BUCKS COUNTY, PA - How many times have factory tours taken on the same tone? A tour guide stands in front of a group, possibly walks backwards, points to his or her left or right and gives a description of the product or process in a boring, monotone voice.

Break out of that mold with an exciting factory tour in Bucks County, where visitors of all ages will learn the production processes of a variety of items that will not only spur your creative mind and give you a historical perspective, but also will strike a chord of Christmas fun and satisfy your appetite.

Highlighted factory tours in Bucks County are the Crayola FACTORY, the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works, Byers’ Choice ®, Ltd. and Doughboys Pretzel Factory. Learn something new at any of these four highlighted factories.

Having recently celebrated 100 years of crayon making, the Crayola FACTORY is the place where anyone can be creative and learn to think “outside the lines.” Visitors can roll up their sleeves and jump right into learning at the discovery center. See Crayola crayons and markers being made, learn about the history of Crayola and experience dozens of interactive exhibits with hands-on projects and activities. The newly renovated factory is located at Two Rivers Landing in Easton, Pa., and offers a discount for groups of 15 or more.

As one of Doylestown’s many National Historic Landmarks, the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works is maintained as a “working history” museum by the Bucks County Department of Parks and Recreation. Handmade tiles are still produced in a manner similar to that developed by the factory’s founder and builder, Henry C. Mercer, who directed the work of the factory from 1898 until his death in 1930. Tours, offered every half hour, consist of a 17-minute video and a self-guided walk through the facility. Visitors will see original installations, various displays and selected aspects of current tile production. Tiles made on site may be purchased in the gift shop.

A special treat for those who love the Christmas season is a trip to the Byers’ Choice Christmas Gallery, home to the world-famous Carolers ® figurines. Expanded in 2000 with greater displays and attractions, visitors can meander through festive Christmas displays inhabited by hundreds of Carolers and Kindles. Visitors can also watch artisans handcrafting their favorite figurines from the observation deck or shop in the gift emporium, which offers the widest variety of Byers’ Choice products anywhere.

By far the tastiest of the tours in Bucks County is the Doughboys Pretzel Factory. Doughboys produce Bucks County’s finest and freshest “Philly style” soft pretzels. On the one-hour group tour, each member of the group will receive a pretzel baker hat and will learn how to twist pretzels to earn their very own twisting diploma. The tour of the factory includes pretzel facts, a baking demonstration, a demonstration on pretzel twisting, pretzel games and a personal tour guide.

For more information on factory tours or any other tours in Bucks County, please feel free to contact the Bucks County Conference and Visitors Bureau (BCCVB) at 888-359-9110 or on the Internet at www.ExperienceBucksCounty.com. The mission of the BCCVB is to increase visitation in Bucks County by effectively marketing its diverse sites and attractions.