5 Fantastic Factory Tours You Can Only Take In Massachusetts

Looking to do some shopping and check out an amazing artisan workshop at the same time? Then this place will delight you. Pairpoint Glass Works is the oldest glass company in America and has been creating beautiful works of art since 1837. Stop by their Bourne shop to peruse their gorgeous wares and check out the action on the factory floor through a large window that overlooks the workshop. Watching the craftspeople as they shape and pull the glass is mesmerizing. (851 Sandwich Road, Sagamore, Bourne, MA 02561)

Chocolate-lovers rejoice! For the sweetest day trip imaginable, tour the spectacular Taza chocolate factory and fill up on delicious free samples. Head into the factory and see how this company turns massive cacao beans into their unique chocolate discs. The chocolate made here is produced using hand-carved granite millstones, so the finished product has an addictive, slightly gritty texture that you won't find anywhere else. Best of all, there's no charge for this awesome tour. The tours run seven days a week, but free reservations are required. (561 Windsor Street, Somerville, MA)

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This factory tour is a classic Boston activity that too many natives skip. Get to know the Sam Adams brewery on a free tour that lasts about an hour. During the tour, you'll be led through the entire brewing process and get to taste the speciality malts and hops that are used to brew Boston's favorite beer. Of course, you'll also get to sample a few of the beers on offer. This tour is for visitors 21 years and older, and tickets are first come, first serve at the brewery. Tours depart every 40 minutes throughout the day starting at 10 a.m., so get there early to avoid long lines for your time slot. (30 Germania St, Boston, MA 02130)

This small factory is responsible for churning out all those bags of iconic Cape Cod Potato Chips. The factory tour is a must if you’re a fan of the crispy, buttery chips. The tour is self-guided and will take you past massive windows that open onto the factory floor. You’ll get to watch the machines as they slide potatoes into thin chips and check out the workers as they make sure everything runs smoothly. At the end of the tour, you’ll be treated to free Cape Cod Potato Chips and be given the opportunity to browse the quirky gift shop. Fair warning: this definitely isn’t an activity that’s going to eat up your whole afternoon, so plan some other fun activities in the area if you’re making a special trip to the Cape to check this factory out. (100 Breed's Hill Road, Hyannis, MA 02601)

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