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COVID-19 Update

South Africa's Covid-19 regulations have been repealed.

Travelers do not need to be vaccinated or produce proof of a negative PCR test to be able to enter South Africa.

Face masks are also not necessary anymore.

Your specialist in Southern Africa

Established in 1996, Fairfield Tours has grown to become one of the leading local DMC's, setting the standard for ultimate service, dedication and reliability throughout the Southern African tourism industry.

A dynamic team dedicated to quality

Our team of highly skilled consultants embodies a wealth of experience and knowledge, expertly equipped to handle all of your specialist requests in many languages, including English, German, Dutch, French and Afrikaans.

Tours as unique as you are

Fairfield Tours offers you personalized service, tailoring each package to your clients’ individual needs, interests and budgets. Expect to see attention to detail in every authentic tour as locals unveil the hidden treasures of Southern Africa.

What Fairfield Tours can do for you

With the innovative use of technology and newly available software, Fairfield Tours welcomes your clients to the holiday experience as soon as they set eyes on Africa. From there we tailor-make Guided Group Tours and FITs that cover both the beaten and hidden tracks of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland, and Lesotho to give each client an authentic trip. Provided with a jam-packed route description and a knowledgeable local guide, vacationists can relax, knowing that we’ve covered everything from ensuring reliable transfers to booking a tee-off time and everything in-between.

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Sustainable Business Practices

By supporting sustainable business practices and funding Green projects, we help off-set our carbon footprint to ensure a better, brighter future for Africa’s natural beauty.

Click here to read more about our Enivroment Policy.

Nature Conservation

Collaboration with the Department of Nature Conservation of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University helps develop competent staff eager to contribute to sustainable tourism in innovative ways.

The Code.org

As a proud member of The Code, we aim to protect children from sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism.

Team Management

Johann Kleinhans

Chief Executive Officer

As leader of Fairfield, Johann is an admired strategic thinker, whose humour and consideration are only levelled by his integrity.

Juliane Loubser

Managing Director

Originally from Germany, Juliane’s passion for South Africa and commitment to quality has shaped Fairfield as we know today.

Christiaan Rabie

Chief Financial Director

A true figure of sophistication. Christiaan is not only confident in finances, but also adept in travels of Southern Africa game reserves.

Address: 66 Hopkins Street

South Africa

+27 (0)21 936 4600

E-mail: [email protected]

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Visits & Interviews

Visits and Interviews

On this page, tour our campus, schedule an interview, additional visit opportunities, plan your visit.

With quick access to most major interstates, airports, and train lines, Fairfield University is easy to visit. Come explore our beautiful campus and experience our close-knit community first-hand. We would love the opportunity to meet you in person and truly believe that visiting campus is the best way to get a sense of everything Fairfield has to offer.

Browse our in-person visit options or explore our virtual visit experiences to easily engage with our community and learn more about Fairfield from any location.

Campus Visits

Our  Campus Visits,  which include an information session followed by a tour ,  are offered Mondays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and on select weekend dates in the spring  until Monday, April 29.

In the spring , our Campus Tour Only options are held as follows:

January 23 - May 1, 2024

• Tuesday through Thursday: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
• Select weekend dates

If you select the tour only option, we hope you will also take the opportunity to view our  virtual information session . 

Admitted Student Campus Visits

Campus Visits tailored for admitted students are offered Monday and Friday at 1:30 p.m. and on select weekend dates at 11:15 a.m. in the spring. Our Campus Tour Only options are held at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. on select weekend dates.

Self-Guided Campus Tours

Register for a self-guided tour of Fairfield’s campus. Maps with a suggested route and fun facts about each stop are located in the red mailboxes outside of the entrances to the Kelley Center.

Fairfield University Tour Video

Join our Stags on a fast-paced tour of our state-of-the-art academic buildings, campus center, recreation complex, downtown Fairfield, and more.

Virtual Tours

Explore Fairfield’s 200-acre campus and surrounding community with the click of a button. This immersive experience offers 360-degree views of our modern campus and provides useful information about Fairfield academics and student life.

