Burlington Area

The tour begins with a short film about the history of Ben and Jerry's ice cream. It is interesting and informative. We both gained a lot of information from the movie, and it was well suited for children. After the movie, we saw the inside of the plant where the ice cream is produced. If you visit during the week, you can actually see the people working at the different stations. Unfortunately, we were there on a Saturday and did not get to see this. They also show a movie demonstrating how everything works and the different processes the ice cream goes through. The tour guides are really informative, know their stuff, and tell great jokes. After the information session, we were taken to a room and given free samples of ice cream. There were two choices, and they change every day.

At the conclusion of the tour, you walk through the hall of fame with a whole bunch of articles and information about the ice cream. There is a little store and an ice-cream shop (so you can get more ice cream).

It's very tasty, and I would recommend checking it out if you are in the area.

When you first see the building, you know you are going to have a good time. The building is colorful and in a farm-like setting. When you enter the building, you walk into the teddy bear store and get to see all the different bears they sell. The bears themselves are quite expensive (running from $50-70), but the tour only costs $2.

During the tour, they show you how the fabric is cut (and even give you a free gift), how they sew the pieces together, how they are stuffed, and how they are fixed when sent back for warranty claims (each bear carries a lifetime warranty). The tour guide was very funny and worked extremely well with the children, answering their questions as if the teddy bears were living things (because, of course, they are to the kids). Following the tour, you have an opportunity to make a bear for $19.99, plus tax.

If you like shopping, you will love all the little shops along this street. It's closed off to cars (except for some intersections where cars cross), so you can just walk around and enjoy the shops.

There are a lot of interesting local shops. One in particular that I visited sold things (pictures, glass crafts, etc.) made by local artisans. The store was really pricey, but it was really fun to browse around in. Some of the artwork was absolutely amazing. There was also a store that sold just socks (which was great, since I have a random obsession with collecting socks). There are a couple of bistros and taverns along the path, so you can always find a bite to eat if you are hungry.

Unforunately, when my boyfriend and I were there, we weren't really able to delve too much into the shops, since it's outdoors and it was raining, but I would definitely love to get back there and check out some more shops.