Ethel M Chocolates Factory and Cactus Garden
Ethel M Chocolates Factory and Cactus Garden
4.2
About
We are proud to offer fresh-crafted, locally-made, gourmet chocolate. Our preservative-free treats have been made fresh in Henderson, Nevada since 1981, and most of our ingredients are made on site. We also offer one of the world's largest cactus gardens, which we decorate annually for the holidays and Valentine's Day with hundreds of thousands of lights and festive designs. Ethel M Chocolates is a Mars, Inc. company. You may be familiar with other Mars products, like M&Ms, Snickers, Twix, Milky Way, and Dove, among others. But Ethel M Chocolates is the only gourmet, premium chocolate brand in the Mars portfolio. And it's made fresh, here in Henderson. Stop by!
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.2
1,772 reviews
Excellent
867
Very good
533
Average
253
Poor
82
Terrible
37
Peter K
Hurricane, UT882 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
We visited the Ethel M factory and cactus garden on 12/11/24. We also did the chocolate tasting (2:30 pm session).
The chocolate tasting was fun. It covered the history of Ethel M, how chocolate is grown and processed and we got to taste 4 different kinds of chocolate. It lasted about an hour and we enjoyed it. You get a honorary chocolatier certificate and a 15% discount on any regular purchase in the factory store. The cost was $25/pp plus tax.
The factory tour is quick 10/15 min. and self guided, you get a milk or dark chocolate sample and get to see the candy being made. The tour ends at the gift/candy shop. Worth it just for the free sample.
The cactus garden is awesome we spent about 1.5 hours there and in December the garden is covered in Christmas lights. It gets very busy so come early or late o find parking.
The chocolate tasting was fun. It covered the history of Ethel M, how chocolate is grown and processed and we got to taste 4 different kinds of chocolate. It lasted about an hour and we enjoyed it. You get a honorary chocolatier certificate and a 15% discount on any regular purchase in the factory store. The cost was $25/pp plus tax.
The factory tour is quick 10/15 min. and self guided, you get a milk or dark chocolate sample and get to see the candy being made. The tour ends at the gift/candy shop. Worth it just for the free sample.
The cactus garden is awesome we spent about 1.5 hours there and in December the garden is covered in Christmas lights. It gets very busy so come early or late o find parking.
Written 11 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diazideas
Las Vegas, NV135 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Chocolate Craving Satisfied! A little out of the way for us as we live up by Centennial area. Worth the drive to check out the Cactus botanical gardens and summer variety of tasty chocolate selections. We went on a Saturday and it wasn’t crowded; probably because it’s kind of in an isolated commercial area of Henderson. We like less crowded and I highly recommend a visit for the free samples and gardens. The factory is not totally up and running during the weekend except for the packing area but it was still ok for us. I recommend all the dark chocolate selections and they have some milkshakes and custom box choices. 12 for $40, 24 for $60 etc.They also give an ice pack to keep your chocolates from melting in the Vegas heat. Go to get your chocolate addiction fix!
Written 3 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travel114202
5 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
We went for the Chocolate tasting experience, which was interesting to learn more about how chocolates are made and the different flavours that are made and eat some samples.
We then stayed late to see the Christamas lights show in the Cactus Garden. This was brilliant, it transforms the garden into a sea of lights which was spectacular to see. Do plan to include this in your trip, and if you have young children Santa is there as well. Their website gives you all the details.
A final mention about the customer service, which was exceptional. All the staff were so welcoming and helpful all day. We had a problem arranging our transport back to the hotel (our fault) but a wonderful lady called Phyllis did everything she could to ensure we got back safely. We cannot thank her enough!
I recommend you go, you will be thoroughly entertained and it will be a day to remember.
We then stayed late to see the Christamas lights show in the Cactus Garden. This was brilliant, it transforms the garden into a sea of lights which was spectacular to see. Do plan to include this in your trip, and if you have young children Santa is there as well. Their website gives you all the details.
A final mention about the customer service, which was exceptional. All the staff were so welcoming and helpful all day. We had a problem arranging our transport back to the hotel (our fault) but a wonderful lady called Phyllis did everything she could to ensure we got back safely. We cannot thank her enough!
I recommend you go, you will be thoroughly entertained and it will be a day to remember.
Written 11 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ScaryD
Las Vegas, NV18 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
My family and I truly enjoyed the chocolate and wine tasting. Yes, it is simple, but very enjoyable. Amy was very personable and made the experience quite enjoyable. The chocolate to buy is expensive, but if you have never had a premium chocolate, there is definitely a difference. These are some of the best chocolates I have ever had in my life. We also learned about how they grow and process Cocoa beans which was interesting. You also get a 15% off coupon for the store from the tasting. The "factory tour" is disappointing as you do not see much. We went during the week around 1pm and very little was running. Would have enjoyed seeing them actually making the chocolate. But overall, we had a great time and left with some great chocolate treats. I definitely recommend.
