The Can’t-Miss Candy Shop In Every Single State
America has a serious sweet tooth, and nowhere is that more obvious than in the candy shops that have become local legends.
Each state has its own signature spot – places where glass jars glisten with colorful treats and the air smells like pure happiness.
Along coastal boardwalks, you’ll find chewy saltwater taffy stretched and wrapped by hand. In cozy mountain towns, chocolatiers craft silky truffles and caramels from recipes passed down through generations. Some shops have been open for over a century, still serving the same beloved confections that locals grew up with.
From nostalgic fudge counters to modern candy empires, these sugary landmarks prove that joy really can come wrapped in cellophane.
Disclaimer: Information in this guide was verified against reputable sources at the time of writing; details such as hours, locations, ownership, product availability, and specialty items can change. Always check each shop’s official site or call ahead for the latest information and any age-restricted products. Mentions of confections containing alcohol are intended for adults of legal drinking age; non-alcoholic alternatives are typically available.
Arkansas – Atkinson’s Candy (Lufkin-but Arkansas roots)
Anyone who grew up in the South probably remembers the satisfying crunch of Atkinson’s Mint Twisters or Peanut Butter Bars. Born in Arkansas before moving to Texas, the brand still carries a touch of home-state pride.
Each bite feels like reaching into grandma’s purse for a sweet surprise, nostalgic and wrapped in crinkly wax paper. Seek them out at Arkansas candy counters and taste pure, old-fashioned happiness in every bite.
Alabama – Peterbrooke Chocolatier (Birmingham)
Chocolate perfumes the air like a cozy hug the moment you step inside Peterbrooke Chocolatier in Birmingham. Hand-dipped strawberries glisten behind the glass, little masterpieces too stunning to bite into right away.
Popcorn drizzled with ribbons of dark and white chocolate crackles with sweet temptation, earning its place as a local legend. Families wander in for birthdays and holidays, but it’s the scent of warm cocoa magic that keeps everyone lingering, smiling, and leaving with hands full and hearts happier.
Georgia – Savannah’s Candy Kitchen (Savannah)
Warm caramel drifts from copper kettles at Savannah’s Candy Kitchen, a Georgia classic serving pralines that could melt even the toughest heart.
Friendly laughter fills the shop as pecans toast and sugar swirls through the air. Bear Claws, giant caramel-pecan clusters, gleam behind the counter, begging to be boxed up. Locals grab them warm, tourists carry them home like edible souvenirs.
Alaska – Alaska Wild Berry Products (Anchorage)
Ever seen a twenty-foot chocolate waterfall? Alaska Wild Berry Products has one, and it’s basically a tourist magnet. The factory offers free tours where you watch candy-making magic happen in real time.
Their wild berry jams and chocolates use actual Alaskan berries, giving every bite that authentic frontier flavor. Grab some salmon-shaped gummies while you’re there, yes, really!
California – See’s Candies (San Diego – Balboa Mesa)
See’s has been California’s chocolate sweetheart since 1921, serving up those iconic black-and-white boxes everyone recognizes. The Balboa Mesa location keeps the tradition alive with samples handed out like candy, literally.
Their Scotchmallows and Bordeaux chocolates are California gold. Stop by during the holidays, and you’ll find lines snaking out the door as locals stock up for gifting season.
Colorado – Hammond’s Candies (Denver)
Hammond’s handcrafts candy canes the old-fashioned way, twisting ribbons of sugar into striped perfection. Their factory tours are mesmerizing – watching molten candy get stretched and shaped feels like witnessing edible wizardry.
The shop sells wild flavors like pickle candy canes and s’mores lollipops. Denver locals treat Hammond’s like a holiday tradition, stocking up every December for stocking stuffers.
Delaware – Dolle’s Candyland (Rehoboth Beach)
Sweet ocean air mingles with caramel and taffy at Dolle’s in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, a boardwalk legend that’s been delighting visitors for more than a century.
Vintage signs glow like snapshots from another era, and the hum of seaside chatter sets the mood. Dozens of taffy flavors line the counters, from silky vanilla to punchy grape. Crowds gather for chewy bites of nostalgia that taste like summer itself.
Arizona – Cerreta Candy Company (Glendale)
Sweet scents of caramelized sugar swirl through Cerreta’s candy factory in Glendale, Arizona, where chocolatiers have been working their magic since the 1960s.
Visitors get front-row seats to the spectacle of molten chocolate being shaped into glossy turtles, buttery caramels, and nutty brittles. The gift shop hums with excitement, its counters stacked high with samples begging to be tasted. Peanut butter meltaways steal the spotlight, melting smoothly enough to win hearts across the Southwest.
