Bush's Beans Visitor Center manager Sam Merrell, right, helped distribute free beans to visitors Friday, something she says they do occasionally. (Larry Vaught Photo)
When we got to Bush’s Beans Visitor Center in Chestnut Hill, Tennessee, I was impressed.
The facility looked great and I immediately saw the museum had recently been renovated/upgraded.
But what really caught my eye was how many people had a six-pack of beans under their arms heading to their cars. I knew the beans were good, but for everyone to be taking beans with them overwhelmed me a bit.
Then I found out why — Bush’s Southwest Beans were being given away free as part of a promotion. You just grabbed a box with six cans and headed on your way after a smiling Sam Merrill, Bush’s Visitor Center manager, wished you well.
I told her I never expected something like this.
“Well we don’t do it every day but sometimes we do if we have extra products or just want to promote a product,” she said.
That’s not what brings over 150,000 visitors annually to Bush’s Beans Visitor Center that is open six days a week (it is closed on Sundays), 12 months a year except for a few times it might be closed an extra day or two at holidays.
And there is no charge for the visitor center or museum. It is all FREE.
The general store is housed in the same building as Bush’s Beans founder A.J. Bush’s original store was located in the early 1900’s. It has all kinds of souvenirs — and a lot of Bush’s beans (regular, black, garbanzo, pinto and refried as well as black-eyed peas and hominy).
Merrill could not hide her excitement when she talked about the T-shirts in the Bush’s Beans can. You could buy all sizes (youth and adult) that employees stuff into cans before they are sealed.
“Those are really popular, especially with senior citizens who like to get them for their grandchildren,” Merrell said.
The renovated museum opened in July and gives you a great look at how the beans are made along with a lot of interesting facts. I found out that North Dakota produces most beans of any state. You can even get your weight in beans — where else could that ever be done.
I never knew the beans were sealed in individual cans and then cooked in a huge pressure cooker.
The original house is still on the property but is not open to the public except for a few days at Christmas. This year it will be open Dec. 13-17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.
“It will be decorated for Christmas. We did it last year and it was very popular,” Merrill said.
The other thing that really impressed me was how much everyone enjoyed working for the Bush family. They all talked about the family atmosphere and how well they were always treated. It showed in how courteous and attentive they were to every visitor.
“At Bush’s, we believe that beans make people happy. And a visit to our bean-filled corner of the world will too. Stop in soon for an experience that’s nothing short of beautiful!” the company brochure says.
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You can find Bush’s Beans Visitor Center at 3901 U.S. Highway 411, Dandridge, Tennessee. It is conveniently located off I-40 at exits 417 or 432 or is an easy drive on Highway 411 from Sevierville/Pigeon Forge. Call 865-509-3077 or go to bushbeans.com/visitorcenter for more information.