An interview is one of the single best ways for an applicant to stand out during the admission process. While completely optional, they are a great way to demonstrate your interest and help us get to know you better as an applicant. Interviews are conducted by a member of the admission team.

Schedule an In-Person Interview

We think interviews are a great way for us to get to know you and for you to get to know us. Fairfield takes great pride in a holistic approach to admission, and interviews are an important way to demonstrate your interest in the University. Prospective students who will be graduating from high school in 2024 are encouraged to interview as soon as their schedule allows.

Schedule a Virtual Interview

We think interviews are a great way for us to get to know you and you to get to know us. Fairfield takes great pride in a holistic approach to admission, interviews are an important way to demonstrate your interest in the University. Prospective students who will be graduating from high school in 2024 are encouraged to interview as soon as their schedule allows.

The Office of Admission offers a variety of in-person and virtual information session to help prospective students and their families engage with our campus community and determine if Fairfield is the school for them. Choose from any of the options below and get to know our University and our school-specific programs on a more personal level.

Prospective Student Virtual Information Session

We hope you will take the opportunity to view our virtual information session. 

Multicultural Visit Program (MVP)

MVP celebrates the culture and diversity of our campus community through a series of virtual visit opportunities that connect prospective students with current students, faculty, and staff of color and/or unique backgrounds.

College of Arts & Sciences Information Session

Prospective students interested in studying the humanities, natural and behavioral sciences, or mathematics are invited to join the College of Arts and Sciences and the Office of Undergraduate Admission for a series of major-specific information sessions that will be held on select dates throughout the year.

Dolan School of Business Information Session

Prospective students interested in studying business at Fairfield are invited to join the Dolan School of Business and the Office of Undergraduate Admission for a business-specific information session held on select dates throughout the year.

Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies Information Session

Prospective students interested in studying nursing, public health, or social work are invited to join the Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies and the Office of Undergraduate Admission for a nursing-specific information session held on select dates throughout the year .

School of Engineering & Computing Information Session

Prospective students interested in studying engineering at Fairfield are invited to join the School of Engineering & Computing and the Office of Undergraduate Admission for an engineering-specific information session held on select dates throughout the year.

Campus Map & Directions

About the town, meet our counselors.

If you have any questions, please call the Office of Undergraduate Admission at (203) 254-4100 or send us an e-mail at [email protected] .

Search Results

Official Factory Tours | Jelly Belly Candy Company

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Week of Easter Activities

Celebrate Christmas at Jelly Belly!

Jelly Belly Factory Tour

Jelly belly self-guided factory tours.

For a small entrance fee, you can join us for a self guided tour! Reservations are not required.

Factory tours are offered daily, 9:15am to 4:00pm. Featuring:

• HD/4K quality videos to give you an up-close-and-personal look at our candy manufacturing
• Interactive exhibits
• A self-guided walk along the elevated, ¼ mile long tour lane to give you a bird’s-eye view of the entire operation.

Jelly Belly Guided Factory Tour & Museum Experience

Join us for an exciting day at the Jelly Belly Guided Factory Tour & Guided Museum Experience! Located at 1 Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield, CA, USA, this in-person event offers a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating world of Jelly Belly! A personal tour guide will escort your group of up to 6 people exlusively through the Factory tour and Museum experience. Reservations are required. For available dates, click here .

Guided tours are available 3 times per day at 9:15am, 11:30am, and 1:30pm. Limited to 1 group per time slot. All tours must be booked at least 24 hours prior to your tour's start time. Included:

• Personal guided tour of the Factory tour lane and Museum
• Retail store discount
• Discount at Magic Memories photos

See How it's Made!

• 1 Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield, CA
• We are located halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento off I-80 and Highway 12.

