Jaunted

· Catch a Cheesecake in Chicago:
They don’t make traditional pumpkin pie, but that’s fine with us, as we prefer the cheesecake version of the Thanksgiving classic anyway. Workers at Eli’s Cheesecake in Chicago are busy working overtime in advance of the holiday season, and you can swing by and take a peek to see what it’s like to make so many deserts in so little time.

Small groups can swing by every afternoon during the week around 1pm, but remember to leave the camera at home as they’re not allowed. Reservations aren’t required, and it’s only $3 to check things out. They won’t guarantee that the factory will be humming, but if you head over in the next few weeks we’d highly doubt that you won’t find bakers doing their thing. Be sure to take it easy on the free samples, as you’ll definitely want to bring a full sized sample home with you.

· Break Bread During a Tour of Schwebel's:
Thanksgiving is all about the turkey and the side dishes, but it wouldn’t be a real meal without some dinner rolls or freshly baked bread sitting on your plate. Pillsbury doesn’t offer a tour of the crescent roll factory, so we found the next best thing. Schwebel’s Bakery will be happy to show you around their place, and they have locations across the state of Ohio.

We’re not sure if each and every location wants you hanging around in hairnets during the holiday season, but the one in Cuyahoga Falls does enjoy a visitor or two. Tours need to be scheduled in advance, but they are totally free. Tours are offered September through May, and are offered most days of the week. Just be sure to give them a call to confirm they’re open and to let them know that you’re planning to swing in to take a look at everything.

[Photo: piscesblue81 and Zol87]