Florida – Kilwins (St. Augustine)
Kilwins turns St. Augustine’s cobblestone streets even sweeter with their handmade fudge and caramel apples. The smell of fresh waffle cones wafts through the air, luring tourists and locals alike.
Their Mackinac Island Fudge is ridiculously creamy, and the sea salt caramel is chef’s kiss perfection. Stop by after exploring the old fort for a sugar recharge, you’ll need it!
Connecticut – Munson’s Chocolates (Bolton)
Sweet cocoa fills the air at Munson’s in Bolton, Connecticut, where candy dreams have been crafted since 1946. Each bite feels like a hug from home, especially those chocolate-covered potato chips that crunch with playful sweetness.
Staff greet familiar faces with warmth as laughter mingles with the scent of sugar. Almond butter crunch seals the deal, melting smoothly enough to make any sweet tooth swoon.
Hawaii – Honolulu Cookie Company (Oahu)
Honolulu Cookie Company bakes shortbread in the shape of pineapples, because when in Hawaii, right? Their cookies are buttery, crisp, and come in flavors like Kona coffee and lilikoi.
The packaging is almost too pretty to open, almost. Tourists pack suitcases full of these to share back home, and airport gift shops can barely keep them stocked during peak season.
Idaho – Idaho Candy Company (Boise)
Coconut and chocolate aromas fill the Boise factory where Idaho Spud bars have been crafted since 1918. Each bite surprises with its fluffy marshmallow heart cloaked in dark chocolate and sprinkled with coconut, a quirky combo that somehow just clicks.
Cherry Cocktail bars add a fruity twist, bursting with nuts and nostalgia. Factory visitors leave with sticky fingers, smiling faces, and a sweet taste of Idaho’s candy legacy.
Iowa – Lagomarcino’s (Davenport)
Lagomarcino’s opened in 1908 and still serves ice cream sodas at a marble counter that’s over a century old. The shop feels like a time capsule, with tin ceilings and wooden booths polished by generations of customers.
Their hand-dipped chocolates are made fresh daily, and the sponge candy is a regional treasure. Locals treat Lagomarcino’s like a family heirloom, passing down the tradition to each new generation.
Indiana – South Bend Chocolate Company (South Bend)
South Bend Chocolate turns cocoa beans into gourmet truffles right in the heart of Indiana. Their factory cafe lets you watch the magic happen while sipping hot chocolate that’s basically liquid velvet.
The truffle flavors rotate seasonally, from salted caramel to champagne-infused varieties. Grab a box of their chocolate-covered pretzels, they’re the perfect salty-sweet combo for road trips.
Kansas – Nifty Nut House (Wichita)
Warm whiffs of caramel corn and toasted almonds drift through Nifty Nut House in Wichita, Kansas, a family-run paradise for snack lovers. Aisles overflow with roasted nuts, chocolate gems, and chewy candies that tempt every passerby.
Chocolate-covered cashews win instant fans, crisp and creamy in every bite. Locals pack bags for road trips, knowing Nifty’s mixes keep spirits high and cravings perfectly satisfied.
Kentucky – Rebecca Ruth Candies (Frankfort)
Rebecca Ruth invented the bourbon ball, and Kentucky has never been the same. These bite-sized chocolates pack a boozy punch, blending rich chocolate with real Kentucky bourbon.
The Frankfort shop still makes them by hand using the original 1930s recipe. Their Bluegrass Mint chocolates are another local favorite, perfect for anyone who prefers their candy without the kick. Tours are available if you want to see the process up close.
Louisiana – Aunt Sally’s Pralines (New Orleans)
Sugary perfume of caramelized pecans fills Aunt Sally’s in New Orleans’ French Quarter, where pralines have been crafted by hand since 1935.
Each golden disc melts softly, rich with butter and Southern comfort. Staff offer generous samples that make self-control nearly impossible. Original pralines remain the fan favorite, while chocolate and rum versions add a playful twist that keeps visitors reaching for just one more.
Maine – Len Libby Chocolates (Scarborough)
Len Libby’s is home to Lenny, a life-sized chocolate moose weighing over 1,700 pounds. Yes, you read that right, a moose made entirely of chocolate, standing guard over the shop like a delicious sentry.
The chocolates are just as impressive, with hand-dipped truffles and needhams (a Maine specialty) flying off the shelves. Kids love posing with Lenny, while parents stock up on sea salt caramels.