What to do while you're here

• Self-guided tours allow you to explore the ¼ mile journey above the factory at your own pace, enjoying the all-new look at our candy making.
• Interactive exhibits and games along the tour lane
• Browse the Jelly Belly Jelly Bean Art Gallery
• Shop the Jelly Belly Candy Store
• Dine at the Jelly Belly Café
• Shop the Jelly Belly Chocolate Shoppe and Fudge Counter
• Sample your way through the Chocolate & Wine Experience

For Information

• Tour Pricing: All ages are welcome to take our factory tour! Prices are $7.00 for adults and $3.00 for children ages 3 - 17. Ages 2 & under are free. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Active military receive 20% off their ticket price by showing military ID.
• ADA Accessibility: All areas of the Visitor Center and public factory tour are fully ADA accessible. (Strollers and wheelchairs are not provided.)
• Allergen Information: Our Retail Store, Café, and Chocolate Shoppe confections and foods contain certain allergy triggers. Please check out our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) to learn more about allergens and to submit a question.
• Buses and RVs: Bus and RV parking is available during business hours. Overnight parking is prohibited.
• Hearing Impaired: Videos along the tour lane have been updated to include subtitles to accommodate our guests who are hearing impaired.Large Groups No advanced ticket sales available.
• Holiday Hours: We are closed on New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. We operate on reduced hours on the 1st Saturday in December, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. The Jelly Belly Factory has limited-to-no candy production for a three-week period, typically occurring in the month of April. During this time, the Visitor Center will observe regular business hours and conduct tours in a non-producing factory similar to weekend tours. Hours and production schedules are subject to change without notice. Please refer to our Event Calendar for these notifications or call ahead for modified hours.
• Parking: Parking is free! Bus and RV parking is also available during business hours. Overnight parking is prohibited.
• Pets: Service animals are allowed on the public tour lane. A dog walk area for traveling pets is located just off the parking lot on the north side of the facility. Please do not leave pets unattended in vehicles, especially on hot days.
• Photography: You may take photos in the Visitor Center and during your factory tour. Please note that flash photography is not allowed inside the factory.
• Smoke-Free Campus: Jelly Belly operates smoke-free campuses. Smoking and vaping is not permitted on the premises, including parking lots, sidewalks and other common areas.
• Wait Times: Our wait times may vary depending on the time of year. Currently our wait times are 0 to 30 minutes.
• Weekends and Holidays: While we strive to keep all manufacturing areas operating at full capacity Monday through Friday, there may be times some or all areas of the factory will not be operating or operating at full production. Although our candy makers are at home with their families on the weekends, we still conduct factory tours! Our updated HD/4K tour videos throughout the tour lane show a close-up view of all the activities that happen inside the factory. Production schedules are subject to change without notice. Please refer to our Event Calendar for these notifications.
• Weekday Tours: Our working factory operates Monday – Friday. If you want to see the full factory in action, we recommend joining us for a tour during the week. If you can’t make it during the week though, don’t worry! Our weekend tours still get to see all the action on the floor thanks to HD/4K video throughout the tour lane to give you a closer look at what happens down on the factory floor. The Jelly Belly Factory has limited to no candy production for a three-week period, typically occurring in the month of April. During this time, the Visitor Center will observe regular business hours and conduct tours in a non-producing factory similar to weekend tours. Production schedules are subject to change without notice. Please refer to our Event Calendar for these notifications.

For additional tour information, call 1-800-9-JELLYBEAN ( 1-800-953-5592 ).

California factory events.

THE 5 BEST Fairfield Tours & Excursions

Fairfield tours.

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• Sightseeing Tours
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• Multi-day Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Jelly Belly Factory Tour

2. Suisun Valley Tasting Experience

3. Heretic Brewing Company

4. Green Valley Limousine

5. Bally Keal

6. Wine Me Away Wine Tours

7. Bolder Adventure Rentals llc

What travelers are saying.

• Fairfield City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Zombie Scavengers
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Owners and hosts

Outer Banks

Eclipse cleveland, oh, our background.

