Fairfield factory main floor, photo courtesy of www.jellybelly.com
1 Jelly Belly Lane
Fairfield, CA
What I seem to remember most about Jelly Belly’s California factory is the absolutely horrendous tantrum my then-three-year-old (now seven-year-old) decided to throw somewhere between the sorting floor and the tasting room. And yet, despite the fact that mortal embarrassment is my first connotation with this attraction, it still makes my list of reviews. It’s that great.
And it’s free! Tours of the factory go from 9 am to 4 pm every day (every 15 minutes) and are 45 minutes long (about 10 minutes TOO long for my three-year-old…but maybe not yours). Guides take you past viewing areas of all aspects of the factory (beware primary color overload!). You end up in a gift shop (surprise!) but do get free samples.
Tip: look for the section with the ‘Belly Flops’ (misshapen but perfectly edible discount beans).
Try to avoid on holidays. It will be crowded, causing wait times for the tours, and some of the machinery won’t be running.
Date last visited: 2005
Distance off the interstate: Just a few minutes off I-80.
Bathrooms: Plentiful and clean.
Food Services: There is a on-site restaurant, but in my experience (and the experience of several other reviews), it’s spendy and not very great. Fill up on Jelly Bellys instead!
Website: http://www.jellybelly.com/visit_jelly_belly/california_factory_tours.aspx. Or you can call: 800.953.5592
Directions: From I-80 at Fairfield, exit onto Hwy. 12/Rio Vista. Turn right at the first light onto Beck Avenue, right onto Courage Dr., right onto No. Watney Way, then right onto Jelly Belly Lane.
