"Anthony-Thomas chocolate factory gives tours, and sells the World's Largest Buckeye -- made of chocolate and peanut butter -- in its gift shop," the Roadside America says..

"Inside the Anthony Thomas Factory store is the World's Largest Buckeye made of chocolate, along with a bunch of other chocolate goodies. The best part is you can buy the buckeye for $3,500.

"The retail area of the Anthony-Thomas chocolate factory has a giant Buckeye for sale, made out of chocolate and peanut butter. From the looks of the case it (or a fresh version of it) is a pretty permanent fixture. According to the tour guide, they make the official OSU buckeyes and periodically donate these as fundraisers, or to serve at University functions. Incidentally, the factory gives a pretty interesting tour. It costs a small amount, but they give you a voucher for the same amount to spend on chocolate, so it's more or less free. Plus, you get a buckeye (normal size) to sample."

"Aesculus glabra, commonly known as Ohio buckeye, is a species of tree in the soapberry family (Sapindaceae) native to North America.

"Its natural range is primarily in the Midwestern and lower Great Plains regions of the United States, extending southeast into the geological Black Belt of Alabama and Mississippi. It is also found locally in the extreme southwest of Ontario, on Walpole Island in Lake St. Clair.

"It is found in a variety of natural habitats, including streambanks, upland mesic forests, and along the margins of old fields.[5] It is typically found in calcareous areas. The fruit is a round capsule 4–5 cm (1+1⁄2–2 in) diameter, containing one nut-like seed, 2–3 cm (3⁄4–1+1⁄4 in) in diameter, brown with a whitish basal scar." (Wikipedia)

"If you've ever been to Ohio and visited the state’s many tourist sites, such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it is likely you've seen buckeye candies," the Ohio Artisan Collective says.

"Buckeye candies are Ohio’s official state candy. Due to the state's large production of buckeyes, they are a favorite snack of locals and travelers alike. But for those who are unfamiliar with this kind of confection, they might just be a bit strange-looking. Let's explore what Buckeyes are and how they became very popular in Ohio.

"The buckeye is a popular souvenir in Ohio, especially near the Ohio State football stadium, “The Horseshoe.” During Ohio State football games, fans in the bleachers are often seen filling plastic tubs with buckeye nuts. Considered a good luck charm by the fans, this tradition started in the 1970s."

"Buckeyes are a confection made from a peanut butter fudge partially dipped in chocolate to leave a circle of peanut butter visible. Buckeyes are similar to peanut butter balls (or peanut-butter-filled chocolate balls), which are completely covered in chocolate.

"Named for their resemblance to the poisonous nut of the Ohio buckeye tree, the state tree of Ohio, this candy is particularly popular in Ohio and neighboring states. It is common for Ohioans to make buckeyes at home, but they are also available in mail-order catalogs and candy shops.

"The dessert is not known prior to the 1960s or 1970s, originally being prepared by home cooks in their kitchens. One recipe included butter, crunchy or creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and chocolate chips. Peanut butter and butter are blended and powdered sugar is added gradually before it is rolled into small balls and dipped in melted chocolate." (Wikipedia (2))

"In about an hour, tour groups can experience candy making from start to finish in our 152,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art candy factory.  Walk along our comfortable, glass-enclosed suspended "Cat-Walk" and observe nine lines producing 30,000 pounds of chocolates per shift," the official website says..

"Our experienced tour guides explain each process step-by-step from our kitchens to the final packaging. View interesting sights such as our huge copper kettles where the centers of some of the candies are created and our unique silver-wrapped pipes that carry liquid chocolate throughout the factory. The tour finishes in our beautiful 2,500 square-foot retail shoppe. Best of all, everyone will leave with a free sample!!

"Factory Tours must be scheduled online. No walk-ins are permitted at this time. Groups can be scheduled for parties of 4 to 16 people. Available every Tuesday and Thursday. Tuesday and Thursday between 9am and 3pm. Admission Fee: Children 12 and under are $1.00 per person. Anyone over the age of 12 is $2.00 per person."

"This tour is one of our favorites. You get an entire tour of the factory, walking along their glass-enclosed suspended “Cat-Walk.” The tour guides explain each process step-by-step from their kitchens to the final packaging," the Eat Play Cubs reports.

"The kids are always amazed to see how much work goes into the process. Their favorite part might be at the end when you are handed a buckeye! One time we went, we weren’t allowed to bring strollers up.

"One time, we were allowed to bring strollers up. I think it depends on how many people are with you? I would plan on not being able to bring it up. Also, keep in mind for the little ones (4 and under), they may not be able to see over the ledge!"

Photos: World’s Largest Buckeye Candy: world record in Columbus, Ohio

(4) Photo: Kitsa/Roadside America

(5) Photo: The Columbus Dispatch

(6-9) Photo:  Anthony-Thomas

(10) Photo:  Eat Play Cubs

(11-15) Photo: Anthony-Thomas