Do you remember reading (or watching) Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and wishing you could immerse yourself in a wonderland of confections? While we may not be able to step into the fictional world of Willy Wonka, there are a few sweet spots that come pretty darn close – including this 100-year-old chocolate factory in Colorado that makes all of its candy on-site and offers free tours that the whole family will love.
Welcome to the magical Hammond’s Candy Factory in Denver, a century-old confectionary specializes in all things sugary and delicious.
Founded in 1920 by Carl T. Hammond, Sr., Hammond's has grown from a small, family-owned sweet shop into a nationally known (and loved) chocolate brand.
When Mr. Hammond passed away in 1966, his son Tom took the helm and continued to expand. Tom passed the business on to his sister Robin in the mid-1980s.
In 1999, Hammond’s Candy Company was sold to new owners. Just five years after being sold, Hammond’s moved into the 35,000-square-foot factory complex on Washington Street where it sits today.
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Are you ready to see how Hammond’s famous candies are made? Step inside and take a free tour!
Tours are offered every 30 minutes during regular business hours. Each one begins with a short video about Hammond’s history. After the video, visitors are then led to the factory’s famous viewing room.
Arguably the most popular part of the tour, the viewing room allows you to see inside the factory, where countless chocolates, lollipops, and other candies are made each day.
Visitors are offered a free piece of candy from the "oops" pile of treats that aren’t quite up to the company’s cosmetic standards but are otherwise perfectly delicious.
After your tour, stop by the Hammond’s Candy Store to pick up a few more sweets to take home with you!
Hammond's Candy Factory is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours are offered every half-hour and can accommodate up to 50 people, so feel free to bring along a big group of your candy-loving friends! Reservations are required to ensure tour availability (regardless of the size of your party) and can be made on the Hammond’s website here or by calling (303) 333-5588, ext. 110.
Address: 5735 Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216
Have you taken a tour of Hammond’s? Do you have any tips for newbies? Share them (and any pictures you may have taken) in the comments! For even more free Colorado tours, check out these 7 Fantastic Factory Tours You Can Only Take In Colorado.
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