Jelly Belly

Don's a fan of Jelly Bellies, so he suggested we go to the factory and take a tour, since we're in the neighborhood (Fairfield, CA). I found lots of things to take pictures of, but when we saw the line going out the door waiting for a tour, we decided it was time to go home and shine the motorhome a little more. It's probably because kids are out of school for the summer. A Friday afternoon probably wasn't the best timing, either.

Anyhow, I thought you might enjoy these few photos and fun facts. The name Jelly Belly was inspired by the rhyme with Leadbelly, a 1920s blues singer.

Mr. Belly himself greets everyone near the main entrance.

From Jelly Belly

Don liked the Jelly Belly Bug. There were also a minivan (in photo), a truck and a truck/5th wheel that I didn't get photos of.

From Jelly Belly

How about a Jelly Belly motorcycle?

From Jelly Belly

From Jelly Belly

Everyone knows Ronald Reagan was a great fan of Jelly Bellies. Here's his image made up of JB's. I'm not sure if this is a copy or the original, but the web site says, "A portrait of President Ronald Reagan made from 10,000 Jelly Belly beans hangs in the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif."

From Jelly Belly

Also on the web site, "During the presidency of Ronald Reagan, Jelly Belly beans were served in the Oval Office and on Air Force One. A holder was designed for the plane so the jar of Jelly Belly beans would not spill during turbulence." For more fun facts, go to www.jellybelly.com/fun_stuff/fun_facts.aspx

The store sells everything imaginable with Jelly Belly as the theme.

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They even hang above your head as you browse around.

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There's Jelly Belly jewelry -- notice the prices! You'd think they were made of precious gemstones.

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Jelly Belly shirts ($40 and up), aka Beanware apparel.

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This one is pretty cool, especially if you're in competition with Lance Armstrong.

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But we finally got a break from all this when we saw the Dreyer's Ice Cream bus parked outside, giving rides to those who parked in remote lots.

From Jelly Belly

At least we're finding a way to entertain ourselves since we didn't get to make the trip to Alaska this summer, due to Don's knee surgery. Our friends Dennis & Carol Hill (RV Driving School) went without us and are writing a blog with lots of terrific photos of eagles, bears, and other wildlife, as well as breathtaking scenery. Check it out at http://rvdrivingschool.blogspot.com/

Back to polishing the wheels so Dennis will be proud of me!