Do you like chocolate? For many of us that question is a hands down and resounding YES! And, if it is a “yes” or just that you want to do something interesting and educational one morning with your children, tour the Anthony Thomas Factory out in Hilliard. The factory is located just south of the 270 exit off of Roberts Road. Not only will you get a little history behind the Anthony Thomas candy biz, but you’ll get to see how they make their chocolate, and get a piece of candy at the end of the tour and some coupons to buy candy!
Friends and family know my love of chocolate, so when I was invited to tag along with some buddies I was excited. One of my friends called ahead and booked the tour for 9:30 a.m. The factory offers tours from 9:30 a.m. – 2.:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. Groups meet up in the candy store, which is clearly marked when you arrive, and that is where you pay. It was $2/adult and $1/child, and the best part was you end up getting all of that back in coupons to spend on candy in the end. So, essentially the tour is free and you are encouraged to take some chocolate home…oh! twist 
my arm.
The guided tour only lasted about twenty minutes, is wheelchair and stroller-friendly, and is interesting. Patrons are not allowed to take pictures during the tour. So, I will tell you this – we took a chocolate river boat ride, saw real life oopma loompas, and a one of our group members turned into a rather large blueberry. The best part is, unless you take the tour yourself, you won’t know if I am telling the truth! I will state, you do get to see an immense amount of chocolate and candies being made, and the smell is wonderful and mouth-watering.
Anthony Thomas is a local, family-owned candy maker that began its business just after WWII. They got their start in the up-coming neighborhood of Franklinton and have been in business ever since. They produce over 50,000 pounds of chocolate daily!
What are you waiting for? Cheap, yummy, educational fun awaits you, Charlie!
Anthony Thomas Factory
1777 Arlingate Lane
Columbus, OH 43228
614-274-8405
If you go:
- Call ahead if there is a group of you going – that way you are assured a spot for a tour at the time you can go.
- Pay with cash or credit. Great cheap outing…unless you buy the 235 pound buckeye.
- Be prepared to have children asking for candy.
- Be prepared to have your children remain quiet, this is a guided tour. Great time to practice listening ears.
- Stroller and wheelchair friendly! Super easy to navigate.
- Tour is short, so it is perfect for littles.
- Consider watching or reading “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” before or after your visit.