Maryland – Dolle’s (Ocean City)
Buttery caramel and ocean air mingle around Dolle’s in Ocean City, Maryland, where candy-making has been a boardwalk tradition since 1910. The glowing neon sign stands proudly above the crowds, a beacon for anyone craving something sweet after a day in the surf.
Rows of saltwater taffy stretch from coconut to licorice, each bite chewy and nostalgic. Bags rattle, laughter rises, and summer never quite ends here.
Massachusetts – Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie (Salem)
Warm sugar and lemon perfume the air at Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie in Salem, Massachusetts, a living relic that’s been crafting confections since 1806. Gibraltars, crisp lemon hard candies, still follow the same centuries-old recipe that started it all. Wooden floors creak under candy lovers exploring jars of penny sweets.
Black Jacks, the anise taffy locals adore, offer a nostalgic bite of New England’s sweetest history.
Michigan – Original Murdick’s Fudge (Mackinac Island)
Chocolate and sea breeze mingle on Mackinac Island, Michigan, where Original Murdick’s has been turning out fudge since 1887. Marble tables gleam as warm fudge gets poured, paddled, and cooled while the sugary aroma fills the shop.
Chocolate peanut butter melts smooth as silk, and maple walnut tastes like autumn in every bite. Visitors step off the ferry as tourists and leave as proud “fudgies.”
Illinois – Margie’s Candies (Chicago)
Chocolate and nostalgia fill Margie’s in Chicago, a legend that’s been serving sundaes and handmade chocolates since 1921.
Neon lights glow over vintage booths where laughter mixes with the scent of warm fudge. Sundaes arrive in giant clamshell dishes, dripping with rich sauce and topped like edible art. Celebrities may visit, but neighborhood regulars keep the heartbeat of this old-school ice cream haven alive.
Minnesota – Candyland (St. Paul)
Candyland has been a St. Paul institution since 1932, selling everything from Swedish Fish to gourmet chocolates. The shop feels like stepping into a candy-coated time machine, with retro decor and bins overflowing with treats.
Their hand-dipped caramels are legendary, and the nut clusters disappear faster than Minnesota snow in spring. Locals stop by for nostalgic favorites they can’t find anywhere else.
Mississippi – The Candy Cottage (Jackson)
The Candy Cottage whips up Southern classics like divinity, pralines, and peanut brittle that’ll make your teeth ache in the best way. Everything’s made fresh daily, using recipes passed down through Mississippi generations.
Their pecan pralines are buttery perfection, and the chocolate fudge is dense enough to double as a meal. Stop by for a sugar rush and a dose of Southern hospitality.
Missouri – Crown Candy Kitchen (St. Louis)
Cocoa scent drifts through Crown Candy Kitchen in St. Louis, Missouri, where time seems to pause beneath glowing marble counters first polished in 1913. Servers hustle between booths carrying towering malts and sundaes, while the sizzle of burgers hums in the background.
Locals swear by the famous BLT, but the real magic hides in the hand-dipped candies and bubbly sodas that taste like pure nostalgia.
Montana – The Parrot Confectionery (Helena)
The Parrot has been Helena’s sweet spot since 1922, serving malts and hand-dipped chocolates in a setting that feels frozen in time. The neon parrot sign glows like a beacon for anyone craving nostalgia.
Their cherry phosphates are a Montana must-try, and the homemade ice cream tastes like summer in the Rockies. Locals love the cozy booths, perfect for lingering over sundaes and stories.
Nebraska – Hollywood Candy (Omaha)
Warm caramel and fruity candy scents float through Hollywood Candy in Omaha, Nebraska, a retro wonderland that’s been delighting visitors since the 1930s.
Rows of glass cases sparkle with color, each one packed with gummies, chocolates, and nostalgic treats from every decade. Chocolate-covered pretzels remain a hometown favorite, crisp and sweet in perfect balance. Guests wander the aisles grinning, chasing sugar-fueled memories worth every bite.
New Hampshire – L.A. Burdick (Walpole)
L.A. Burdick crafts chocolates so fancy they belong in an art gallery. Their signature chocolate mice, complete with ears and tails, are almost too cute to eat, but trust me, you’ll devour them anyway.
The Walpole shop doubles as a cafe, serving hot chocolate so rich it feels like drinking velvet. Their dark chocolate penguins are another bestseller, perfect for gifts or treating yourself shamelessly.
New Jersey – Fralinger’s / James Candy (Atlantic City)
Saltwater and caramel scents swirl along Atlantic City’s boardwalk, where Fralinger’s and James’ Candy have competed for sweet supremacy since the 1880s. Shoppers drift between the two, debating favorites while sneaking chewy samples.
