Nestled in the picturesque town of Cashmere, Washington, Liberty Orchards stands as a true culinary landmark, proudly home to the iconic Aplets & Cotlets Factory. A visit here isn’t just a stop; it’s an immersive journey into the sweet legacy of the Pacific Northwest. Guests are invited to embark on an engaging Aplets and Cotlets Factory Tour, offering a fascinating glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship behind these beloved fruit-and-nut confections.
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Liberty Orchards: A Sweet Legacy in Cashmere, Washington
Our recent journey to celebrate our four-year wedding anniversary in the charming Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth, WA, included an absolutely essential detour. Before reaching our destination, we made a delightful stop in Cashmere to visit the renowned Liberty Orchards store and factory. This particular visit has become a cherished tradition for us, an eagerly anticipated highlight whenever our travels bring us through this scenic part of Washington State.
Liberty Orchards is far more than just a candy store; it’s an institution, a place where generations of visitors have discovered an unbelievable array of delicious treats. For nearly a century, this family-owned business has been crafting its distinctive fruit and nut confections, inspired by traditional Turkish Delight. The moment you step into the Liberty Orchards facility, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere rich with the aroma of sweet fruits and toasted nuts, promising a sensory experience unlike any other.
What began as a small operation by two Armenian immigrants, Armen Tertsagian and Mark Balaban, has blossomed into a globally recognized brand, yet it maintains its charming, hometown feel. Their commitment to quality ingredients, unique recipes, and a hands-on approach to candy making has secured Aplets & Cotlets a special place in the hearts of locals and tourists alike. It’s truly a Pacific Northwest gem that embodies the region’s spirit of innovation and community.
Experience the Magic: The Aplets & Cotlets Factory Tour
One of the most captivating aspects of visiting the Aplets & Cotlets store in Cashmere is the opportunity to take a complimentary factory tour. This immersive experience allows you to witness firsthand the intricate process by which their beloved fruit-and-nut candies are brought to life. From the raw ingredients to the final packaging, the tour offers a transparent look into the artisanal methods that have defined Liberty Orchards for decades.
While we only had a chance to peek through the factory doors and observe the diligent candy makers for a short while, even that brief glimpse was utterly captivating. The sight of the bustling production floor, the organized chaos of various stages of candy creation, and the dedication of the workers truly highlight the passion behind each piece. The tour itself is designed to be both educational and entertaining, making it a perfect activity for families, curious foodies, and anyone interested in the magic of confectionary.
During the guided tour, you’ll learn about the unique blend of Washington apples and apricots that form the base of Aplets and Cotlets, respectively, combined with premium walnuts and pecans. The process involves cooking fruit purees to perfection, mixing in nuts, cooling the mixture, and then cutting and dusting the candies before they are meticulously packaged. It’s a testament to traditional candy-making techniques adapted for modern production, ensuring consistency and quality in every bite.
A Taste of Heaven: Samples and Specialty Products
For those unfamiliar with the exquisite taste of Aplets & Cotlets, a visit to the store and factory is an absolute must, not least because of the generous free samples available. As you wander through the vibrant retail space, you’ll be invited to try a variety of flavors, allowing you to discover your personal favorite among their extensive range of confections. During our visit, we enjoyed sampling several different fruit-and-nut combinations, each offering a unique and delightful burst of flavor.
Beyond the famous Aplets & Cotlets, Liberty Orchards offers a captivating array of other specialty products that are equally deserving of attention. We were particularly enthralled by the Liberty Orchards Black Raspberry Seedless Preserves. Oh my goodness, the rich, intense flavor of sun-ripened black raspberries, meticulously prepared to be seedless and perfectly smooth, was simply divine. I can honestly say I could eat this preserve straight from the jar with a spoon, and I might just have done so a few times!
The sheer quality and depth of flavor in their preserves are unparalleled. I can hardly wait to spread this delectable preserve over a warm piece of toast, swirl it into creamy vanilla ice cream, or simply enjoy it as a pure, unadulterated treat. My only regret is not having picked up a few more jars of it during our visit. This exceptional preserve is so good, I anticipate it won’t last very long in our pantry. Rest assured, I am committed to savoring every single spoonful, making each taste an experience to cherish.
Plan Your Visit: Aplets & Cotlets Factory Address and Directions
The Aplets & Cotlets Candy Kitchen, a cornerstone of Cashmere’s local economy and a beacon for sweet tooths everywhere, is conveniently located at:
117 Mission Ave, Cashmere, WA 98815
Finding Liberty Orchards and the Aplets & Cotlets factory is incredibly straightforward. Strategically situated in the heart of Cashmere, Washington, the factory is well-marked with prominent signs along Highway 2, guiding visitors to turn onto the appropriately named Aplets Way. This easy accessibility makes it a perfect stop for travelers heading to or from destinations like Leavenworth, Wenatchee, or Lake Chelan.
The Liberty Orchards factory and its inviting gift store are remarkably close to the main thoroughfare, positioned just a minute off Highway 2. This minimal deviation from your travel route makes it an effortless and highly rewarding stop. We consistently make it a point to turn off the highway and dedicate a few minutes to visiting this wonderful establishment whenever we are in the vicinity of Cashmere. It’s always exciting to see what new and amazing products they have in store, ensuring each visit brings a fresh delight.
Aplets & Cotlets Factory Tours: Schedule and What to Expect
When planning your visit to the Aplets & Cotlets Factory, be sure to inquire about their upcoming tour availability upon arrival. These insightful tours are thoughtfully offered approximately every 20 minutes, ensuring minimal waiting times and a continuous flow of visitors eager to learn about the candy-making process. As an added bonus, all tours include delightful free samples, allowing you to taste the freshly made confections as part of your experience!
To help you plan your sweet adventure, here are the general tour hours:
Tour Hours:
April Through December:
Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm
Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm
January through March:
Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
It’s important to note that while tours are regularly scheduled, the actual candy production process does not always run concurrently. Therefore, you may experience a factory tour during periods when the production lines are not actively operating. However, even without the machinery whirring, the guided tour provides a comprehensive and engaging narrative of the history, ingredients, and traditional techniques that make Liberty Orchards a true Pacific Northwest treasure. For the most up-to-date information on tour availability and production schedules, consider checking their official website or calling ahead.
A visit to the Aplets & Cotlets Factory in Cashmere is more than just a stop for candy; it’s an opportunity to connect with a piece of Washington State’s rich culinary history. Whether you’re a long-time fan of their unique fruit and nut confections or a curious first-timer, the experience promises sweet memories and a deeper appreciation for this beloved Pacific Northwest institution. Don’t miss the chance to indulge your senses and discover why Liberty Orchards has captivated hearts for generations.
Additional Washington State Travel Resources
Enhance your Washington State adventure with these valuable guides to exploring more of the Evergreen State’s hidden gems and popular attractions:
Leavenworth Christmas Guide – Your ultimate resource for what to expect and everything you need to know to fully enjoy the magical Leavenworth Christmas Festival.
Top Things to Do in Leavenworth – Discover all the best activities and must-see sights while visiting the charming Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth, Washington.
Top Things to Do in Roslyn, WA – Explore the cute and historic town of Roslyn, famously featured in the beloved TV series “Northern Exposure.”
Top Things to Do in Lake Chelan – Uncover all the amazing activities, from watersports to wine tasting, to enjoy during your visit to the beautiful Lake Chelan region.
Top Things to Do in Prosser – Journey to the birthplace of Washington Wines and explore the rich viticultural landscape and charming attractions of Prosser.
Top Things to Do in Spokane – Check out all the great cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and dining experiences available in the vibrant city of Spokane.