My first visit to a candy factory couldn't have been more fun. Not only was it interesting, but we had lots of samples. What better time to go than just before Halloween, because the store was decked out in all the goodies for Halloween.
The Van Otis Chocolates (factory and store) is located in Manchester, New Hampshire.
341 Elm St., Manchester, NH 03101
(603)627-1611
We took a tour that lasted a little over an hour, and below are a few of my photos.
Gift wrapping room (above).
Waiting for the chocolate to be poured in these pans. Then they will be carried over to the two cutting machines to make perfect squares.
Candy maker putting Turtle clusters on the slow moving conveyor belt to cool the chocolate (I think it takes 11 minutes from beginning to end) and the women in the other room package them. In order to be a candy maker here, they have to go a cooking school first, then apprentice at Van Otis at least a year.
One of two conveyor belts (goes from the back room to right above.)
A yummy mess.
A little advertising and the original copper kettle.
The fun is in the choosing, but, there are so many. I have to say, I enjoyed all my purchases. My husband wants to go, so we'll make a December visit. I can't wait to see the decorations, then the ones for Valentine's Day. Fortunately, the store is about 50 minutes away.