We are a family run Bus tour company. We plan and escort all our trips. With Buses departing from Gettysburg and Fairfield PA

Our upcoming  Trips 2024:

• March 19:  "Daniel" at Sight and Sound.
• April 7-9: "Rockin Eclipse Tour
• MAY 6-9: Natural Bridge,D-Day Museum & Lexington, VA.
• JUNE 2-4: Connecticut River Valley  
• July 13-21: Trains &Parks of Colorado #1
• July 27- August 4: Trains & Parks of Colorado #2 
• August 21: Mystery Trip  
• Sept 17-22: Adirondack Balloon Festival. 
•  October: Maine: September 30-October 6
• November 13: "Joy To THE World" American Music Theatre
• November 20 : "Joy TO THE World" #2 American Music Theatre
• December 7-11: Boston Pops Christmas Concert & A very special "Christmas at a Castle"

For more information contact us

40 Fawn Trail

Fairfield PA 17320   

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » California (CA) » 15 Best Things to Do in Fairfield (CA)

15 Best Things to Do in Fairfield (CA)

Situated in a scenic portion of Central California between San Francisco and Sacramento , Fairfield is widely considered to be one of the region’s most underappreciated gems.

Fairfield is located in a fertile area amidst two of Solano County’s lushest valleys. Though it’s near to many of the region’s premier tourist attractions, it has a decidedly more rural and natural feel than its big-city counterparts.

The city is probably most well-known for its iconic jelly bean factory, but it’s also full of natural, cultural, historical, and artistic attractions, making it easy to stay entertained and engaged without leaving city limits.

1. The Travis Air Force Base Heritage Center

Located just outside Fairfield on the grounds of one of the area’s largest military installations, the Travis Air Force Base Heritage Center is one of the city’s premier attractions.

It’s a big hit with lovers of military history and aviation, and since it was founded in the mid-‘80s, it has been drawing visitors of all stripes.

Over the years, the base’s main role has been as a hub for air mobility operations. Its collection includes dozens of vintage and contemporary aircraft, ranging from a massive C-5 Galaxy and an F-86 Sabre jet to the B-29 Superfortress that dropped the atomic bombs on Japan at the end of World War II.

2. The Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company

Central California is known for its abundant wineries and olive oil producers. For traveling epicureans, they’re usually at the top of the itinerary.

The Il Fiorella Olive Oil Company is a family-owned business that started long before the current generation took over the helm.

Il Fiorella is located on Mankas Corner Road in Fairfield. It is a popular attraction for food lovers, outdoorsy types, and those traveling with kids who prefer seeing how things are done from a ground-level perspective.

Guests can hook-up with a staff led-tour of the groves and production facilities, and sample a variety of gourmet oils.

3. Budweiser Brewery Tour

Though it may not be as trendy or refined as organic olive oil or locally made wine, Budweiser is one of the country’s most iconic beer brands. It’s brewed in large quantities at a massive brewery on Busch Drive in Fairfield.

For those who’ve never seen one up close and personal, breweries are marvels of modern technology. They use time-tested recipes and traditional ingredients to churn out refreshing adult beverages that have been making drinkers happy for generations.

The Fairfield brewery opened in the ‘70s. During tours, visitors will learn about brewing, bottling, and other interesting tidbits of local history.

4. Paradise Valley Golf Course

Though the weather in Fairfield isn’t as mild for much of the year as it is in Southern California, during the late spring and summer months, it’s often downright perfect for outdoor activities like golf.

Paradise Valley Golf Course is an award-winning course that is frequently ranked as one of the Bay Area’s best golf values.

Previous players have described it as well-groomed and challenging, but also forgiving for those who choose to play from the shorter tees.

During peak season, the course hosts a number of high-profile tournaments, so it’s a good idea to check their calendar of events to see if tee times are available for when you’ll be visiting.

5. Rockville Hills Regional Park

Getting out into the great outdoors isn’t a particularly difficult thing to do when visiting Fairfield.

The city features abundant parks and green spaces, and many of California’s most majestic state and national parks are just short drives away.

