The Best Candy Store in Every State
Updated: Oct. 19, 2023
Creamy chocolate, gooey gummy bears, sugary taffy ... are you drooling yet? You definitely will be after you browse this list of the best candy stores across the country.
Craving something sweet? From chocolate shops to old-fashioned soda parlors, we’ve found the best candy store in every state. The candy shops on our list have high ratings on TripAdvisor, plus sweet reviews in local newspapers and magazines. Bring on the sugar rush!
Alabama
Priester’s Pecans, Fort Deposit
Fact: pecans are the official state nut of Alabama. No one prepares them better than Priester’s! Buy a pound of fresh roasted pecans or try the popular old-fashioned pecan divinity. See our best recipes from Alabama readers.
Alaska
Alaskan Sweet Things, Anchorage
Where else can you get taffy made from glacier water? Nowhere. Alaskan Sweet Things is the only certified producer of such a treat, offering 31 different flavors from boysenberry to bubble gum. What is boysenberry? Find out here.
Arizona
Sweeties Candy of Arizona, Chandler
You’ll have your hands full (literally!) at Sweeties, where you can find over 100,000 pounds of candy lining the shelves each day. If you end up with more than you can eat, recipes that use leftover candy.
Arkansas
Martin Greer’s Candies, Garfield
Saying that Martin Greer’s shop has been making candy for a long time is an understatement—they’re still using recipes that date back to the Civil War. Ever since then, locals have become huge fans of the caramel pecan tempters in particular.
California
Logan’s Candies, Ontario
Opened back in 1933, Logan’s Candies is an old-school candy shop that specializes in making candy canes. You can also find a wide range of candy ribbons, candy pillows, fudge and so much more. Check out these vintage candies you can find at Logan’s—or in grandma’s candy dish.
Colorado
Mouse’s Chocolates & Coffee, Ouray
There’s a reason Ouray has been dubbed the “Switzerland of America”—and Mouse’s Chocolates definitely has something to do with it. Be sure to snag a “scrap cookie” made with all the leftover bits of cocoa candy.
Connecticut
Fascia’s Chocolates, Waterbury
Stop number one on the Connecticut Chocolate Trail (yes, that’s a thing) should be Fascia’s. The shop’s events are as unique as their treats, with a build-your-own bar experience, chocolate and spirits pairings and a train tour complete with chocolate tastings.
Delaware
Snyder’s Candy, Rehoboth Beach
This coastal candy shop has received the seal of approval from Rachael Ray, so you know it must be good. Have your candy with a tall glass of Snyder’s old-fashioned soda pop. If you can’t make it there, whip up one of these copycat soda shop recipes at home instead!
Florida
Sweet Pete’s Candy, Jacksonville
Ever wanted to learn how to make your own swirly lollipops or gummy bears? That’s what you’ll do at Sweet Pete’s, where they offer a variety of fun candy-creating classes, including boozy truffles for adults.
Georgia
Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen, Helen
Melt-in-your-mouth fudge? Check. Massive caramel apples? Check. Truffles for days? Check and check. While you may not be able to make desserts as creamy or as decadent as Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen, you can give it a shot with our favorite fudge recipes.
Hawaii
Nisshodo Candy Store, Honolulu
When in Hawaii, do as the locals do and head to Nisshodo Candy Store for authentic Japanese candy made with rice flour, including mochi and chichi dango. Never heard of mochi? Here’s an easy guide to understanding what mochi is.
Idaho
Cravin’s Candy Emporium, Boise
Gelato, candy and chocolate, oh my! Cravin’s will satisfy any sweet tooth craving with over 400 different candies and 24 flavors of creamy fresh gelato. Bonus: There’s even handspun cotton candy for the kiddos.
Illinois
Katherine Anne Confections, Chicago
Come for the truffles, stay for the fluffy marshmallows and soft honey caramels. That’s what Katherine Anne does best, along with using unique local ingredients in her candies, like wildflower honey instead of corn syrup.
Indiana
Albanese Candy Factory, Merrillville
Two words: Free Samples. At Albanese Candy Factory, they firmly believe in “try before you buy” so you’ll want to taste test what they’ve deemed to be the world’s best gummies. Afterward, tour the gummy plant to see where all those bears and worms are made.
Iowa
Lagomarcino’s, Davenport
You can’t think of Iowa sweet shops without local favorite Lagomarcino’s coming to mind. And if you don’t get your sugar fix from one of the confections at the candy counter, belly up to the old-fashioned soda fountain for a soft drink or a deli sandwich. See America’s best soda fountains, from coast to coast.
Kansas
The Farris Wheel, Wichita
Step back in time with a stop at this vintage candy shop in downtown Wichita. The Farris Wheel carries a large selection of nuts and trail mix along with plenty of throwback goodies (cue the nostalgia!). Here are the most famous old-fashioned candy brands you can still buy today.
