If you’re looking for some of the best candy shops in America that would dazzle even Willy Wonka, these shops are for you. From decadent candies still formed with Victorian molds to retro favorites, these establishments are bringing their A-game when it comes to sweet, tart, chewy and everything in between. Even better, there’s NO golden ticket required to visit these sweet spots!
Ready to start snacking?
Big Top Candy Shop (Austin, Texas)
You won’t find any oompa loompas in this circus-themed candy shop, but you may find a clown or two. Designed to look like an old-fashioned circus tent from a bygone era, the Big Top Candy Shop in Austin, Texas, is a candy lover’s dream. Browse the bins, barrels, jars, and shelves overflowing with salt water taffy, chocolate truffles, and gummy pink pigs! Dig into nostalgic bites like Abba-Zappas (a taffy candy bar with a gooey peanut butter center) and banana-flavored MoonPies. Wash it all down at the vintage soda fountain (it looks like a Western saloon), where you can order a soda from a list of 50 different syrups like strawberry, cotton candy or blue cream!
M&M’s World (New York, New York)
Prepare for M&M’s overload at this popular spot located right off Times Square! Here, you’ll find a colorful world of every kind of M&M imaginable, from peanut and crunchy to caramel. Massive cylinders of these candies line the store, featuring colors you haven’t seen in stores, like black, silver, purple, and turquoise! You can even personalize your M&M’s with images and designs! And don’t miss out on the merchandise – they’ve got plushies, colorful tees, and even pajamas.
Candyality (Chicago, Illinois)
Wonka’s factory may have some competition at Chicago’s Candyality! Home to thousands of sweet treats, from fluffy and sour to sugary and chewy, this one-stop candy shop is a must-visit next time you’re in the Windy City. Reminisce over retro favorites like 5th Avenue Bars, Charleston Chews and bubblegum cigarettes. Try the shop-made caramel and cheese corn – all packaged in special bags that represent the diversity of Chicago’s neighborhoods. Looking for the candy that matches your personality? Let the shop’s sweet experts give you the rundown of your personal candy profile. And if you’re over 21, don’t skip the boozy treats like Amaretto almonds or the Southern Comfort dark chocolate bars with gooey caramel filling.
Shane Confectionery (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Established in 1863, Shane Confectionary is America’s oldest continuously operating confectionary shop! Stop in for one of their buttercreams, still made from the original 100-year-old recipe. Try the historic clear toy candies in shapes such as Christmas trees and cute animals (all made with antique Victorian candy molds). Behind-the-scenes tours are available for curious chocolate lovers. And if you love all things fruity and gummy – sample the brandied cherry cordials or vanilla bean marshmallows! You’ll also find an assortment of drinking chocolates (pick up the peppermint marshmallows to go with it) and fresh-baked goodies like massive pretzels dipped in chocolate and Scottish shortbread!
Southern Candymakers (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Tucked away in New Orleans’ French Quarter, you’ll find Southern Candymakers. This candy shop offers all sorts of New Orleans-inspired sweets, including their award-winning handmade pralines, toffees, and tortues (French for chocolate turtles). Try a divinity made from egg whites, sugar, vanilla, and pecans – it literally melts in your mouth. Don’t skip the pecan or cashew brittle, a sophisticated take on peanut brittle that’s made in an old-fashioned copper kettle! Love fudge more than Augustus Gloop? This spot’s fudge is made in small batches and is the true definition of decadence – ask for a sample of the chocolate pecan!
The Sweet Palace (Philipsburg, Montana)
You’ll find two stories of pure sweet treats magic at this mining town candy shop in Philipsburg. Featuring rows of jars, tins, and bins overflowing with candies of all sorts, The Sweet Palace is not concerned with the scale, that’s for sure! Here, you can nibble on chocolates, caramels, jelly beans and licorice (try the double salted). Indulge in decadent fudge like caramel and huckleberry. Or, if you’re brave enough, sample the funky salt water taffy flavors such as champagne, pina colada and mountain berry! There are even sugar-free options, like almond butter crunch, malted milk balls, and caramel pecan patties!
Chutters (Littleton, New Hampshire)
A staple on Main Street since the 1800s (just look for the vibrant pink and purple storefront), Chutters in Littleton, New Hampshire, is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Here, over 500 jars of different candies line the walls, from jelly beans to gummy bears and Swedish fish. You’ll also find the world’s largest candy counter at 112 feet, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Be sure to order the shop’s special, house-made fudge like the raspberry cheesecake or chocolate walnut!
Bright’s Candies (Walla Walla, Washington)
If you like to keep things old-school, visit Bright’s Candies in Walla Walla, Washington. Inside this old-fashioned candy store, you’ll find handcrafted fine chocolates and caramels made in large copper kettles from recipes passed down over the years. Even better, there’s a large viewing window inside the store, so you can watch the whole candy-making process. Grab a box of their assorted fine chocolates, indulge in a scoop of their 24 different flavors of ice cream (order the espresso chip), or sample the freshly-made caramel corn and caramel apples made with apples from a local orchard. And if you’re thirsty, you can grab a locally-made root beer on tap or take home a growler of it to share.
