To quote Forest Gump: “My momma always said, ‘Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.’” Isn’t that the truth!

Hearts shaped boxes are everywhere we look this time of year. In addition to wondering what’s inside those delectable little treats, it’s also fun to see where the mouthwatering chocolate comes from. Lucky for us there are many chocolate factories around the United States that welcome candy lovers to see, smell, and taste their sweet concoctions before they’re placed in the box. Here’s a list of some really fun chocolate factories.

Hershey, PA

This is one chocolate-laden town you won’t want to miss with its chocolate-inspired street names and many chocolate-themed attractions including Hershey Park, Hershey Lodge, and The Hershey Story Museum. The place to learn all about the chocolate making process is Hershey’s Great American Chocolate Tour Ride at Chocolate World. Expect to make your mouth happy with the free samples you received at the end.

Las Vegas, NV

The next time you pass through McCarran International Airport, stop in for a sample at Ethel M’s Chocolate shop. If Las Vegas is your destination, make time for a self-guided Ethel M Factory Tour which includes free samples. In addition to the sweet stuff, the adjacent Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden with over 300 plant species is supposed to be pretty spectacular, too. Admission: Free

Columbus, OH

At Anthony Thomas Chocolates, guests delight in the candy making process by observing from a glass-enclosed cat-walk every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. An astounding 25,000 pounds of chocolate is made per shift! Admission Fee: Children under 2 are free. Ages 3 to 18 are $1.00 per person. Ages 19 and over are $2.00 per person. Admission fee may be used towards a purchase.

Columbia, MO

Watch out, Willy Wonka, The Candy Factory had to be one of the best decorated candy shops around. The viewing room looks good enough to eat with its candy land fantasy motif. Visitors can watch the confectioners work their magic through the viewing room’s windows which overlooks the candy factory. Admission: Free

Clinton Township, MI

Morley Candy Makers’ free factory tour kicks off with a video featuring the factory’s history. After that, visitors are led to a 100 foot observation walkway to witness the chocolate masters do what they do best. The tour ends with delicious samples! Admission: Free