The Pie Factory at Quaker Square

On January 19, 3 large groups of us went for a field trip to the Pie Factory at Quaker Square in Akron. For a fee of $7.95, each child was taken into the kitchen behind the scenes of the restaurant to stand around a prep table to "make" their own pie. Although the crusts were already made, the children used rollers to flatten the dough into a pie shape and place it into a pan. The filling was put in for them in many cases, and the children were able to choose a cookie cutter shape to cut the center of their top crust. This helped to identify their pies later when they were baked. They had a choice of apple or cherry pie.

Although the children seemed to enjoy their time, the tour was extremely rushed and the helpers seemed irritated and stressed. They didn't allow the children to do much on their own, even filling the pies and in some cases, placing the dough on the pie. There was no teaching at all about the baking process or the restaurant or even the history of the restaurant. Questions were discouraged or disregarded. I was also disappointed in the scheduling of the tours, as they were not straight with me about tour details until the last minute and we had to change our times, resulting in some people being late due to not receiving the information about changes.

We were told that the pies would be finished baking in about an hour, but it was more like 1 and 1/2 to 1 and 3/4 hours until the pies were baked and ready to go.
Although this does not reflect on the Pie Factory, there wasn't much to do for the 3 hours that we spent there that day (only about 30 minutes was spent making a pie). Quaker Square is hardly a fraction of what it was when I was a child and enjoyed strolling through the numerous unusual and interesting shops. Much of the shopping areas have been changed to business offices, so there wasn't much to see while we waited.
I did enjoy, however, getting to know some of the new members of our group during that time. Making new friends is always a worthwhile endeavor.

If you are interested in making your own pies, you can contact them at 330-252-0552. The pie making fee is $7.95 and there is also a charge for parking.

Hartzler's Dairy, Wooster

On January 13, a small group of us were treated to a yummy field trip at Hartzler's Dairy just north of Wooster.
Although they don't give an actual tour of the facility, we were able to view an interesting video and hear about the history of the company from a member of the Hartzler family. She explained to us how it all got started and why they chose to keep their milk and milk products pure and free of chemicals, hormones and other additives. They use organic milk provided by their own cows, so no antibiotics are found in their milk products. Also, they keep their milk in as natural a state as is allowed by using low-heat pasteurization and not homogenizing their milk. You might have seen their distinctive glass bottles of milk at your local grocery or natural foods store. Check out their website for more information on their milk and why they do what they do. You can also find info on scheduling your own tour.
Hartzler Family Dairy

At the end of the video, we were given chocolate milk to sample and free dairy related goodies for the kids. The tour price of $3.00 also included a cone or scoop of their amazingly creamy and rich ice cream. With flavors like pumpkin pie, mud pie, banana pudding, etc. we were not disappointed.

Great Harvest Bread in Stow

On December 13 & 14, we were the first groups to ever tour the Great Harvest Bread in Stow during the month of December. They called us their "holiday tours." December is a busy month for the bakery, so taking some time out for us was a special privilege.

The store owner, Baker Rick, led the children around through the rooms in the back of the store, sharing fun anecdotes, asking questions, and being generally entertaining while educating us about baking natural, healthy breads as well as what it is like to open a small business. He was very encouraging to the children about following their dreams and finding their own ways to do things, like not taking no for an answer when you really want to do something great.

He showed us how to mill flour, how to mix dough and how to bake, explaining all of the equipment used along the way. I didn't know until the tour that Great Harvest actually mills their own flour. Although it is a small facility, there is a lot harbored there in that small space.

Baker Rick finished the tour with a fun, fairy tale type story about a fictional kingdom that the children enjoyed while sitting gathered around him on the floor. They were then treated to a slice of white bread that he told them was much more nutritious than the white bread at most stores. Personally, I love the wheat bread at Great Harvest, which I know without being told is very nutritious.

The tour was free, which was very nice, especially considering the time of year and the personal attention we received. I would definitely recommend it, along with a trip to Great Harvest just for the delicious and unusual breads they make. It's on the corner of Fishcreek and Graham Roads in Stow, Summit County.

Panyard Inc. Steel Drum Factory

On Tuesday, December 6, we were treated to a real gem of a tour at Panyard Steel Drum Factory in Akron. This company is the largest producer of steel drums (or pans) in the U.S.! They also produce the highest quality of steel drums. We learned while on the tour that this is due to the 6 years spent in research and development before even producing one pan.

Our tour was guided by the owner of the company, who not only showed us the pans, but played them for us (beautifully), and allowed us to join in the fun. The kids were able to practice their rhythm in a tamboo bamboo style band by using pvc "bamboo" sticks, drumsticks, shakers, and a real brake drum, used to keep the rhythm in large groups. We learned all about the origin of pans in Trinidad, a brief history of the island, and why the "pan" was so important.

