Ben and Jerrys Factory Tour

Ben and Jerrys began in a converted gas station in Burlington in the late 1970s, and its factory in Waterbury is now one of Vermont's best-known visitor attractions. About forty minutes from Burlington by car, the factory offers a guided tour that explains how the ice cream is made, how the company grew from a small shop into a global brand and what values it has tried to build into its business. The tour typically includes a short film or talk, a walk past production windows when the line is running, and a tasting of a flavor in production. Afterward, you can browse the scoop shop and gift store and visit the Flavor Graveyard, a hillside of humorous headstones for retired flavors that is free to see. The experience is playful and family-friendly, with a strong sense of humor and a clear connection to Vermont's dairy farms. It is not a deep industrial tour, but it is a satisfying, sweet and funny half-hour that delights children and nostalgic adults alike. Many travelers pair it with a drive through the Green Mountains toward Stowe.

Expect a lively schedule. Tours run frequently in the season and less often in winter, and they are often popular enough that reservations or arriving early is wise. Production may not run on weekends or holidays, so if seeing the line operate matters to you, check the factory's schedule. If the line is quiet, the tour typically still includes the exhibits, the story and the tasting. The factory has facilities for families, and the Flavor Graveyard adds a quirky bonus that is open to all visitors.

Waterbury is a pleasant stop in itself. The village has cafes, shops and a brewery scene, and the surrounding valley is a good base for hiking and mountain views. Cold Hollow Cider Mill and other food producers are nearby, and the road continues toward Stowe, so a Ben and Jerrys stop slots naturally into a day trip that continues deeper into the mountains. The drive from Burlington takes you along a scenic corridor through the Winooski River valley, beautiful in autumn when the ridges are covered in color.

If you prefer a guided day from Burlington that includes Stowe and nearby stops, the small group Stowe tour is an alternative. Whichever way you go, the factory delivers a little local history, a lot of sugar and a smile, which is enough for a good Vermont afternoon.

It helps to arrive with a game plan. Visit the Flavor Graveyard first while the light is good, join the tour at its scheduled time, then taste, shop and sit outside with a scoop. Check for flavors available only at the factory and for dairy-free options, which are increasingly common. A short walk around Waterbury village after the tour makes a pleasant stretch before the drive back.