Written 7 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather
Las Vegas, NV1,790 contributions
Dec 2024 • Friends
I went to a chocolate and wine tasting and it was a great experience. The employee hosting it was knowledgeable and engaging, and there are 5 tastings included in the experience. You get a discount at their store afterwards if you're interested in purchasing any of the chocolates (which you should, they're delicious).
Written 28 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lauren R
Wynantskill, NY439 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
I am giving a 3 star review simply because the factory isn't running on the weekends which is kind of a bummer, but I understand. I just wish that I had seen information about it before hand because I would have chosen another day to go so we could see it in operation.
The chocolate is delicious if you like European rich chocolate. You receive a free sample when you walk in.
My children didn't love it, but I didn't expect them too. Prices are expensive, be prepared. We got a box of 24, and 3 candy bars and it cost a little over $80.
They have so many different flavors! You can also purchase piece individually for $3 each, so it's cheaper to purchase a box.
We enjoyed a quick walk through the cactus garden as well after.
The chocolate is delicious if you like European rich chocolate. You receive a free sample when you walk in.
My children didn't love it, but I didn't expect them too. Prices are expensive, be prepared. We got a box of 24, and 3 candy bars and it cost a little over $80.
They have so many different flavors! You can also purchase piece individually for $3 each, so it's cheaper to purchase a box.
We enjoyed a quick walk through the cactus garden as well after.
Written 19 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JRMADA
United States3,473 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
The chocolate here is delicious. Our visit was very brief as there isn't much to see or do here, but the chocolate is to die for. The staff is sooo friendly and helpful!!! We got a few samples and ended up buying over $100 worth of chocolate... Well worth it.
Written 16 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
karol452
Edmonton, Canada990 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
There are 2 types of tastings here. Wine and chocolate tasting and a chocolate tasting. We sampled 4 different types of chocolate. The lady explained everything about chocolate making. Once the tasting was completed we got a 15% coupon to spend at the store. This store makes alot of different types of chocolate.
Written 26 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angel K
5 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
We love Ethel M chocolates so when we found the taste testing we were very excited. The chocolates were fabulous and the history and process was very interesting and educational. The Cactus Garden decorated for the holidays is absolutely beautiful! Staff wise they were exceptional!! Everyone was so nice and informed, it was such a wonderful night.
Written 23 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SirTravelaLot1972
United States85 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
We really enjoyed the mimosa and chocolate pairing session. The chocolates were great, the stories were cute and the mimosas made sure we were having fun.
We asked lots of questions and got lots of good answers.
It maybe that we are nice people who know how to enjoy and appreciate things. The people complaining below are nit picking. Yes if you are the kind of person whose evening is ruined by having to to drink from a plastic shot glass… then don’t go !?!
We asked lots of questions and got lots of good answers.
It maybe that we are nice people who know how to enjoy and appreciate things. The people complaining below are nit picking. Yes if you are the kind of person whose evening is ruined by having to to drink from a plastic shot glass… then don’t go !?!
Written 30 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What accommodations can this place make for people with a peanut allergy?
Thank you.
Written 5 February 2023
Hello Sarah, I'm actually not sure about what they can do for a peanut allergy. I'm sure that they do have options but it would be best to call and ask them directly. Regardless, the cactus garden alone is amazing and I highly recommend checking it out! Best of luck to you and I hope you visit this cool little place!
Written 8 February 2023
#1 how far is it from the strip (ceasars) and #2 is it worth the time and money to see a few cactus and a store?
Written 13 February 2019
It’s about 20 minutes away depending on the time of day. I’d say it’s worth the trip if you are really into Seeing how chocolate foods come to life. As fas the Cactus garden, I haven’t had the pleasure of touring the grounds but if you are a nature lover, I’d stop by. The hot chocolate is really good.
Written 14 February 2019
#1 how far is it from the strip (ceasars) and #2 is it worth the time and money to see a few cactus and a store?
Written 13 February 2019
You need a car to get there but it's not that far depending where on the Strip you're staying. I think it's worth the trip though. It's not just a store and cactus garden. If you go to Groupon, get a Groupon for about $10, you can go to a chocolate tasting there which is very informative and fun. It last about 40 to 45 minutes. And if you go early, you can see candy begin made in the factory. And at Christmas time, it's so beautiful because they actually decorate the cactus with hundreds of colorful lights. Now that's a nice time with lots of people so go early.
It's a fun trip so try it.
Written 14 February 2019
It is free to visit the garden and the shops. You can pay extra to have a chocolate tasting class.
Written 7 August 2018
Jashinta D
Las Vegas, Nevada
If its a garden are pets allowed to go through the walking paths?
Written 2 December 2017
No pets unless service animals.
Written 2 December 2017
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