Mount Jackson, Virginia: Route 11 Potato Chip Factory

Call ahead to confirm they're frying. One of the hosts will offer a free tour -- with bags of every chip flavor. You can also ask to sample hot chips off the line.

We stopped by at the end of February, and because of the pandemic they weren't allowing public tours. Instead there's a small table display of items available for purchase and an employee greets groups as they arrive. Our lady was super nice and offered an opportunity to try any flavor we wanted. She came back with full small bags of each variety and 9 postcards with pictures that depict the chip making process. You can then order souvenir items, chips, and open bag chips at a discount. It's no Jelly Belly, but we really enjoyed the stop.

Please note that if there is no chip frying going on when you visit, there is no tour. I wasn't aware of this, as I'd visited other factories that gave tours even on days when production was not in progress (Budweiser and Ben & Jerry's for example).

At Route 11, if they are not frying, then all you get to do is buy chips.

Ever wanted to see how potato chips are made? This factory provides good views of the process with free samples. The wooden potato chip mascot is a bit odd, but fits in with the place.