ethel m chocolate factory tour

Tour the Ethel M Chocolate Factory & Cactus Garden (Photos!)

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If you’re visiting Las Vegas and happen to be a chocolate lover (honestly, who isn’t?), then you’ll want to take a trip over to the Ethel M Chocolate Factory & Botanical Cactus Garden!

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The Ethel M Chocolate Factory produces premium gourmet chocolate out of nearby Henderson, Nevada (about a 20-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip). But alongside a tasty selection of treats to buy, Ethel M also has several attractions to get you up close and personal with their production process.

The Ethel M factory is also home to the Ethel M Botanical Cactus Gardens, which is the largest cactus garden in all of Nevada. It displays hundreds of species of cacti and succulents, more than half of which are native to the American southwest.

Best of all, the factory and its expansive botanical cactus gardens are open every day to the public, with no admission charge. So, what are you waiting for? From free self-guided tours to a premium wine and chocolate tasting experience, a trip to the Ethel M Chocolate factory will be an enjoyable time you won’t soon forget!

Keep on reading to find out everything you need to know about visiting the Ethel M Chocolate Factory & Cactus Garden.

Things to Do at Ethel M Chocolate Factory Las Vegas

If you are looking to get off the Strip for a couple of hours and see some more of Vegas, look no further than the events and attractions available for you at the Ethel M Chocolate Factory & Cactus Garden.

Offering a range of activities and attractions for all interests, budgets, and visit durations, there is an incredible amount to see and do at Ethel M!

Ethel M Self-Guided Factory Tour (Free!)

Ethel M is enthusiastic for all their visitors to get up close and personal with their team of talented chocolatiers. You’ll be welcomed with a piece of chocolate and invited to take a short, self-guided walking tour where you’ll be able to see in intimate detail how the legendary chocolate company crafts its products.

You’ll walk along the edge of the factory floor, where you’ll get to see each area of the chocolate production in action through the huge glass windows. There’s information in each production area that will tell you exactly what the chocolatiers are doing at that stage of production.

From pecan brittle to satin crèmes, you can feast your eyes on the kitchen where Ethel M produces over 60 kinds of world-famous chocolates!

All Ethel M confectionary is made on-site and produced to order in small batches. So, there may not always be a team of chocolatiers hard at work when you arrive. In this regard, it is a bit hit or miss. You may or may not catch the factory kitchen at full chocolate-making capacity, but I think you’ll still find the factory tour and information interesting and enjoyable. We did!

Ethel M Premium Chocolate & Wine Tastings

If you are not content just watching while Ethel M’s delicious treats are created, and you’d like to get some of that chocolaty goodness in your mouth, the factory also offers a selection of daily Ethel M chocolate tastings that will make your taste buds very happy!

Each official Ethel M chocolate tasting class brings you closer than ever to your favorite treats, teaching you how their chocolate is created, all the way from sourcing the ingredients to producing the product. Expert Chocolatiers will also coach you on the subtleties of chocolate tasting and flavor identification, leaving you with a deeper appreciation of your favorite confectionery.

These tasting experiences are offered daily, last about 30-45 minutes, and can even include a chocolate and wine tasting option.

The Chocolate Tastings take place at Noon, 2 PM, and 4 PM every day and can accept single visitors up to groups of 25. Sit down with a qualified Chocolatier to sample some of Ethel M’s most famous delights, including:

• Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter
• Milk Chocolate Pecan Caramel Rapture (My personal favorite!)
• Dark Chocolate Lemon Satin Crème
• White Chocolate Vanilla Truffle

Additionally, the Chocolate & Wine Tasting Experience offers all visitors over the age of 21 the chance to match Ethel M’s range of premium chocolates to a hand-picked selection of Trinchero’s finest wines.

You can book at tasting in advance on Ethel M’s website.

Ethel M Chocolate Tasting Groupon Discount

What’s better than tasting gourmet chocolate at Ethel M?…getting a discount, of course! You can sometimes find an Ethel M Chocolate Tasting Groupon . While a groupon is not always available for the Ethel M tasting experience, it’s always worth a quick look. If you find a discount for any of the chocolate tastings, grab it because it may not be there for long!

Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden Las Vegas

When you are done touring the factory, and tasting some of Ethel M’s most popular treats, stroll outside to explore Nevada’s largest botanical cactus garden. While I don’t know how chocolate and cactus go together, the Ethel M cactus garden is a really cool bonus, and is worth the trip all by itself!

The Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden is home to over 300 species of cacti and succulents, more than half of which are native to the American Southwest. The cactus garden is also home to a range of desert trees and shrubs from Australia and South America, chosen for their beauty and floral displays.

The drought-tolerant trees and cacti are laid out in a visually appealing way, and the paved garden pathways make walking through the gardens easy, as well as wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly.

Note : All of Ethel M’s plants are sustained and watered by what they call the “Living Machine”: an innovative and top-of-the-line water recycling system embedded on the factory grounds. The Living Machine water treatment facility takes wastewater and runs it through a simulated wetland where the aquatic plants and micro-organisms eat the waste and clean the water before being used to water the cactus and trees.

Free to visit and open all year round, a stroll through the Botanical Cactus Garden offers a perfect ending to your visit.

Ethel M Cactus Garden Christmas Festivities

If you happen to be visiting Las Vegas around Christmas time, you’re in for an even bigger treat! The Ethel M Chocolates Holiday Cactus Garden is a highlight of every Christmas season in Las Vegas and is one of the biggest annual holiday displays in town! Every evening, from early November until January, you can head to the cactus garden to experience the thousands of holiday lights. It’s absolutely magical!

The second best thing about the Christmas lights at Ethel M each year is that it only costs $1 to visit! It’s a great way to enjoy the holiday season in Las Vegas style!

You can learn more about the Christmas Lights at Ethel M and see a bunch of photos in our article here on our website.

Factory and Garden Guided Tours

If you are looking for a more substantive visit, Ethel M offers 15-minute guided tours through the cactus garden to tell you more about the garden’s history and plants.

Then your guide will take you inside for a guided walk down the factory aisle at the optimum time, making sure you don’t miss out on the action. Guided tours run every day and can accommodate up to 25 guests at a time for $20 per adult and $10 per child under 12 years.

Be sure to reserve your spot at least 48 hours in advance to avoid disappointment. You can make your reservation by calling tel: 702-435-2608

Ethel M Chocolate Gift Shop

Finally, don’t forget to visit the Ethel M Gift Shop. After seeing everything, you’ll no doubt be ready to pick up some chocolate for yourself or to take home as a gift. The gift shop contains all the chocolates and confections that Ethel M makes, and they’re all ready to take with you.

If you’re worried about buying chocolate in the desert heat, Ethel M even packs your purchase with some bags of ice so you can make it back to your hotel without a gooey mess.

If you’re still concerned about traveling with your chocolates and would like to have them shipped directly to you or a friend, you can make your chocolate purchase online here . Your purchase will be delivered packed in dry ice to ensure it arrives safely, even during the summer.

Location and Distance from the Strip

The Ethel M Chocolate Factory is located just 9 miles east of the Strip, and visitors will easily be able to make the journey by car, Uber, or cab. On average, it is a 20-minute drive from the heart of the Strip.

The factory, store, and cactus gardens are open daily from 10am until 6pm.

The Ethel M factory is located at 2 Cactus Garden Drive, Henderson, NV 89014 . Click here (google maps) for turn-by-turn directions.

Parking is no problem at Ethel M. They have a large parking lot (also free) that can accommodate oversized vehicles such as RVs, trailers, motorhomes, and buses.

Visitors can also access the Ethel M factory on the city bus line. Las Vegas and Henderson are linked by the Line 212 bus, but best check with your hotel for the most efficient way there and back.

Note : Visitors often want to know if dogs are allowed to visit the Ethel M Cactus garden. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in the cactus garden or anywhere on the grounds. There is a sign at the entrance to the botanical garden that makes this quite clear.

Ethel M Chocolate Factory & Cactus Garden – Final Thoughts

Whether you are a chocolate lover, a nature enthusiast, or just a tourist ready to see one of Las Vegas’s most popular attractions, you should consider a visit to the Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden.

