Ethel M Chocolate Factory & Cactus Garden

Ethel M was the mother of Forrest Mars, a candy maker known for some "M" names: Mars Bars, Milky Ways, Three Musketeers, and of course, M&Ms. He launched Ethel M in 1981 in Nevada, which allowed liqueur-filled cordials. In 2016, to celebrate Ethel M's 35th anniversary, the tour aisle and chocolate shop were remodeled. 

Touring the chocolate factory, near Sunset Road and Mountain Vista, is self-guided and free and includes video demonstrations and a chance to see live behind-the-scenes glimpses of the whole candy-making process; the tour concludes in the tasting area of the chocolate shop. Guided tours for groups of 10 or more are available by request. Best time to visit is Mon-Thurs, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Outside the factory is the 2.5-acre botanical cactus garden; another self-guided tour takes in over 300 species of cactus, succulents, and desert plants from the Southwest and other deserts of the world.