INDEX OF STORIES

» Welcome to Lodi
» City offers a world of charms, attractions
» When you think Lodi, think of wine
» For wine lovers, Lodi’s charms are many
» Wine tasting: Basic rules every beginner must know
» Lodi-area wineries
» Lodi’s gateways to adventure await
» Love to tour and eat? In Lodi, you can do both
» What to see, fly, do
» Lodi — a nice, clean place to stay
» A tourist’s eye view of Lodi
» Festivals, music events fill Lodi’s calendar
» Local museums offer something for everyone
» For the Lodi-bound tourist, there are some must-sees
» Lodi can satisfy everyone’s appetite
» Lodi: The place to breakout — outdoors that is
» Grab your clubs and come out swinging
» Looking high, low for that something very old

By Jana Saastad
Lodi Living editor

Everyone loves to eat.

But the fascination with food doesn’t stop at digestion. People also enjoy getting a glimpse behind the scenes of food production.

And folks love shopping at:

Lodi Nut Company, 1230 S. Fairmont St., 334-2081

The scoop: The local company does not give tours at its pristine plant, but anyone in the mood to peruse nutty gift ideas is encouraged to give the gift shop a look.

The Lodi Nut Co. offers a wide variety of nuts and candies in its gift shop. (Jennifer Matthews-Howell/News-Sentinel)

Open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, the shop sells an array of nuts and candies in trays, tins and baskets ranging from $5 to $50. They are beautifully wrapped, especially during the Christmas season. And during the mad rush of December, look for wonderful stocking stuffers and gifts made of nuts.

October marks the beginning of selling crafts and art for the holidays with such items as hand-dipped candles, dolls, greeting cards, wood crafts and more. The hours are extended to Saturday during this time as well.

Spaan Cookies, 465 C St., Galt. 745-1974.

The scoop: Here’s how the cookie crumbles at the family-owned business. The gift shop is quaint with crafts for sale. For the belly, check out fresh-baked pies, rolls, bread and an abundance of cookies — some 20 varieties. The buckets of cookies range in price from $2.50 to $5.50.

The gift shop is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday.

The plant does not give tours.

Oakdale Cheese & Specialties, 10040 State Highway 120, Oakdale, (209) 848-3139

The scoop: It’s the cheese. The gouda cheese to be exact. You can sample and buy eight different gouda cheeses made on site by the owners. Learn the Old World techniques of making this heavenly food.

During the warm months, visitors are welcome to romp through the three-acre grassy property which houses an assortment of farm animals. Picnic tables and a tranquil koi pond make picnicking inviting.

The gift shop sells kitchen gadgets, gourmet goodies, salami and a host of other food and food-related products.

Hershey Visitors Center, 1400 S. Yosemite Ave., Oakdale, (209) 848-8126

The scoop: Factory tours have ceased since Sept. 11. However, the gift shop is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, with hours extended to 7 p.m. Thursdays.

You’ll think you’ve died and gone to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory with all the candy within the compound. Crafty gifts are also for the buying, including books about Hershey’s history.

Jelly Belly Factory, Highway 12, Fairfield. (707) 428-2838.

The scoop: Take the sweetest tour around — the Jelly Belly tour. It’s free. When you’re finished with that, sample President Ronald Reagan’s favorite candy. The gift shop sells everything Jelly Belly for a reasonable price. A snack stand sells assorted junk food, jellybean shaped pizza and hamburgers.

Anheuser Busch Tour, 3101 Busch Dr., Fairfield. (707) 429-7595.

The scoop: Discover how beer is made during this one-hour guided tour of the brewery. A film is also shown. Free tours are conducted every hour on the hour, Tuesday through Saturday, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Children under 5 are not allowed on the production floor.

The gift shop predictably sells Budweiser this and Budweiser that. Items include shirts, hats, and drinking glasses. It is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.