Here are a few key factors to keep in mind while you plan your visit:

• The Botanical Cactus Garden and factory viewing aisle are available without charge, which makes visiting the Ethel M facility perfect for all budgets.
• The premium attractions – including the guided tour, and chocolate & wine tasting class – will cost between $10 and $30 per guest, with concession rates for students, children, and large groups.
• The Ethel M Chocolate Factory & Cactus Garden is located 9 miles east of the Strip, in Henderson. It is easily accessible via car, Uber, or public transport.

So, why not take a couple of hours out of a day during your stay in Las Vegas to visit the world-famous Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden? For details on arranging your visit, check out the official Ethel M site here .

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References:

Ethel M Store Locator

As a Vegas local who enjoys experiencing everything the city has to offer, Wendy is uniquely qualified to provide insider tips and recommendations to anyone visiting Las Vegas.

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Ethel M Chocolate Factory Tour

Review Highlights

“ We came during the thanksgiving holiday & we got a chance to see the Cactus Garden with all the holiday lights. ” in 14 reviews

“ Ethel M has recently begun the chocolate tasting which you get on Group for half off. ” in 5 reviews

“ You know some of their other brands like M&M and Mars . ” in 4 reviews

Location & Hours

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Las Vegas, NV 89119

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9/28/2023 Last visit we didn't even know about the factory.. (the clerk at the airport location told us).. So here we went on the self guided tour.. Felt like back in the day field trip.. Staff was friendly and shared the story behind Ethel M's.. Also found out there are four shops in the airport.. Wanted to buy some items, but I knew we would be running around town.. Bought the pecan toffee ( $15 for four pieces) and I couldn't resist to the small travel bag (my second one).. Very cool they gave me an ice pack for the tote bag.. Really enjoyed the cactus garden..

See all photos from Amy O. for Ethel M Chocolate Factory Tour

We went here in December to see the lights. We were there a couple days after Christmas, and the line probably took us about 40 minutes or so! If I could do it all over, I would have switched out with people in our group, having some people wait in line while others went to explore the store. Inside the store, they give you a free piece of chocolate and you can also look through the window at the factory, where people are working. Even in the late evening. They sell drinks like hot chocolate, and everything is overpriced of course, but very yummy. We bought two delicious and unique flavored chocolate bars ($8 each - ahh!), and also shared a hot chocolate. As for the lights in the cactus garden, it was way bigger than we expected, and therefore worth the wait. In the middle of the garden, there's actually a food truck sort of thing selling more hot chocolate and a few other items.

See all photos from Melinda M. for Ethel M Chocolate Factory Tour

We came here for a reprieve from the Vegas heat. We found this place online as a recommended Vegas activity when it's crazy hot outside. Upon entering, we were immediately greeted and offered a sample of either their milk or dark chocolate. I chose the dark (dark chocolate, always). It was a really delicious piece of chocolate; we would've brought some back as souvenirs if not for the excessive Vegas heat that would melt them instantly. We went on a Thursday afternoon but it wasn't a very exciting day at the factory. This isn't your Hershey Park Chocolate World tour in Pennsylvania, it's more of a "fish bowl" type tour where you look on through the plexiglass. They have descriptions printed on the glass to read for a self-guided tour. You start on the left against the back wall and work your way down. It took us about 5 minutes to get through the whole process. Perhaps if more activity was going on inside the factory, the enjoyment of watching what happens behind the curtain would've lasted longer. They did have a few machines going, and you could watch a station of employees putting delicate chocolates into each of their boxes, but overall, it was nothing engrossing. The self-guided tour ended with a selfie spot with a giant box of chocolates, and then you could explore their chocolate cafe/shop. They have a selection of chocolate truffles to pick from, along with a counter to order decadent chocolate milkshakes ($10), chocolate-covered marshmallows (~$4), and chocolate-covered strawberries ($6/strawberry!). Items are definitely on the pricey side, but they did offer quantity discounts. We ordered a dark chocolate-covered marshmallow (comes with three marshmallows on a stick) which was a tasty treat, though the marshmallow was a little on the chewy side. The chocolate is definitely the star, and it had fancy branding printed on the chocolate. After we finished our chocolate treat, we braved the Vegas heat to check out their cactus garden. The cactus garden was a highlight - it was neat to stroll through the garden and see the variety of cacti on display, prickly pears and all! Don't forget the sunscreen though - that Vegas sun is no joke!

