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 fifteen minutes from Stowe 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 view of production 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. The experience is playful and family friendly, with a strong sense of humor and a connection to Vermont dairy farms. It is not a deep industrial tour, but it is a satisfying, sweet half hour that delights children and nostalgic adults alike.

Plan your timing. Tours run through the day in season, and popular times fill up, so reserve or arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays. Production is not always running, since the line may pause on certain days, so check before you go if seeing the machinery matters to you. The tasting is a highlight, and the shop often offers flavors and treats that are hard to find elsewhere. If you have food allergies, ask staff about ingredients, because many flavors include nuts, dairy or gluten.

The Flavor Graveyard is a free and funny stop. Each headstone commemorates a discontinued flavor with a short rhyme, and children enjoy hunting for favorites. It is easy to combine with a photo and a scoop outdoors. The grounds have picnic areas, and in nice weather a cone on the lawn is part of the ritual. Because the site is popular with buses, it can be busy at midday, so go early or late for a calmer visit.

Waterbury is worth a longer stay. 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 the Alchemist cannery are close by, and the road continues toward Stowe, so the factory slots naturally into a day of local food stops.

The drive from Stowe is short, so it works as a half-day outing or an easy add-on to a Montpelier or Mad River Valley trip. Wear casual clothes, bring a card for the shop and arrive hungry for ice cream. For families with strollers, confirm accessibility with the staff.

A little forethought makes the stop more fun. Ask when you arrive about the next tour time so that you can browse the shop or visit the graveyard while you wait. Bring a camera for the cow-themed decor and the headstones, and wear shoes you do not mind walking on grass in.

If you are visiting with a large group, call ahead, and if you have limited mobility, ask about the route and seating. After the tour, consider a picnic on the grounds or a short drive to the cider mill, which is a sweet second stop.