The Candle Factory, Georgetown

Update: The Candle Factory has closed its doors; we have heard it will locate to another Texas location. As soon as we hear when and where, we'll let you know!

Before electricity came to these rugged hills, candles were a main source of light in Texas homes. Fortunately, Texas residents and visitors no longer have to rely on candlelight, but whether it's to provide light during a blackout or to set the mood for a special dinner, there's still no better way to cast a warm glow.

The Candle Factory in Georgetown really "lights up" for visitors, and on most days travelers can see workers actually producing the candles.

Georgetown Candle Factory is located on North Interstate 35 about half an hour north of Austin. This large operation makes an astounding 300 styles of candles in an assortment of colors, scents, and sizes. Their biggest seller is the tiny votive candle, used for everything from lighting luminarias to killing the smell of tobacco smoke. The factory also sells handpainted candles, arrangements, and ceramic candle holders, and mouthwatering candy.

The first room of the Candle Factory draws the attention of every visitor. It contains huge vats of hot wax where ladies dip tapers and the Candle Factory's own special creation, the basket candle, made of wicks woven into a basket shape. "This is one of the few places you can still find hand-dipped tapers made like they were 100 years ago," says Paul Nuckolls. The tapers are made using dripless wax, a fact that makes them very popular. Besides these dipped candles, the Candle Factory produces many molded candles, resembling everything from cardinals to clowns.

It's Christmas year around here. No matter what the season, you'll find green and red candles, holiday arrangements, and snowballs, a candle that's made of whipped white wax that's so lifelike it could pass for the real thing. A miniature ceramic village, complete with cottony snow, makes visitors feel like the drifts must be piling up outside the scented haven of the Georgetown Candle Factory.

The Candle Factory also operates a mail order business. For more information, visit http://www.thecandlefactory.com/

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