Kentucky
Schneider’s Sweet Shop, Bellevue
While you’ll find a lot of treats at this Kentucky candy store, the real star of the show is their signature opera cream. Just picture a rich chocolate shell filled with a creamy, sugary center. Yes, please.
Louisiana
Southern Candymakers, New Orleans
One thing the South is known for when it comes to desserts is pralines. And no one does the crunchy confections better than Southern Candymakers, whose made-from-scratch pecan pralines were deemed some of the best in the U.S. Whip up your own version at home with this bourbon pecan praline recipe.
Maine
Scrummy Afters, Hallowell
Whimsical, wacky and wonderful: three words to best describe this eclectic sweets store, where the owners say candy is “second to experience.” While the storefront is currently closed, locals can still browse crazy creations like chocolate dragon eggs and vintage penny candy at Scrummy’s traveling store.
Maryland
Rheb’s Candies, Baltimore
What started in a couple’s garage has now blossomed into one of Maryland’s most beloved candy companies—but it’s still situated in the same house where it all began. The chocolates are so rich and creamy, you’ll think you’re dreaming when you take a bite.
Massachusetts
Hebert Candies, Shrewsbury
Located 20 minutes east of Worcester, Hebert Candies offers visitors high-quality chocolates, taffy, gummies and other classic treats. Be sure to stop by their ice cream counter, too! Getting hungry? Try this viral cupcake recipe that’s all over Instagram.
Michigan
Doc Sweets’ Candy Company, Clawson
For the adventurous eaters among us, a trip to Doc Sweets’ may be just what the doctor ordered. There, among the traditional treats, you’ll find a creepy-crawly cast of chocolate-covered insects. Enjoy at your own risk!
Minnesota
Jim’s Apple Farm, Jordan
Nicknamed by the locals as Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store, even the pickiest of eaters will find something to indulge in at Jim’s cash-only, seasonally operated shop. Take your pick of gummy rings, malted milk balls and old-time cow tails. Bonus: The giant yellow barn also boasts the world’s largest soda selection.
Mississippi
The Candy Cottage, Ocean Springs
What’s crunchy, creamy and everything you never knew you needed in a sweet treat? The pecan logs at The Candy Cottage, made from a secret recipe passed down from generation to generation.
Missouri
How Sweet Is This, Clayton
Good things really do come in small packages if the “Itsy-Bitsy Candy Shoppe” is any indication. What it lacks in size it makes up for in sinfully delicious candies, including your favorite nostalgic treats.
Montana
The Sweet Palace, Philipsburg
Imagine Candy Land come to life and that’s what you’ll find in this confectionery castle. With specialties like chewy saltwater taffy and rich fudge, you’ll leave in a blissful sugar coma. Pro Tip: Ask about the Candy of the Month and the free samples.
Nebraska
Licorice International, Lincoln
If you love licorice, then Licorice International was made for you. Home to the largest selection of licorice in the United States, it offers almost 160 different types of the chewy candy from 12 countries. There’s even a whole section of “salty” licorice.
Nevada
Sugar Factory, Las Vegas
The Las Vegas flagship location of this popular chain is exactly what you’d expect: insanely over-the-top. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling dispensers of colorful candies, savor one of the glitzy Couture Pops.
New Hampshire
Chutters, Littleton
If you love having a large variety of goodies to choose from (and who doesn’t?), you’ll want to head to Chutters, where you’ll find the world’s longest candy counter at a whopping 112 feet stocked with over 500 types of treats. Since the jelly beans are a hit, here are the top-selling jelly bean flavors in each state.
New Jersey
Black River Candy Shoppe, Chester
With over 900 different candies, you’re certain to find something to satisfy your sweet tooth at Black River Candy Shoppe, whether you’re craving Jelly Bellys, a chocolate bar (they have 200 varieties!) or even something sugar-free.
New Mexico
The Candy Lady, Albuquerque
We’ll take our sweets with a little Southwestern flair, please. For over 30 years, The Candy Lady in downtown Albuquerque has been selling fun fare featuring some of the region’s famous flavors, like green chile fudge and piñon brittle. Since the shop is currently curbside only, locals can place their candy orders online or over the phone. They’d go great after one of these tasty Tex-Mex dinners!
New York
Dylan’s Candy Bar, New York City
It wouldn’t be a list of best candy stores without including one of the famous Dylan’s Candy Bar locations. And what better one to spotlight than the flagship store? Colorful, quirky and 100% crave-worthy, it’s a must-visit for any sweets fanatic.
North Carolina
The Chocolate Fetish, Asheville
As soon as you open the door to this Southern sweet shop, you’ll be surrounded by the delicious aroma of every cocoa-flavored confection imaginable, including their famous artisanal truffles. Psst: Here are dark chocolate recipes you can make yourself.
