Two of Boulder’s beloved national brands open their factories to the public and groups for tours. Walk into almost any grocery store in the U.S. and you will likely find Boulder’s Celestial Seasonings in the tea aisle. Founded in 1969 and now one of the largest tea manufacturers in North America, Celestial Seasonings housed its first production facility in a Boulder barn. While touring the current factory, participants watch as tea, herbs, spices, and other botanicals are carefully blended and boxed, and they can savor complimentary samples of over 80 tea varieties in the Tea Bar. During the $6 tour, make sure to stop and admire the colorful original paintings that also adorn the tea boxes.
For another fun and educational option, see firsthand how Liberty Puzzles’ wooden jigsaw puzzles are made on the company’s free tour at its 49th Street factory. Founded in 2005, Liberty designs, manufactures, and boxes all its products at the Boulder facility. Known for beautiful artwork and unique puzzle-piece shapes, Liberty Puzzles’ products are memorable gifts. Factory tours are limited to 12 people per group.