That being said, for those who’d rather not waste valuable vacation time driving, Rockville Hills Regional Park is a convenient option that offers more natural areas and wide-open spaces than you might expect.

The park’s entrance is located on Rockville Road in Fairfield. It features nearly 10 miles of trails that wind through a variety of natural environments open to walkers, bikers, and hikers.

6. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Spread across nearly 150 fun-filled acres in Vallejo, about 35 kilometers southwest of Fairfield, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is aptly named the ‘Thrill Capital of Northern California.’

The park’s main attractions are its abundant amusement park-style ride like roller coasters, but it also features other activities, such as go-kart racing, laser tag, live entertainment, and animal shows.

There are plenty of dining and lodging options onsite and in Vallejo, though they may fill-up quickly during peak times, so advanced registration is wise if you’ll be visiting during the summer when kids are out of school.

For many families traveling with kids, Six Flags is where they spend the majority of their time.

7. Vezer Family Vineyard

For wine snobs, casual sippers, and those who wouldn’t know a zinfandel from a Bud draft, vineyard tours are among the most popular activities in central California.

The Vezer Family Vineyard is located on Mankas Corner Road in Fairfield. It’s widely regarded as one of the region’s best producers of zinfandels and petite Sirahs.

There’s just something perfect about the area’s soil and weather that make for great grapes and wines. Guided tours are great ways to learn about farming, harvesting, and the modern methods by which humble grapes are transformed into tasty, intoxicating beverages with a fantastic array of unique flavor profiles.

8. Jelly Bean Factory Tour

Though they tend to get a bad rap these days for their high sugar content and preservatives, jelly beans have been the favorite sweet treats of kids and adults for generations.

Fairfield’s Jelly Bean factory is one of the city’s most notable attractions. Tours are fun ways to spend a day experiencing the world of candy from a unique perspective.

Jelly beans are definitely the stars of the show, but the factory also produces more than 100 varieties of sweets.

The factory is located on Jelly Bean Lane in Fairfield and includes a café, chocolate shop, and gift shop that are worth checking out.

The production processes and modern equipment are wonders to behold, and tours generally last about an hour.

9. The Suisun Wildlife Center

In recent years, traditional zoos have come under fire for exploiting wild animals and keeping them confined in hopelessly small enclosures.

The Suisan Wildlife Center couldn’t be more different than zoos in those respects; its goal is to rehabilitate its injured and orphaned occupants and eventually release them back into the wild.

A not-for-profit organization that’s largely staffed by dedicated volunteers, it typically cares for more than 1,000 individual animals at any one time.

Though some of the facility is off-limits, visitors are encouraged to stop by the welcome center and have a look at some animals who are permanent residents.

The center is located in Suisun City, just a few blocks southeast of Fairfield.

10. Scandia Family Center

Featuring multiple mini-golf courses, batting cages, bumper boats, a video arcade, and a high-speed go-cart track, Scandia Family Center on Central Place in Fairfield is one of the city’s most exhilarating attractions.

Scandia Family Center features activities appropriate for children of most ages. Though it’s really all about the kids, parents and teens usually have a great time as well.

The center features snack bars with extensive menus and ample seating areas for harried moms and dads who’d rather watch the action from a safe distance.

Considering all the activity options, most visitors consider the cost a good value.

11. The Western Railway Museum

Located just off State Highway 12 in Suisun City, only a few minutes southeast of downtown Fairfield, the Western Railway Museum is another of Solano County’s premier historical attractions.

The museum is located inside a station that once lay along the Sacramento Northern Railway line, which was more of a short-distance commuter passenger railway than a traditional one.

The museum’s collection includes restored trolleys and other urban transport equipment, as well as an impressive archive of materials relating to the area’s transportation development, history, and economy.

Many visitors choose to leave a small donation to help with the museum’s restoration work and upkeep.

12. Heretic Brewery

Fairfield may be most well-known for its large commercial brewery, but it’s often small brew houses like Heretic Brewery that draw the real beer aficionados.

