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Burlington serves as the perfect gateway to the Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour in nearby Waterbury, home to the brand's only public factory since 1985. This site churns 350,000 pints daily, offering visitors an authentic peek into the scoop-shop origins that launched in Burlington in 1978. The tour blends education, nostalgia, and free scoops against Vermont's Green Mountains.
Start with the guided 30-minute tour featuring a film, production overlook, and samples, then wander the Flavor Graveyard for retired flavor tributes. Hit the scoop shop for exclusives like Maple Walnut, playground for kids, and gift shop for merch. Combine with a Burlington drive for a full ice cream immersion day.
Summer brings peak crowds and best weather, with daily 10am-6pm hours; shoulders like May or September offer milder lines. Expect indoor comfort but outdoor variability—pack layers. Book ahead online, drive safely on rural roads, and arrive hungry.
Vermonters embrace Ben & Jerry's activist ethos, from fair trade ingredients to community days, reflected in tour guides' passionate storytelling. Locals treat the factory as a cultural landmark, blending hippie roots with global fame. Pay respects at the Graveyard for that insider whimsy.
Plan a day trip from Burlington, as the Waterbury factory sits 35 miles north; drive via I-89 for 40 minutes or use rideshares. Tickets cost $6 adults, $5 seniors 65+, $1 kids 2-12 plus fees—buy online 14 days ahead, as tours from 10am-5pm (last start) sell out in peak summer. Groups over 20 need two weeks' email notice; note closures like May 26 for community events.
Wear comfortable shoes for mezzanine walking and layers for variable factory air; Vermont weather shifts fast. Bring cash for the scoop shop or graveyard souvenirs, and a cooler bag if buying pints to go. Arrive early for parking, and check the website for vegan sample options or patio construction updates.