If you have a sweet tooth and you are anywhere near Frankfort, get in your car right now. Rebecca Ruth Candy has a rich history and even richer chocolate, and they are welcoming you in for a tour. A variety of candy is still handmade in this small factory, including their infamous Bourbon Balls. So slip on some stretchy pants and prepare yourself for Kentucky's sweetest tour.
Located in historic downtown Frankfort, you'll find Rebecca Ruth Candy Factory and Store. This small business delivers big time with its delectable chocolates and fascinating history.
Ruth Hanly Booe and Rebecca Gooch were both substitute teachers in 1919 when they decided they were much better at making candy than they were at teaching. So they did something that was unheard of at the time; they started their own business! Before they could even vote, they were making their own money and growing a successful company. The women were known for their outspoken marketing techniques and of course their incredible creations.
The factory location of Rebecca Ruth offers guided tours Monday - Saturday from 10am - 12pm and again from 1pm - 5:30pm. For a small fee, you'll take a personalized tour of the small factory, where the same processes are used today that Ruth and Rebecca used in the early 1900s. You'll see a variety of antique machinery and also "Edna's Table," which is one of the only surviving pieces of equipment originally used by the two entrepreneurs.
At the end of the tour, your taste buds will thank you as you'll get to try some of their famous creations. It will be very difficult to leave without a box of your own favorites. And they have a wide variety to choose from!
The most famous piece of candy to come out of Rebecca Ruth's is the Bourbon Ball. It is said that the ladies created this southern favorite and the original (secret) recipe is still used today.
Rebecca Ruth Candy has two Frankfort locations, but only offers tours at the factory on East Second Street. Visitors say that touring the store and factory is like being welcomed into a friend's kitchen. Ruth Booe's grandson Charles owns the store now and continues his family's tradition of delivering sweet confections in a classic Kentucky manner.
Are you drooling yet? Rebecca Ruth is known for its candy and inspiring history and it's worth a visit when you're in the Frankfort area. Have you visited? Do you have a favorite candy? Let us know in the comments below! For more info on tours, locations and to even order online, visit their website here. The main location (where the tours take place) is located at 116 East Second Street Frankfort, KY 40601.
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