’s favorite products. These factories allow visitors to experience the process first-hand and gain an entirely new appreciation for their beloved products.
Martin Guitar
Martin Guitar has been continuously producing acoustic guitars for more than 175 years. Known as some of the finest instruments in the industry, Martin is the oldest surviving maker of guitars in the world. Visitors follow a guitar from rough lumber to a finished product as they explore the factory floor on free guided tours to learn about the art of guitar making. www.martinguitar.com
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
The city of York is home to Harley-Davidson Vehicle Operations, the largest Harley-Davidson manufacturing facility in the country. Visitors can explore exhibits at the plant that highlight the operation’s history, and watch a movie for an inside look at Harley’s processes and products. Next, watch employees make parts and assemble different models, as well as custom motorcycles. During the tour, guests even get the chance to sit on current production motorcycles .www.harley-davidson.com
United States Mint
At the United States Mint in Philadelphia, visitors literally see money made before their eyes. Learn the story behind United States currency, and get a glimpse of the original coining press used in 1792. Watch the actual production process as coils of copper and nickel are unwound, pressed, and turned into the coins America uses every day. www.usmint.gov
Snyder’s of Hanover
For more than a century Snyder’s® has been known as America's Pretzel Bakery and continues the tradition with a variety of snack foods still produced in Hanover today. Free guided tours are offered with advance reservations. On the tour, guides lead visitors through the factory for a glimpse of how tradition, technology, and teamwork combine to make great tasting pretzels. www.snydersofhanover.com
The Crayola Experience
Ever wondered how Crayola makes its crayons? See it right before your eyes at The Crayola Experience™, an interactive discovery center for children and adults. Explore the magic of light and color and experiment with innovative art techniques at this playful museum. With younger visitors in mind, Crayola added Toddler Town, a section of the factory for preschoolers, which includes a giant pegboard and ball maze. Creativity is encouraged at the Crayola Experience™, especially at the Wrap It Up! attraction where visitors design unique and personalized crayons and labels. www.crayolaexperience.com
Yuengling Brewery
Only one brewery can claim fame as being the oldest brewery in the United States, and that brewery is Yuengling®. For more than 180 years, this family-owned and operated business has prided itself on its quality production and taste. Visitors can enjoy samples on the free factory tour while getting a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process, as well as a glimpse of the underground, hand-dug fermentation cave used for storage prior to refrigeration. www.yuengling.com
Byers’ Choice Ltd. Carolers
The Byers’ Choice® Ltd. factory is the home of the handcrafted Carolers® figurine collectibles. See a team of 80 skilled artisans designing the caroler figures with their heads raised in song. With a visit to the factory, visitors can stroll down a life-sized London street (often the setting for many of the carolers), watch skilled artisans from the observation deck, and have the opportunity to purchase exclusive Carolers® available only on-site.t www.byerschoice.com
Utz Quality Foods
The Utz® story began in 1921 in a home kitchen, producing about 50 pounds of chips an hour for local grocers and markets. Today, Utz® is the largest independent, privately held snack brand in the United States, producing more than 3.3 million pounds of snacks per week. Utz® also produces cheese curls, kettle chips, and pretzels. See and smell the creation of Utz® potato chips during a free self-guided tour and even get a free sample. www.utzsnacks.com
BWP Bats
Each week, BWP Bats® constructs around 2,000 completely hand-made baseball bats from northwestern Pennsylvania red oak and maple trees. On the free factory tour, visitors can see how BWP Bats®, known as the hardest and most durable wooden bats in the Major League, abides by a rigid 14-step quality control process − from a rough forest log to a finely crafted baseball bat. www.bwpbats.com
Daffin’s Candies
Daffin's Candies, otherwise known as the “chocolate kingdom,” has been making delectable chocolate treats for more than 100 years. With a 20,000 square foot store filled with candies and gifts, the company prides itself as having the world’s largest chocolate store. Fans of Daffin’s can visit during seasonal production hours for a peek at how the gourmet treats are made. During the tour guests will witness a unique collection of handcrafted chocolate come to life and feel their taste buds swell at the sight (and taste!) of this sweet tour. www.daffins.com
Herr’s® Snack Factory Tours
This tasty tour begins with a brief history of the Herr’s® tradition then continues with a tasty education on how Herr’s® makes its products. As visitors tour the plant they learn little-known facts about their favorite snacks, like what makes a great chipping potato and how tortilla chips get their seasoning. Don’t forget to save room for a stop at the Herr’s® snack bar at the end of the tour. www.herrs.com/snackfactorytours.html
Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery
Opening as a bread bakery in 1850, Julius Sturgis soon made the switch to pretzels, opening the first commercial pretzel bakery in America. Today visitors can tour the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery and learn the history of pretzel baking in America, and even see the original ovens built by Julius Sturgis himself in 1861. Guests can view bakers in action twisting and baking hand-made soft pretzel or learn the trade through a hands-on lesson in pretzel twisting. www.juliussturgis.com