Iconic taffy boxes line the counters, filled with flavors from creamy vanilla to deep molasses. After a beach day, a bite of that glossy, stretchy candy feels like summer bottled in sugar.
New Mexico – The Candy Lady (Albuquerque)
The Candy Lady became famous for making the blue “meth” candy used on Breaking Bad, and tourists flock here for that alone. But the real treasures are the chile-infused chocolates and prickly pear candies.
The shop’s quirky vibe matches Albuquerque’s artsy personality perfectly. Their piñon brittle is a New Mexico specialty, blending local pine nuts with buttery caramel for a flavor you won’t find anywhere else.
North Dakota – Carol Widman’s Candies (Grand Forks/Fargo)
Carol Widman’s is famous for chippers, potato chips drenched in chocolate or caramel that are basically North Dakota’s state snack. They sound weird, but one bite turns skeptics into believers.
The shops in Grand Forks and Fargo have been family-run for decades, churning out hand-dipped chocolates and caramel corn. Their turtles are massive, packed with pecans and gooey caramel that’ll glue your teeth together happily.
Ohio – Aglamesis Bro’s (Cincinnati)
Vanilla and chocolate aromas linger inside Aglamesis Bro’s in Cincinnati, Ohio, where marble counters and tin ceilings still shine like it’s 1908. Scoops of ice cream glisten beside trays of silky, hand-dipped chocolates. Hot fudge sauce flows thick and rich, while truffles melt smooth as velvet.
Families crowd the booths, laughing over sundaes and packing boxes of sweetness to carry a century-old tradition home.
Oregon – Moonstruck Chocolate (Portland)
Step inside Moonstruck in Portland, Oregon, and the air hums with cocoa and curiosity. Raindrops on the window only make the scent richer, teasing what’s inside.
Truffles shimmer in bold flavors like lavender, smoked salt, and passionfruit, each one a tiny experiment that somehow works. Behind every counter waits a cup of hot chocolate so thick it could double as comfort itself.
Pennsylvania – Shane Confectionery (Philadelphia)
Shane Confectionery opened in 1863 and still makes candy using 19th-century techniques. The shop’s Victorian decor and vintage candy molds feel like stepping into a Philly time machine.
Their buttercreams are legendary, hand-dipped and impossibly smooth. The clear toy candy, intricate sugar sculptures, are almost too pretty to eat, but they taste like childhood nostalgia crystallized.
Rhode Island – The Candy Emporium (Warwick)
Sugary perfume hits fast at The Candy Emporium in Rhode Island, where every inch bursts with color and nostalgia. Glass jars shimmer with gummy sharks, chewy ropes, and imported Belgian chocolates that sparkle like treasure.
Customers lean over bins to scoop their perfect mix, dreaming of movie nights and long drives. Locals whisper that nowhere else captures childhood cravings quite this perfectly.
South Carolina – Christophe Artisan Chocolatier (Charleston)
Chocolate perfume mingles with sea air at Christophe in Charleston, South Carolina, where French artistry meets Lowcountry charm. Sunlight glints off glass displays filled with truffles that melt smoother than butter.
Salted caramels sparkle with flakes of sea salt, while seasonal flavors shift with local harvests. After a stroll along Rainbow Row, few pleasures rival a bite of Christophe’s elegant, handmade indulgence.
Nevada – Ethel M Chocolates (Henderson)
Ethel M Chocolates pairs gourmet truffles with a stunning cactus garden, because only in Nevada would you find chocolate and desert plants together. The factory offers self-guided tours where you watch chocolates get hand-crafted.
Their liqueur-filled chocolates are boozy and bold, perfect for adults with adventurous taste buds. The garden is free to explore, making Ethel M a sweet escape from the Vegas Strip.
South Dakota – Chubby Chipmunk (Deadwood)
Chubby Chipmunk serves hand-dipped chocolates and ice cream in Deadwood’s Wild West setting. The shop’s name is adorable, and the treats are just as charming, think caramel apples and truffles with Black Hills flair.
Their huckleberry chocolates capture South Dakota’s wilderness in candy form. Tourists love the Old West vibe, and locals stop by after hiking for a sugar recharge.
North Carolina – Videri Chocolate Factory (Raleigh)
Videri makes bean-to-bar chocolate from scratch, roasting cacao beans right in downtown Raleigh. The factory’s open layout lets you watch the entire process, from roasting to wrapping.