See all photos from Gellie E. for Ethel M Chocolate Factory Tour

This is a great spot to come out and see a really great set up of Christmas lights. The line might seem long but it moved quickly and we didn't wait more than 15 minutes. The price is $2 per person and they have several add-one. You can get some hit chocolate and other holiday goodies and there are some adult beverages options. Great spot to take kids we walked around for 40 minutes and they do have a Santa you can visit!

A really beautiful place. Amazing staff. Great chocolate. And the cactus is beautiful to see and stroll thru.

One of their beautifully packaged candy assortments!

Great tour of the chocolate factory. Reminded me of Willy Wonka. The chefs behind the windows working hard to produce delicious chocolates. The selkf guided tour was well organized and the store had everything you could imagine. Outside, there was a cactus garden second to none. Well worth the drive.

My family and I discovered this delightful gem just outside of the Strip, and we were amazed by the spacious facility. Upon entering, a friendly gentleman welcomed us with complimentary chocolate samples. Throughout our visit, our kids had the unique opportunity to learn about the chocolate-making process, from cocoa selection to the final packaging of the products. After completing the informative "tour" of the factory, we found ourselves in their store where we could purchase chocolate bars and exquisite specialty chocolate boxes. They even have a bar offering specialty drinks that perfectly complement their chocolates. As free experiences in Vegas become increasingly rare, this chocolate factory offers not only an educational insight into chocolate production but also a chance to explore their charming cactus garden at no cost. In conclusion, if you have some free time and are looking for an off-Strip adventure, why not embark on this delightful chocolate tour? It's an experience that's sure to delight the entire family!

Honestly I feel like this was worth going once. It was a let down. The tour of the chocolate factory is self guided and not as amazing as I had hoped. They have a garden outside, it was a paid entry, littered with Christmas flare. I've bought chocolate all over the world and this is as good as any, it's a little costly but the quality is excellent. I'm not saying it's over priced, far from it, it's just more of a luxury purchase than common chocolate, I don't normally drop $100 on chocolate and candy. Also, the hot cocoa is a must have in the winter visits. I'm glad to have visited, I just don't need to go back. You can purchase the chocolate around town at various locations for the same cost.

Went here yesterday with my two sons, 21 and 15, been taking them here since they were elementary school age, so it's almost like a tradition. We arrived at 4:30 with a line of about 20 people ahead of us. They now charge one dollar per person entry fee when it used to be free admission to walk the gardens. I also noticed that they have permanent barriers installed so that you cannot walk the entire lighted areas. The lights were indeed beautiful, but couldn't enjoy them all due to the restrictive barriers. As we were leaving, we noticed that the line had grown tremendously long and people near the end of the line would have at least an hour wait to get in. We didn't go inside the store because we weren't interested in buying overpriced chocolates, we just love looking at lights!

I had no clue that this place even existed until I came to visit Vegas with some friends a few weeks ago. A couple of my friends are chocolate lovers so it's no surprise that they found this factory for us to visit. We all did the holiday chocolate tasting together and it was so much fun! I learned so much and it was a real treat getting to sample Ethel M's holiday chocolates.

Holiday 2022 Chocolate Tasting

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A Guide to The Ethel M Chocolate Factory

Nestled in East Las Vegas approximately 25 minutes from the Strip is a chocolate lovers paradise celebrating four decades of exquisite craftsmanship and dedication to creating exceptional chocolates. Founded by Forrest Mars, the visionary behind iconic treats like M&M’S and the MILKY WAY Bar, this desert gem pays homage to a legacy of pure expression and intention.

Forty years ago, Forrest Mars made a pivotal decision, returning to his family’s heritage to craft a chocolate company that mirrored his commitment to quality and innovation. In the heart of the Mojave Desert, Ethel M Chocolates emerged as a tribute to his beloved mother, Ethel Mars, a legacy that continues to bring joy to countless souls.