Heretic usually has 20 beers on tap in their tasting room; they run the gamut from pale ales and blondes to porters and stouts.

Brewery tours are offered a few days a week, and no advance registration is needed.

Just give them a call and ask when the next one is scheduled. Make sure to show up a few minutes early to reserve your spots.

Heretic Brewery is located on Horizon Drive in Fairfield. They offer special seasonal beers throughout the year as well.

13. Take in an Annual Festival

Regardless of when you’ll be visiting Fairfield, you may be able to enjoy one of the abundant annual festivals the city hosts throughout the year.

The historic downtown area is a popular open-air entertainment venue that features parades, festivals, and fairs. Nearby parks offer additional activity options like fishing derbies and organized trail runs.

Perennial favorites include a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, Independence Day parade, and a candy festival that’s held in September, when the weather is usually perfect for outdoor activities.

Check the city’s website to see what’s on their calendar of events for when you’ll be in the area.

14. Lynch Canyon

Located in the foothills between Fairfield and Vallejo, Lynch Canyon offers wilderness lovers and nature enthusiasts a convenient way to escape the crowds often found at more traditional tourist attractions.

Lynch Canyon is owned and preserved by a local land trust. It is home to an abundance of animal species, including birds of prey, bobcats, coyote, and waterfowl. Many of them are commonly seen from the well-marked trails.

There aren’t many onsite amenities, so you’ll need to plan ahead and buy snacks and water before heading out for a hike or bike ride.

The canyon also features impressive wildflower blooms that are worth seeing if you’ll be in the area in the spring.

15. Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum

For much of the 19th century, Vallejo was home to one of the West Coast’s largest naval installations and shipyards.

The Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum is on Marin Street on Vallejo’s Mare Island. Depending on traffic, the drive from Fairfield should take about 30 minutes.

The museum features a number of distinct galleries, including military equipment, historic photographs, and firsthand accounts of sailors, officers, and shipbuilders who worked onsite over the years.

Many of the museum’s exhibits are interactive, making them engaging and educational for most ages.

15 Best Things to Do in Fairfield (CA):

• The Travis Air Force Base Heritage Center
• The Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company
• Budweiser Brewery Tour
• Paradise Valley Golf Course
• Rockville Hills Regional Park
• Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
• Vezer Family Vineyard
• Jelly Bean Factory Tour
• The Suisun Wildlife Center
• Scandia Family Center
• The Western Railway Museum
• Heretic Brewery
• Take in an Annual Festival
• Lynch Canyon
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum

Get inspired

The wonderful world of Jelly Belly

By michele broitman.

From the moment we stepped inside, the Jelly Belly Factory was beyond my imagination. Larger-than-life jelly beans and a hot-air balloon dangled from the high ceiling, their bright colors energizing the large space. A Jelly Belly-decorated motorcycle resided in the center of the room, and framed Jelly Belly art—jelly bean mosaics of Hollywood legends and celebrated leaders, like Ronald Reagan—hung on the walls. Reagan was a big fan of Jelly Belly jelly beans and even wrote to the company in 1973 as the Governor of California, “We can hardly start a meeting or make a decision without passing the jar of jelly beans.” During his presidency, his sweet tooth became famous, as he had a special Jelly Belly bean holder installed on Marine One and 3.5 tons shipped to his inauguration celebration, all of which helped put the company on the map.

It was my daughter Nika’s fifth birthday. After attending one too many birthday parties at loud and stress-inducing pizza joints, my husband, Ed, and I wanted to try something different this year. We hoped this Jelly Belly Factory tour would be a wonderland of sweet exploration and make for a memorable birthday for our little girl.

On the drive to the factory in Fairfield, California—a city between Sacramento and San Francisco—Nika’s 8-year-old brother, Kimo, had excitedly listed off his favorite jelly bean flavors: Crushed Pineapple, Toasted Marshmallow and Pumpkin Pie. Nika confessed her wish to try one of every flavor. Ed and I laughed at her enthusiasm, feeling hopeful this tour would be our birthday-girl’s dream come true.

