It’s always fascinating to see the process behind how things are made. Here in the Sunshine State, you can get a behind-the-scenes look at factories manufacturing everything from chocolates to airplanes. Take a look at the list below and you might find a fascinating tour near you:
1. Lakeridge Winery, Clermont
You might not immediately think of Florida when you think of wine, but that's all about to change. The free winery tours and tastings at Lakeridge Winery are offered seven days a week, with the last tour of the day beginning at 4:00 p.m. If you're closer to Northeast Florida, you can tour their sister winery, San Sebastian, in St. Augustine.
2. Sweet Pete's, Jacksonville
There's always something amazing being cooked up at Sweet Pete's. This massive candy store in Jacksonville feels like a mix between Willy Wonka's factory and Alice in Wonderland. The 30-minute tour costs $5, and guests get to make their own candy bars (included in the price of the tour).
3. St. Augustine Distillery
If you've always wanted to watch as your whiskey was mixed, mashed, cooked, and distilled, this factory housed in a historic ice plant will give you a glimpse behind the scenes. These 30-minute tours are free of charge and include samples of some unique small-batch spirits made on site. Check it out next time you're in St. Augustine!
4. Tabanero Cigars, Tampa
The history of cigar making in Florida is long and fascinating, and if you want to learn more about it, there's no better place than Tampa's historic Ybor City neighborhood. This 45-minute tour will walk you through the history of the cigar industry in Tampa, as well as how the cigars are made by hand. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance, with at least two people, for a fee of $30. Each additional guest is $10. Call (813) 402-6316 to make reservations.
5. Sugarland, Clewiston
Although you can't go inside of the actual refinery, this tour through Florida's sweetest town from the sugarcane farm to the sugar mill and beyond offers a fascinating glimpse of the history and process of refining sugar. The three-and-a-half-hour tours are held Monday through Friday at 9:00 a.m. from October through March, and cost $38 per person.
6. Piper Aircraft, Inc., Vero Beach
Come see how William T. Piper made his dreams take flight with this in-depth tour intended for aviary aficianados. Tours are offered Monday through Thursday at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.. by reservation only. Call 772-567-4361 or email tours@piper.com to make a reservation.
7. Hoffman's Chocolate Factory, Shoppe, Ice Cream Parlour and Gardens, Greenacres
This longrunning chocolate shop first started in Lake Worth more than 40 years ago. Today, it has expanded across South Florida, but you will have to travel to Greenacres to tour this impressive factory. Tours are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
8. Siesta Key Rum (Drum Circle , Sarasota
This free hour-long tour details every part of the process of crafting this award-winning rum. Of course, the tour is followed by some tasty samples. Check out
their site to view and book available tours.
9. Chocolate Kingdom, Kissimmee
Walk-ins are welcome to this one-of-a-kind tour in Kissimmee that details the entire chocolate-making process from bean to bar. Tours are held starting on the hour every hour from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The cost is $16.95 for adults and $12.95 for kids ages 4 through 12.
Have you taken any of these fun and fascinating tours in Florida? Do you know of any others that deserved to make the list?
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