Inside the Chocolate Alchemy

At Ethel M Chocolates, each encounter is an unveiling, akin to opening a treasure trove of delectable delights. Ethel M’s chocolatiers passionately seek out the finest, most unique ingredients, promising surprises and moments of pure delight in every bite. From the velvety smoothness of their chocolate to the tantalizing crunch of nuts and the lusciousness of their fillings, the commitment to quality ensures an unparalleled taste experience.

Visitors stepping into the flagship store are welcomed into an elevated chocolate experience (with free samples!), where impeccable service and attention to detail are paramount. Each box of Ethel M Chocolates embodies the essence of the desert—concealing wonders that amaze and satisfy. The array of flavors, from sea salt caramel to tangy prickly pear and top-shelf liqueur-infused delights, offers a rewarding experience, perfect for personal indulgence or celebrating cherished connections.

Ethel M’s Oasis in the Desert

Beyond the chocolate haven, the Ethel M Chocolates Factory is an oasis of natural beauty. Their Botanical Cactus Garden sprawls across three acres, boasting over 300 species of plants carefully selected for their splendor and resilience in the Mojave Desert’s climate.

During the holiday season, the garden transforms into a mesmerizing spectacle adorned with over a million sparkling lights. Families can visit to meet Santa, savor renowned hot chocolate, and revel in the festivities. This Holiday Cactus Garden has become a cherished Las Vegas holiday tradition , promising joy and wonder for all.

For those seeking a romantic escape, Lights of Love during Valentine’s Day offers a captivating experience. Stroll through romantically lit paths, indulge in chocolate-dipped strawberries, and create lasting memories with loved ones or friends.

Chocolate and Wine Tasting Experiences

The factory offers an engaging experience, inviting guests to unravel the secrets behind identifying nuanced flavor profiles within their delectable creations. For those aged 21 and above, an exclusive Chocolate and Wine Tasting elevates the experience further. This sophisticated affair pairs a curated selection of Ethel M’s finest chocolate delights with four meticulously chosen wines, personally curated by the Chief Chocolatier, Mark Mackey. Lasting between 30 to 45 minutes, this tasting session promises a delightful rendezvous of flavors, appealing not only to chocolate aficionados but also to wine enthusiasts.

Visitors to the Henderson location can immerse themselves in a complete experience. They can wander through the Botanical Cactus Garden, witness the chocolate-making process on a free factory tour, and explore the flagship store. Take home a piece of this enchantment with premium chocolate gift boxes or curate a custom selection.

Ethel M Chocolates invites all to savor the marriage of chocolate artistry and desert beauty—a unique journey that indulges the senses and captures the spirit of celebration.

Discover more about their flagship location’s offerings and plan a visit to experience the magic of Ethel M Chocolates. But, if you have too much fun while visiting town, you can still catch a taste of these delectable treats at smaller gift shop locations located at the C, D, and E gates at Harry Reid International Airport or at other locations around town.

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Well worth a visit! - Ethel M Chocolates Factory and Cactus Garden

• United States    
• Nevada (NV)    
• Henderson    
• Henderson - Things to Do    
• Ethel M Chocolates Factory and Cactus Garden

Well worth a visit!

Always fun for us to walk the lighted cactus garden during the holidays. Lots (lots!) of people go and the line is long. We waited 35 minutes to get in. The staff was good at crowd control and there were no problems with the line. Just before the pay booth ($2 per person charge), we got wanded with metal detectors which was new to us this year. People were well behaved and the whole experience was very pleasant.

My husband and I decided to try the wine and chocolate tasting. I did both and he did just the chocolate and it was a great experience. Vic was amazing and made it fun. We learned about Ethel M’s history and how chocolate is made. Learning to use the senses for both the chocolate and wine was eye opening too. We will be bringing family back when they come to visit.

The chocolate and wine tasting were the holiday of our Thanksgiving trip to LV. And be sure to tour that cactus garden all decked out and lit up for Christmas!