North Dakota
Widman’s Candy Shop, Fargo
There are few things more delicious than the combination of sweet and salty (these snacks are proof!). Which is exactly what you’ll get at Carol Widman’s, home to the “chipper,” a chocolate-covered potato chip.
Ohio
b.a. Sweetie Candy Company, Cleveland
There are regular candy stores, and then there’s b.a. Sweetie Candy Company. It takes “variety” to a whole new level with over 4,500 different types and 500,000+ pounds of sweet treats lining the shelves.
Oklahoma
Woody Candy, Oklahoma City
This Midwest must-visit is best known for its specialty sweets. Sample their peppermint or lemon “ice” (it’s similar to bark, made with a white chocolate base) or Aunt Bill’s Brown Candy, an Oklahoma staple made with pecans and cream.
Oregon
Bruce’s Candy Kitchen, Cannon Beach
One bite of the nostalgic saltwater taffy at Bruce’s and you’ll know exactly why this beachside shop, which has been family-owned for four generations, receives top honors in Oregon. You can even watch the award-winning taffy being made in the window.
Pennsylvania
Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop, Pittsburgh
Go crazy at the “World Famous $5 Candy Buffet” at Grandpa Joe’s, where you can fill a box of mix-and-match goodies for just $5. Pro Tip: Stuff it with as many sweets as you want (there are over 100 to choose from) since you pay by the box, not by the pound.
Rhode Island
Chocolate Delicacy, Warwick
For chocolate lovers, this Northeastern mainstay makes all of your decadent dreams come true. Leave with a box of handmade fudgy truffles or a bag of “Rhode Island pebbles,” colorful chocolate nibbles. Can’t get enough cocoa? Whip up one of these chocolate snacks to curb any craving.
South Carolina
Cyndi’s Sweet Shoppe, Aiken
Is it 2019… or 1919? Cyndi’s in South Carolina is as old-fashioned as a candy store comes, with glass apothecary jars bursting with all shapes and sizes of sweets. Don’t miss throwbacks like salt water taffy and the sticks of sparkling rock candy!
South Dakota
Chubby Chipmunk Hand-Dipped Chocolates, Deadwood
Don’t let the fact that this specialty shop is in quaint Deadwood, S.D. fool you. With over 20 to-die-for truffle flavors, Chubby Chipmunk chocolates are fit for Hollywood royalty, having been featured in gift bags at both the Grammy’s and the Oscars.
Tennessee
Goo Goo Shop, Nashville
Welcome to Nashville’s sweetest secret: the Goo Goo Cluster. It’s a blissful bite of chocolate, caramel, peanuts and marshmallow nougat. And at Goo Goo Shop, they even offer classes where you’ll make your own crunchy cluster.
Texas
Big Top Candy Shop, Austin
Even when it comes to candy, Texas stays true to its catchphrase. Big Top Candy Shop is proof that everything really is bigger in the Lonestar State, with thousands of treats from around the world and an old-fashioned soda fountain.
Utah
Hatch Family Chocolates, Salt Lake City
Shop for the best hand-dipped chocolate at Hatch Family Chocolates, where the name really does say it all. The shop uses chocolate-making techniques that have been passed down over four Hatch generations for candies that are irresistible.
Vermont
Middlebury Sweets, Middlebury
Come hungry to Middlebury Sweets, the best candy store in Vermont, where they have more than 1300 different types of candy. Plus, the Vermont-made maple syrup and maple candy are a must-try! The store is located near a candy-themed Middlebury Sweets Motel, too.
Virginia
IT’SUGAR, Virginia Beach
You’ve never seen candy like you’ll see at this Virginia destination. They have all sorts of “world’s largest” boxes of candy—no matter what type you want, they’ve likely got it. Don’t miss the over-the-top novelty candy, either!
Washington
Bright’s Candies, Walla Walla
Lord Licorice and Princess Frostine would definitely approve of this real-life Candy Land. Since 1934, Bright’s has been making their own confections, along with fresh caramel corn, ice cream and chocolate for days.
West Virginia
True Treats Historic Candies, Harpers Ferry
History has never tasted so good! At this wild and wonderful candy store, you’ll get to learn all about some of your favorite old-fashioned treats like circus peanuts and sour balls. All while enjoying a sample (or two), of course.
Wisconsin
Chippewa Candy Shop, Chippewa Falls
I scream, you scream, we all scream for Chippewa Candy Shop‘s ice cream! And chocolates… and gummy bears… and jelly beans. The list of sweets at this Wisconsin shop, which “four out of five dentists do not recommend,” is almost endless.
Wyoming
Yippy I-O Candy Co, Jackson
Yippy I-O actually is your mama’s candy shop. Or at least it prides itself on having the state’s best selection of retro treats, from Dubble Bubble to Zots.
Now that you know the best candy store in every state, check out the most popular Halloween candy in every state, next.
Originally Published: December 31, 1969
