Tuesday morning we started our trek home, but before departing the area we took a quick, couple hour detour to the Jelly Belly factory. I had originally tried to stop by on our way to Great Grandma's, however I did not know where the factory actually was. I had always seen the Jelly Belly signs, but had not been there (I know, such a deprived child - my parents took me nowhere - ha ha) so I thought it was right off the freeway (it is not).
I promised Morgan I would look up directions on the way home and we would visit when we drove back. Because a mama-promise is iron-clad we arrived Tuesday morning around 11. I had read online that weekdays are best for two reasons, (1) the factory is actually running so you get to see everything in production vs. just videos telling you about it and (2) it is less busy. Well..... (1) was right on, (2) was maybe not as much so when summer is factored in.
At first I thought about retreating - looking around / visiting the store and saving the tour for another time. But, we had already arrived and when realistically would we be back on a week day? So, we waited in line. (I am actually so impressed with Morgan's patience - whether it is traffic or lines to get into things she is very patient.*) We waited 30 - 45 minutes for our turn to tour - and then were handed our "stylish" paper hats (required for the tour) and were off through the secret doors.
The tour took about 45 minutes and was pretty neat. It was cool to feel and taste the jelly beans before they get their coating and Morgan liked seeing them in the machines. We got to see Jelly bean mosaic artwork and at the end request a few sample beans of new flavors that we wanted to try. Morgan picked - chocolate devotion / 7-up / and one other that I can not remember....
A few Jelly Belly facts that I did not know:
- President Reagan made the Jelly Belly beans famous - I guess he was an uber-fan!
- The blueberry bean was made specifically for his inauguration to make a red, white, and blue bean jar design.
- The Jelly Belly beans are flavored inside and out - I guess normal beans only have flavor in the coating, these have flavor at every layer.
- Jelly Beans are basically cousins or morphed versions of turkish delight.
All in all it was worth the wait and I'm glad we braved the line. Now we can cross off - see Jelly Belly factory tour. :-)
* On a side note - Mama could learn patience from her, I seriously thought I might cry when we reached the front of the line (ok not that bad, but I was ready to be done in line) - I just wanted it to be our turn so badly and was worried we would have to wait one more round. I even was thinking in my head "please be our turn, please be our turn". I do promise I am not normally so terrible over lines, it just seemed to be a trip of lines - lines in traffic - lines in exhibits - lines, lines, lines... I don't know how you (i.e. California / Georgia friends and family) all handle traffic day after day - it is nuts!!!!
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