I went to take my 2 nieces (12 & 13 yrs old) to get sweets at the back cafe near an exit door. We were discriminated by a white employee working. It wasn’t busy and a bit empty on thanksgiving day. We are not white and when we approached the counter, a white girl with braces was to the left side moving things around and saw us but she didn’t greet us. We waited for awhile before she came to take our order. She wasn’t customer service friendly towards us but we didn’t think anything of it until after we paid and a white family came to order. She told us she will get our items so we waited to the side. She greeted the white family (3 adult white women and 1 adult white man with 2 kids) very warmly. She grabbed half of our order and placed it in front of the family asking them what they would like. She didn’t ask them to wait as she finished grabbing our items from the glass window of goods right by her side. One of the women asked us if these were ours so I grabbed and didn’t want to be rude and get in their space. The worker girl looked at me and continued to ask the other women taking their orders. She then told me to wait a bit longer for my other items. I thought maybe someone was bringing some fresh chocolate strawberries from the back instead of what’s in the window beside her. My nieces and I continue to wait and finally another worker comes and the girl who took our order tells her if she can grab our strawberries. The strawberries were grabbed from inside the window next to the girl who took our order so nothing from the back. There were no other customers after that family so it wasn’t busy. She didn’t want to help us from the start. She made us wait more than we should have for someone else to help us while she treated the white family with great service and care. It made no sense how she couldn’t finish grabbing strawberries from the same window she grabbed the marshmallows we ordered. Instead she made us wait to give priority to the white family who came after us. I hope she doesn’t treat other people like this who are not white and come to the store to purchase items. It’s sad my nieces had to feel that prejudice and what she did. I called the store and was told her name was Aliyah. She was working early evening shift on thanksgiving day. Ethel chocolate is not worth going to with racist employees like Aliyah.

Christmas lights are amazing. Such a fun time with minimal cost ($2 per person to enter). Also recommend paying for the hot chocolate - one of the best I’ve had!

we had a great time at Ethel’s ,we did the holiday /wine tasting and it was amazing ,the staff was so warm and welcoming and very knowledgeable of the history of Ethel’s.Being informed of how the chocolates was made and all the ingredients that go into each flavor just made the chocolate taste that much better. very informative !

Ethel M Chocolate Factory Tour

The Ethel M Chocolate Factory Tour is a fun, self-guided walking tour of the chocolate factory that produces products like M&M’s , Mars Bars , Milky Way, and the signature line of gourmet chocolates, Ethel M.

About ethel m chocolate factory tour:.

This Chocolate factory is a jewel in the Las Vegas desert! On this Free, self-guided tour , you’ll see how the chocolates are made, from the ganaches, caramels, and brittles to the coating and packaging.

And the absolute best part is that at the end of the tour, everyone gets a free sample of chocolate, yum!

Ethel M’s chocolate is made in small batches, ensuring the quality and freshness of the product. Their chocolates have no added preservatives and are made 100% by hand. The factory makes chocolate Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, so everything you try is guaranteed to be fresh and absolutely delicious!

Browse through some of the best chocolate packages Ethel M has to offer on Amazon! Give these delicious chocolates a try:

Buy Ethel M Chocolates

After the tour, we highly recommend that you and your group take a stroll through the cactus garden at Ethel M, where you’ll see ocotillo, prickly pear, and saguaros cacti amongst many other cacti species! Ethel M’s Cacti Garden has over 300 cacti species and over 300 desert flower species! It is a magical place to visit year-round.

Hours: Facilities are open from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm for daily self-guided tours.

Location: Ethel M Chocolate Factory in Henderson. Approximately 10 miles from the Strip!

Address: 2 Cactus Garden Dr, Henderson, NV 89014

Phone: (702) 435-2608

Website: EthelM.com

Admission price: Free and open to the public!

Discover remarkable Las Vegas spots solely designed to fulfill your sweet tooth’s desires!

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Ethel M’s Chocolate Factory Tour

by brandie Leave a Comment

Living in Vegas means that we never have a shortage of things to do. We play tourist quite often and have the best time visiting all the fun places we have in this town. At the end of the summer, our family finally took a trip to a place we had been wanting to visit since we moved here last year: the Ethel M’s Chocolate Factory Tour .

First, a bit of history….

