A Trip To This Nevada Chocolate Factory Will Make All Your Childhood Dreams Come True
Who remembers Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and how excited the five children with the golden tickets were to tour the iconic factory? Even though there is no Gene Wilder to sing catchy tunes or little orange Oompa-Loompas, Ethel M’s Chocolate Factory—just a thirty-minute drive from Las Vegas—is most certainly a sweet spot to visit. Named for his mother, Forrest Mars Sr. created Ethel M Chocolates in 1978 and used her recipes for fresh, homemade, small-batch, premium chocolates. Visitors have enjoyed touring this iconic Nevada chocolate factory and the on-site botanical gardens since it opened in 1980.
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The iconic Nevada chocolate factory is located in Henderson, Nevada, and there are a few Ethel M chocolate shops in the Las Vegas area. Pop-up stores have also been spotted, particularly during chocolate-heavy holidays such as Valentine's Day.
The recently remodeled self-viewing aisle and chocolate shoppe provide guests with a fantastic view of the chocolate-making process and the opportunity to taste truly fresh delights.
Self-guided tours come with a 30-minute Tasting Room experience in which chocolatiers provide a presentation about the factory's history and chocolate-making process, and visitors have the opportunity to taste a selection of the factory's fresh chocolates.
After the tour and tasting, visitors can enjoy Ethel M's Botanical Cactus Garden. The Garden is particularly beautiful during the Christmas season when it is lit and decorated.
Here, over 300 species of desert cactus, shrubs, trees, and succulents from around the United States, Australia, and South America occupy four stunning acres.
The next time you’re feeling a bit nostalgic, or, frankly, any day you crave chocolate, take a day trip to Ethel M’s. You won’t be sorry! Have you toured the factory and cactus gardens? Please share your experiences below.
