Foodie Field Trip: Hammond’s Candy Factory and Store

Today I am taking you on a “Foodie Field Trip.”

I have wanted to do more “Foodie Field Trips” and restaurant reviews for a while now. I even wrote in my list New Year’s resolutions that I wanted these to be more regular features on the blog; since food is my life in and out of the kitchen. However, those resolutions were for 2011, and if you haven’t checked the calendar lately it is now 2012. Welp, I guess better late than never, right?

(my sister and I, see how old this pic is, I had long hair back then!)

 For today’s field trip I am taking you to Hammond’s candy factory and store, located in Denver, Colorado. My sister, Mom, and I visited Hammond’s, err Spring of 2011 (remember good intentions, right?), and these photos have been sitting on my computer ever since,

So hopefully I remember everything! (I do remember texting Eric that I felt like Charlie waiting to go to Wanka’s candy factory)

The Hammond family has been had making chocolates and candies since the early 1920’s in Denver, Colorado. While popular in Colorado for decades, Hammond Candies have just gained national popularity in recent years and have been featured in Martha Stewart Living and Every Day with Rachel Ray.

The first part of the tour is watching a short video on the history of Hammond’s candy. Then you go into a small room where you see the factory through glass windows. We went on a Saturday, and while there was production, it was limited and unfortunately we were only able to see some of the machines in action. So if you plan on taking a trip to Hammonds the best days to go to see the most action is during the week.

(look at that wad of candy)

Hammonds is most known for their hand spun ribbon candy and lollipops and that is what we got to see them make that day.

After you view the room where they make the candy you get to see some of the original candy machines.

Then you move into the room where they package the candy. The candy goes from the first room to the packaging room on a conveyer belt.

Then the tour is over (pretty short but it is free). At the end of the tour, each guest gets to pick a few pieces of complementary candy and then is led into the gift shop and candy store.

There they sold all sorts of candy and chocolate goodies. My sister and I were in aw of these huge lollipops. (Seriously, where was Charlie)

The good stuff was behind the counter though. This is where they had the homemade fudge, bark, and other chocolate goodies. I absolutely loved their Mitchell Sweets which was a chocolate covered marshmallow. S’mores anyone?

(my Mom and sister checking out the 'goods')

Even though the tour was short and er sweet; we had a good time. I think that this is a great foodie field trip for ‘kids’ of all ages, especially since it was free.

They even have birthday party packages available for booking where you can make your very own candy, um fun! Will they let a twenty–something party there?

And if you happen to be there in December check out their annual (free) Candy Cane Festival, full candy, cookie decorating, visits with Santa and more!

  (my cute sister!)

Additional Information:

Hammond’s Candy Store and Factory

(888) 226-3999
www.hammondscandies.com

Cost: Free

Ages: 2+

Hours: Tours run every Half Hour, Monday-Friday 9:00am - 3:00pm and Saturdays 10:00am - 3:00pm.

Time: approximately 30 minutes

Location: 5735 N. Washington Street

Denver, CO 80216


Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. Just a fun foodie experience I wanted to share!