Goody's Chocolate and Ice Cream Factory Tour

In the middle of mountainous Bend, there’s the opportunity for a delectable, non-outdoors adventure for those who’d rather munch candies than march uphill.

Head to Goody's, a family-run company that produces handmade chocolates, candies and ice cream, if you want to sign up for some sweet fun. The store hosts self-led and guided tours throughout the week, which have been voted one of America's 10 best ice cream factory tours by Frommer's.

The tours lead visitors down hallways with big windows looking into commercial kitchens. You’ll see confectioners hard at work, cooking up all kinds of delights - gourmet chocolates, fudge, caramel corn, toffee, peanut brittle, ice cream and more. Most of Goody’s treats are made by hand, with minimal use of machinery. You’ll notice an emphasis on quality, especially when it comes to local ingredients, such as eggs, milk and butter.

Prepared to be treated not just by the visuals, but also by indulging in up to six sample goodies during the guided tours. You will also find a popcorn station that has 15 different flavors of gourmet popcorn. There’s no expectation of purchase at the end of the tour, but you will be led to Goody’s retail store, where there’s a huge wall of candy bins. Resist if you can.

Goody’s has been churning out sweets since 1984, and has been legendary in Central Oregon ever since. The business has changed hands a few times, but has always been run by local families. Today the company produces over 16 tons of chocolate products each year and thousands of gallons of ice cream.

The free, self-guided tours are available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. No appointments necessary. However, groups of 10 or more should book two weeks in advance for $2 per person. Children 3 and under are free. The 15-minute, guided walking tour includes six samples.