Ethel M’s Chocolate started with their founder, Forrest Mars Sr.. He watched his mother create gourmet chocolates in their home during the early nineteen-hundreds in Tacoma, Washington. In 1981, Forrest Mars Sr, “retired” to Henderson, Nevada (just outside of Las Vegas) and he created Ethel M Chocolates to honor his mother. The chocolates are at 8 locations throughout Las Vegas and also at www.ethelschocolate.com . Ethel M’s Chocolate is one part of Mars, Incorporated — I”m sure you’ll recognize some of the other big product names from Mars, Incorporated, such as M&M’s, Snickers, Dove…just to name a few.

Tourists from all over the world visit the chocolate factor here in Vegas. There was even 3 tour buses there during our trip. It’s a free self guided chocolate tour, so it makes a great stop if you have kids, if you love chocolate, or if you are just looking for an inexpensive activity off of the Las Vegas Strip.

To start the tour, you enter through the M&M’s World – this M&M’s World is not a big store like the one on the Las Vegas Strip, but it’s a small shop with all sorts of colorful and fun M&M’s merchandise. The tour is a large walkway with viewing glass on one side showing you the actual chocolate kitchen and production and on the other side is a wall with lots of facts about chocolate and the Mars company.

There is information on other Mars products, such as this display which explains where certain products are made. David enjoys trivia like this – he’s always interested in knowing locations of things.

Across from those signs is where you can see the production of the chocolates in their kitchen. On the left in the image below is the original kettles that they have been using for over 30 years. They are used to make caramels, brittles, and other confections. There is signs hanging in the production area that tell you the names of things and/or what happens in a certain area. For example the purple sign hanging in the middle says “cream beaters” – which is large vats where their Satin Cremes are made. It’s hard to see, but way in the VERY back, more on the left, there is a sign that says “Stephan Machines”. These machines are big food processors which make their ganache.

As you walk along, we entered the area where the product line is.

I’m not exactly sure what is happening in this photo, but it’s another part of the production line. Here we could tell that they were making heart shaped chocolates which we assumed were for Valentine’s Day.

At some point, those heart chocolates were popped out of their mold and made it to this worker.

After the production line, the chocolates worked their way down to packaging.

It was here that we realized that the chocolates they were making today were for Valentine’s Day. See the heart shaped boxes? Mattie and Courtney were both surprised that it was the summer, but that they were already working on Valentine’s candy. That opened up a lot of great conversation where we talked about how products actually end up on store shelves in time for holidays.

This was the end of the tour, but right as you are are leaving, they let you pick either a piece of either white, dark, or milk chocolate to sample. Mattie picked milk chocolate.

The tour officially ends in their Ethel M store. They sell all their chocolates here, plus other items like their caramel apples, and even ice cream.

You can buy premade packages of chocolate or design your own collection of chocolate from the display cases – and they have ice packs so you can keep your chocolate from melting…very handy in our desert heat.

And, of course, there was cool Vegas themed chocolate pieces.

After we browsed, we headed outside to visit the botanical cactus garden – I took LOTS of photos of that too but will save that for part 2 of our visit. It’s a beautiful garden right there on the grounds of the chocolate factory.

Before leaving, Mattie and Courtney did the souvenir penny engraving machine to add to their collection.

We had a lot of fun and we recommend it to everyone. It was interesting learning about how chocolate is made and seeing what they actually use to make all those sweet treats we love. We do plan to go back in November or December – this is when the botanical cactus garden is lit up with Christmas lights – I wanted to go last year, but we never found the time. This year I’m making it a top priority!

Now tell me…if you took the tour and you had to pick dark, white, or milk chocolate – which one would you have picked?

You can find more information, visit Ethel M Chocolates on the web at www.ethelm.com or you can find them on Twitter or Facebook too.

(note: this post was not compensated or sponsored – we enjoyed our visit so much that we wanted to share it!)

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Discover the best chocolate experience in Las Vegas! Visit the Ethel M Chocolates Factory and Flagship Store in Las Vegas to experience our premium chocolate and wine tastings, our self-guided factory viewing aisle, walk our beautiful 3-acre Cactus Garden (the largest in Nevada!), shop at our gourmet Gift Shop, and delight in fresh treats from our Cactus Cafe. Ethel M Chocolates offers free experiences that are fun for the whole family! 

Nestled in the heart of Southern Nevada, just a short distance from the Las Vegas strip, the Ethel M Chocolates Factory invites guests to embark on an exciting journey through the world of premium chocolate craftsmanship.

