Burlington, VT
Lake Champlain Chocolates began in 1983 when the owner of a Burlington restaurant challenged a pastry chef to improve the quality of chocolates he was purchasing. The company now produces a variety of confections—including truffles, bars, and hot chocolate—in a 24,000‑square‑foot facility that employs up to 100 people during peak periods. Visitors can see the full production line, from ingredient sourcing to packaging, and learn how the business evolved from a small wholesale operation to a regional specialty brand.