How It’s Made

After examining the whimsical décor, we decided to try the Chocolate and Wine Experience, which gave us front-of-line access to the factory tour after the tasting. Eating chocolate instead of waiting in line with our birthday girl—yes, please.

The scent of cocoa was strong as we entered the tasting area on the second floor. We weren’t sure what to expect, as we came for sugary sweets, not velvety chocolate and wine. We all sampled the chocolates and fudge. They were a heavenly fusion of sweet and salty. Ed and I also took a few sips of local  Suisun Valley wine , the fruity pairing with the bittersweet chocolate tingling our taste buds.

My kids looked up at me with huge, chocolaty smiles, and I grinned back.

So far, I had every indication this tour was going to be a triumph, as we had already begun to capture the factory’s sweet magic with our chocolate encrusted smiles.

Before we knew it, we finished our tasting and it was time for the self-guided factory tour. We were ushered onto elevated platforms over the factory floor and began our sweet journey in the candy kitchen, which included interactive games and HD/4K videos with an up-close look at the candy making action.

We watched confectioners mix water, corn syrup, sugar and flavoring (that day was peach, which we could smell when we walked in) to make a hot liquid that would eventually become hundreds of jelly beans. The liquid was poured into trays with bean forms, and then we followed big cranes carrying those 25-pound trays of beans to where they rest for a few days.

A Jelly Belly employee offered us a few solidified samples, which Nika eagerly snatched up. “Sweet, but doesn’t taste like jelly beans,” she declared.

The employee replied, “That’s because the beans haven’t gotten their sugar coating yet.”

We entered the area where the beans get their sweet coating, which looked like a construction zone with large rotating drums spinning freshly made beans. Kimo intently watched as a confectioner shoveled sugar onto the spinning beans. “It’s like they’re making sugar cement,” he laughed.

Nika was clearly enthralled with the process, her eyes glued to the machines. “Are they jelly beans yet?” She asked as we continued the tour into the next room.

The sorting room is where the “Belly Flops” are separated from the perfect Jelly Belly beans. A rainbow of crates spread before us, Nika jumped and exclaimed, “They’ve got the candy coating now. I want to try everything!”

Another Jelly Belly employee, standing near one of the interactive stations, heard Nita’s exclamation and laughed.

“That’s right,” the employee said. She handed Nika another jelly bean sample and took one for herself. “Let’s eat it at the same time,” she told Nika. “One, two, three!”

They both popped the jelly bean into their mouths and intently chewed, analyzing the flavors with their tongues. Nika giggled and said, “It’s a real jelly bean now.”

Ed and I sampled the margarita and blackberry flavors that had been resting for the past several days. The kids eagerly tasted every flavor available, a truly birthday-worthy splurge, and a birthday wish come true for Nika.

“I wonder if oompa loompas work here after dark,” Ed teased as the kids explored the jelly bean smorgasbord.

Kimo rolled his eyes—a little too old for his dad’s silly antics—but Nika’s eyes widened. “I want to be their Willy Wonka!” she exclaimed.

Ed laughed, “Or Wilma Wonka in your case.”

Our self-guided tour came to an end, but we could sample more beans just beyond the exit door in the candy shop. The kids raced to the massive shop—basically a jelly bean utopia. Brightly colored candy met us at every turn. The kids gleefully sampled all their favorites and found some new ones—Buttered Popcorn and Sunkist® Lime. I glanced at Ed, and giggled when I saw he was just as enthralled as they were.

Sweet Notes

After our practically gluttonous jelly bean tastings, the kids filled bags with their favorite flavors. We also grabbed some bean-shaped burgers at the Jelly Belly Café (hoping to curb the sugar rush) and a box of chocolate at the fudge counter. On our way to the car, with arms full of sweet treats, Kimo asked “Can we come back for my birthday, Mom?”

“If that’s what you want. I’m up for plenty more tastings,” I said, smiling.

