DAY TRIPPING Ben & Jerry's Factory • Waterbury, Vermont Inside Vermont's Sweetest Spot: Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour

I scream, you scream, we all scream … for a road trip! &emsp;If you've never made the pilgrimage to the Ben & Jerry's Factory, consider this your sign. Nestled in the Green Mountains of Vermont, it's the kind of day trip that blends nostalgia, scenery, and — of course — serious ice cream. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just looking for a fun outing, this stop delivers a little bit of everything. &emsp;The story begins in 1978, when Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield opened their first scoop shop in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vt. By 1985, the Waterbury factory was up and running, and tours followed shortly after in 1986. Today, it's the only Ben & Jerry's production site open to the public — and it churns out an impressive 350,000 pints a day, supplying fans across the country. &emsp;The experience itself is part behind-the-scenes look, part celebration of how a quirky local startup became a global brand. The 30-minute guided tour kicks off with a short film about the company's culture (yes, it's as fun and feel-good as you'd expect), highlighting everything from its social mission to its famously creative flavors. &emsp;After that, you'll head to a glassed-in mezzanine overlooking the production floor, where guides walk you through the process of making those iconic pints — from mixing ingredients to packaging. &emsp;And then comes the best part: the Flavor Room. Every tour ends with a sample, and flavors rotate regularly, so there's always something new to try. There are also non-dairy and vegan options available, making it an inclusive treat for everyone in your group. &emsp;The tours run daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the last one starting at 5 p.m. Tickets do tend to sell out, though, especially on weekends and during peak travel seasons, so it's wise to book your tickets ahead of time (they're released 14 days in advance). Prices are refreshingly reasonable: $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $1 for kids ages 2-12. Infants get in for free, making it an easy win for families. &emsp;One thing to keep in mind: production schedules vary, so you might not catch the machines in action — but the tour itself remains the same and still delivers plenty to see and learn. &emsp;Afterward, don't rush off. On a nice day, the grounds are worth exploring. There are amazing mountain views, a playground for the kiddos, and the delightfully quirky Flavor Graveyard, where retired ice cream flavors are laid to rest with pun-filled headstones — a quirky, slightly bizarre highlight that visitors love. &emsp;If you want to make a full day of it, Waterbury, Vt., has plenty more to offer: Stop by the Cold Hollow Cider Mill for fresh cider and donuts, browse local goods at the Cabot Farmers' Store, or grab a pick-me-up at Vermont Artisan Coffee and Tea. Add in a mix of restaurants, shops, and lodging, and you've got yourself a sweet little getaway. &emsp;For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Ben and Jerry's online — and maybe plan to bring a cooler. Just in case. BOX with Logo Ben & Jerry's Factory 281 Waterbury-Stowe Road Route 100, Waterbury, VT 05676 802-337-1201 benjerry.com