Jelly Belly Visitor Center

The past imagined the future would be like this. One day they said a tiny
pill will be able to fill our mouths with a piece of cheesecake, buttered
popcorn or chocolate pudding. Willy Wonka brought the dream to the
screen, but it was the Goelitz family who made it a reality.

Though this talented family started making candy in 1885, Jelly Bellies
weren't born until 1976. These amazing little candies were relatively
unknown until the press got wind President Reagan used them as new
vice to replace smoking. With much gratitude for their new found fame,
or possibly a brilliant marketing scheme, the Jelly Belly Company kept
the white house stocked with twelve complimentary tons over Reagan's
eight year term.

At the Jelly Belly Visitor's Center tours are offered showing how these
little cuties are made, packaged and cleverly used. One of my favorite
parts of the tour was the Jelly Belly art gallery where 50 pieces in all
hang. Famous people such as Elvis Presley, Princess Diana and Arnold
Schwartzeneggar are masterfully depicted with Jelly Bellies,
meticulously gluing each piece on one at a time using chopsticks.

High above the factory is a glassed in walkway where factory workers
and state of the art equipment are busy at work. I don't want to give too
much away, but it's a lengthy process making Jelly Bellies, taking a week
to make one and up to 21 days for some flavors. Tours start every 15
minutes and lasts 20 minutes or so. Finally each guest is given
complimentary sample bags of Jelly Bellies and their chocolate covered
JBZ's as the tour concludes in the gift shop.

At the gift shop novelties tempt Jelly Belly fans with everything from t-
shirts and candy dispensers as well as their imperfect "Belly Flops" sold
in bulk for a bargain price. The sampling center is located here as well.
Guests are welcome to try any of the 50 official flavors and get a sneak
taste of the latest "rookie flavors". I found myself fascinated with the
Roasted Garlic, Cinnamon Toast and the Buttered Toast flavors.

To round out the trip be sure and visit the Jelly Belly Cafe. It's bright,
cheerful and clean with indoor and outdoor seating as well as a private
glassed in room for birthday parties. Simple fare is ordered at the
counter with a small salad bar also offering condiments for burgers and
sandwiches. If nothing else the kids can get a drink to-go, play Jelly
Belly coin games and take home a small token from their Jelly Belly
penny press.

My kids raved about this place for some time and no wonder! Jelly
Bellies are fun, and their factory is the perfect place to celebrate them.

Open 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. with factory tours 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Located at One Jelly Belly Lane in Fairfield.

Telephone (707) 428-2800

Website: www.jellybelly.com