Nika skipped the rest of the way to our car, singing a song she made up about jelly beans and birthday cake, and I distinctly heard the lyric “best birthday ever” enthusiastically chanted from her lips. Her fifth birthday had been a total success, and so much more enjoyable than birthdays we’d had in the past, because it was just the four of us having fun together. I could foresee this becoming a new family tradition.

It doesn’t stop at Jelly Belly’s sweet confections. Discover Fairfield’s other tempting tours and tastings.

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Self Guided Tours at the Fairfield County Infirmary

Date/Time Date(s) - 04/15/2022 - 04/16/2022 7:00 pm - 12:00 am

Location Fairfield County Infirmary

On Friday, April 15 from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m., enjoy a self guided tour through the Fairfield County Infirmary where you will be armed only with a flashlight as you walk through the building with 180+ years of layered history. Admission is $20 at the door. Kids have to be at least 14; kids under 14 are not allowed for flashlight tours.

All lights within the building will be turned off except at base for check in. Only emergency exit lights and the main stairwell will be lit. Flashlights will be your best friend as you dive deep into all 41,000 thousand square feet of the Fairfield County Infirmary. Bring your own flashlight (no military grade flashlights permitted). If by chance you don’t have one, staff can provide low grade flashlights for your use.

Alcohol or drugs are NOT permitted on the property; the staff may remove you or call the Police Department for violating this rule. Parking will be between the infirmary and the white house on the property. Learn more or follow this event on Facebook .

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U.S. Army Field Band & Chorus stop in Fairfield for 'America The Beautiful' tour

Dry during the day, showers roll back in tonight

Showers this evening, mix of sun and clouds Sunday

Maine Myological Association hosts foraging lecture at Camden Public Library

Drizzle and isolated showers today, drier Sunday

4/12/24 PM Weather

U.S. Army Field Band & Chorus stop in Fairfield for ‘America The Beautiful’ tour

F AIRFIELD, Maine (WABI) - The United States Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus returned to Lawrence Senior High School Saturday night as a stop on their ‘America The Beautiful’ tour going through multiple New England states.

“We are blessed once again to have the Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus with us, for I can’t remember how many times they’ve been up here. And they’re putting on a concert free to the public,” says Lawrence Senior High School Band Director Loren Fields.

As Master Sergeant Erika Grimm explains, the U.S. Army Field Band was created in 1946 to rally support from the American people during World War II.

“We connect with Americans,” says MSgt. Grimm. “We, I think, have the best job in the Army because we play for people all over the country and we go to places where the Army isn’t.”

For their concert Saturday, the theme of the performance centered around America’s beauty, both inside and out.

Soldiers’ Chorus singer James Wilson describes the multifaceted phrase America the Beautiful: “Our land is beautiful, but also the people of America is what highlights the beauty of this great nation.”

There was a mix of iconic patriotic pieces as well as popular hits. There was also a clarinet solo from a band member.

MSgt. Grimm goes on to explain the rest of the program: “Of course, we’ll end with our patriotic closers, we honor our veterans with the Armed Forced Salute , and finish off with everybody’s favorite march, Stars and Stripes Forever .”

In the crowd, Fields points out the variety of attendees: “We have legionnaires, VFW vets, the families, people from all walks of life, all races, colors, and creeds come together. Music is the universal language, and this proves it.”

“To be able to perform and honor soldiers and veterans is really neat to connect and do that with them,” describes Wilson of the experience of touring with the U.S. Army Field Band. “Even just Vietnam veterans that have never heard a thank you from their nation, to be able to give that to them, is something that’s truly special.”

Not only does the tour grant the band opportunity to connect with veterans, but Americans of all kinds.

“Celebrate the connections between the people and the United States, you know,” comments MSgt. Grimm. “There’s so much division that you find on the internet these days, and we show that we meet people all over the country that we’re really all similar and we have the same joys and the same struggles. We’re all united, and I think it’s a beautiful thing.”

The U.S. Army Field Band’s tour continues with stops in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Pennsylvania.

For more information, visit the U.S. Army Field Band’s Facebook page.