2 Cactus Garden Dr, Henderson, NV 89014 Phone:  702-435-2608

Open Daily: 10am-6pm

Chocolate Tasting Experiences

Walk Through Our Free Self-Guided Factory Viewing Aisle

Current Factory Production Hours:  Monday through Friday, 10am to 3:30pm

Watch as our expert chocolatiers craft the Ethel M Chocolates you know and love, made in small batches without artificial preservatives at our Las Vegas chocolate factory! During the factory’s hours of operation, take our self-guided chocolate factory tour to see each piece of chocolate packed by hand with care, then head to our Gift Shop to pick up some treats to take home.

Cactus Garden Cafe

Specialty Drinks

small $3  / large $4

Fresh-Made Bites

Ask us about our seasonal flavors

chocolate brownie

Handmade brownies dipped in our premium dark chocolate

chocolate cannoli

Handmade cannoli dipped in our premium dark chocolate

chocolate strawberry

Drenched and drizzled in our signature chocolate

2 for $10 / 3 for $15 / 9 for $45

chocolate bark

Choose from milk or dark chocolate sprinkled with pecan, pretzel, almond, macadamia or brittle

$8 / 3 for $20

chocolate orange

Italian orange slices dipped in our premium dark chocolate

$6 / 3 for $15

chocolate marshmallow

Fluffy marshmallows smothered and strung with premium chocolate

$4 / 3 for $10

Botanical Cactus Garden

Ethel M Chocolates' breathtaking Botanical Cactus Garden is Nevada's largest and one of the world's most prolific collections of its kind. Over 300 species of desert plants can be found on the grounds.  Especially enchanting during the holiday season, stroll through the mesmerizing oasis when the garden transforms into a magical holiday cactus garden, adorned with captivating lights and festive displays. Learn more about visiting the Cactus Garden here .

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Chocolate gift delivery to Russia

  * Moscow, St. Petersburg - within 2 days.

When will my chocolate be delivered ?

Deliveries are sent to the address you have provided via DHL EXPRESS from Monday until Friday from 8 am to 6 pm.

How much are the delivery charges ?

Planète Chocolat offers you secure methods of payment. Our delivery charges for Russia are €39.65 including tax.

Is delivery also possible on weekends or public holidays ?

Unfortunetly, no , DHL only delivers from Monday to Friday between 08:00 - 18:00 and does not work during public holidays.

Belgian chocolates to the land of the Tsars!

Are you going to Russia for professional reasons and you don't know what gift to take ? Why not think about delicious chocolates from Planète Chocolat  ? Once your selection is confirmed, our store will take care of the delivery, whether your contacts, loved ones, or family live in Moscow , Saint Petersburg , Novosibirsk , Yekaterinburg , or Kazan  ! 

The Russian craze to make up for lost time!

Just like China , Russia wasn't a great consumer of chocolate until the turn of the 21st century. The land of the Tsars is now catching up at full speed, since Russians consume an average of 6 kg of chocolate each year. The outlook is positive because the annual increase is planned to be 0.8%. This growing market should increase by 45% between 2014 and 2017, with revenues approaching 6 billion euros. The progress of artisan chocolate compared to industrial chocolate is also a dedicated process.  

Chocolate and Russia: what a history

While changing their eating habits to chocolate, Russia has also developed a strong production system at the same time. The largest Russian chocolate brands are Krasniy Octyabr, a company founded in 1966, Konditersky Kontsern Babaevsky, established in 1804, and Rot Front, a candy maker that has been around since 1826. Chocolate makers are also increasing with the opening of small artisanal stores throughout the country, creating a passion for quality chocolate and developing the Russian palate for more subtle flavors.  

Chocolate, a stylish gift

From Christmas to Easter celebrations , as well as birthdays , weddings or Valentine's Day , any occasion is good for giving chocolate. To such an extent that chocolate has become the best-selling treat. Russians also like to buy chocolate bars to eat alone or to add to delicious pastries. So if you have acquaintances in Russia , or if you're going to be there for an extended stay, think about Planète Chocolat , your online store that guarantees delivery of exceptional Belgian chocolates wherever you find yourself.

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Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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