We also learned about Panyard's particular production methods and why they are superior to many other pan producers. The kids all took turns pounding out the head of an old steel drum, using heavy mallets, which was the old way of making the drums, and we were able to see the pneumatic equipment that is now used. The pans produced there are incredibly beautiful and produce amazing tones.

The kids were also able to play the prototype of a new pan that Panyard is producing specifically for kids who want to learn how to play. They expect to have sales available by February. The kid-sized pan will come with a DVD cartoon that teaches them to play, and should cost around $125, which is quite reasonable considering that a typical beginner's pan will cost around $500. It also has stunning sound quality, due to the time spent designing and crafting it.

Panyard and the International Association of Pan Enthusiasts are sponsoring a Pan Festival on April 28-30, 2006 at the John S. Knight Center in Akron. I might arrange to take a group, but even if I don't, it will be a worthwhile day trip for anyone and their family. I highly recommend it!
This was one of the best tours I've ever taken!

D & R Bagels

Some members of our group enjoyed a tour and tasting at D & R Bagels in Solon on Dec. 5 & 6. I was not able to attend, but those who did recommended it highly. The children were able to view how bagels were made, make some of their own, and then enjoy eating the finished product at the end at a cost of $2.00 per child. The staff there were very friendly also.

One mother who took her 2 daughters had this to say about her experience:

"This was a great field trip! The owners of D & R Bagels were very nice and explained the daily routine of the shop in detail. It was fascinating to learn how much dough is used daily and how many bagels the shop puts out. Starting their work day at 2 am and working 7 days a week, including Christmas, the owners showed the kids the dedication it takes to run your own business. The kids got to play with dough and sample freshly baked bagels. My kids are 5 and 13 and despite the age difference, they both found it to be an interesting, fun and yummy trip."

Thank you, Leah, for your personal review!

Harry London Candies

As always, we enjoyed our tour of the Harry London Candy Factory in North Canton. Our tour took place on November 29, and we had a large group in attendance. I don't know why exactly, but it seems that chocolate always draws a big crowd.

Our group was split in two, and while my half toured the facility, the others viewed a video describing the history of chocolate, the science of how it is made and why Harry London's makes theirs the best around. The video is about 20 minutes long and pretty interesting. Of course, it's not as interesting as the chocolate samples we all received on our way into the video room. The samples are what they call "oops!" chocolates. Other "oops!" candies are sent to charities and other places that Harry London's feels can use them. These are mistakes that taste perfectly but don't look the way the QC people want them to look.

The tour began with a walk down the Harry London hall of history, a series of pictures showing the humble beginnings in Harry's basement all the way to the modern facility they have today. We then entered a very warm room dominated by huge tanks filled with melted chocolate. In Willy Wonka style, giant tubes over our heads carried chocolate to anywhere it was needed in the plant.

When we walked up to the observation "hallway" over the main production area, we were able to see the giant vats of chocolate being stirred, and the many people required to produce the best chocolate around. We saw a caramel cutting machine turn a huge sheet of caramel into bite-size pieces and wrap them. We watched orange candies being covered in chocolate on an enrobing machine. There were a number of conveyer belts making different kinds of chocolates. We also saw the machines and the people who wrap all of those lovely chocolates, all of the workers wearing white clothes and hair nets, and not looking even slightly like oompa loompas. They were very friendly, though, and often waved at the kids.

After our tour, we viewed the video and then spent some time (and money) in the store, buying wonderful chocolates and other candies. The adult tickets are also a coupon in the store. I don't know what my favorite is, but I know that once I've had Harry London's chocolate, I'm spoiled for anything else.

The tour costs around $3.00 for adults, $2.00 for students and runs on the hour most days, so anyone can go. You can contact them on their website or by calling 1-800-321-0444 X119.

Rock Wall Climbing at KSU Recreation Center

On November 16, 2 groups of us went to the Recreation Center at Kent State University to climb rocks!

It was a wonderful experience for the students, from beginners to more experienced climbers. A few of our parents also joined in the race to the top of the wall. Of course, there was no race, but each climber came away with a satisfied feeling of accomplishment.

The staff members were extremely accommodating and helpful with the kids. They were patient with new climbers and very encouraging. Our children were truly reaching new heights in this experience. It was a great way to learn a new sport and step out of our normal comfort zone.

Even planning this trip was a good experience. Communication with the staff was a breeze and they were willing to accommodate whatever our group needed. During the climbing session, they opened a gym across the hall and set out some balls for our little ones to play with. The personal attention was greatly appreciated.

Normal climbing times are available, but renting out the wall is a worthwhile endeavor for anyone who would like to take a group. I plan to return in the spring sometime, since we had such a good response.