Their sea salt and almond chocolate bars are ridiculously good, with a snap that screams quality. The shop also serves hot chocolate and truffles, perfect for fueling up during a Raleigh adventure.
Tennessee – Goo Goo Chocolate Co. (Nashville)
Sweet scents of caramel and roasted peanuts drift through the Goo Goo Cluster shop on Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee.
Workers stir glossy chocolate as tourists watch the city’s signature treat come to life. Each round cluster blends marshmallow, caramel, and peanuts into a perfect bite of nostalgia. Supreme versions crunch with pecans, while peanut butter Goo Goos disappear faster than a honky-tonk chorus.
Texas – La King’s Confectionery (Galveston)
La King’s has been a Galveston landmark since 1890, selling saltwater taffy and hand-pulled candy in a Victorian-era building. The shop survived hurricanes and history, still serving sweets to island visitors.
Their divinity is cloud-light, and the pralines are Texas-sized perfection. The Strand’s historic vibe makes La King’s feel like a sweet escape to the 1800s, minus the corsets.
New York – Economy Candy (NYC)
Inside Economy Candy on New York’s Lower East Side, colors pop like confetti while the scent of sugar pulls you in. Since 1937, the family-run shop has overflowed with penny sweets, imported chocolates, and rare retro treats.
Behind the counter, staff chat about candy origins with genuine pride. Shoppers scoop from rainbow bins, filling bags that crinkle with joy and childhood memories.
Utah – Sweet Candy Company / Mrs. Cavanaugh’s (Salt Lake City)
Warm notes of caramel and citrus fill Sweet Candy Company in Salt Lake City, Utah, where generations have perfected confections since 1892. Counters gleam with toffee so buttery it nearly melts on contact, while chocolate-covered orange sticks burst with nostalgic flavor.
Shoppers load up boxes for holidays and family gatherings, trusting each bite to deliver that century-old promise of sweetness done right.
Oklahoma – Bedré Fine Chocolate (Davis)
Bedré Fine Chocolate is crafted by the Chickasaw Nation, blending gourmet flavors with Native American heritage. Their dark chocolate sea salt caramels are dangerously smooth, and the packaging is elegant enough for gifting.
The Davis location sits near the Chickasaw Cultural Center, making it a perfect stop after exploring Oklahoma history. Their truffles rotate seasonally, so there’s always something new to try.
Vermont – Lake Champlain Chocolates (Burlington)
Cocoa mingles with mountain air at Lake Champlain Chocolates in Burlington, Vermont, where craftsmanship meets conscience through organic, fair-trade ingredients. Visitors watch beans roast and swirl into glossy bars during factory tours that smell like heaven.
Five Star Bars, layered with caramel and nougat, deliver unapologetic indulgence. On snowy nights, mugs of thick hot chocolate warm hands, hearts, and the Vermont chill away.
Virginia – Wythe Candy & Gourmet Shop (Williamsburg)
Wythe Candy sits in Colonial Williamsburg, serving old-fashioned sweets in a setting that feels frozen in the 1700s. Their peanut brittle is Virginia-proud, packed with local peanuts and buttery crunch.
The shop’s fudge is made fresh daily, and the saltwater taffy comes in classic flavors that’ll transport you back in time. Stop by after touring the historic area for a sweet taste of colonial America.
Washington – Boehm’s Candies (Issaquah)
Boehm’s Candies looks like a Swiss chalet dropped into the Pacific Northwest, complete with alpine architecture and European-style chocolates. The shop has been family-run since 1942, crafting truffles and marzipan by hand.
Their chocolate-covered cherries are legendary, and the marzipan fruits look almost too real to eat. The Issaquah location feels like a fairy tale, perfect for anyone craving old-world charm and modern flavor.
West Virginia – True Treats Historic Candy (Harpers Ferry)
Old-wood floors creak under candy jars at True Treats Historic Candy in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, where sugar and history mingle like old friends.
Aisles stretch from Civil War-era sweets to Roaring Twenties confections, each decade packed with stories. Horehound drops taste like a medicinal adventure from the 1800s, and rock candy sparkles like childhood revisited. After walking historic battle sites, this shop feels like a delicious time capsule.
Wisconsin – Seroogy’s Chocolates (De Pere)
Seroogy’s has been a Wisconsin favorite since 1899, crafting chocolates that Packers fans swear by. Their turtles are massive, loaded with pecans and caramel that oozes with every bite.
The shop’s peanut butter meltaways are dangerously smooth, and the cherry cordials taste like Wisconsin summers. Stop by before game day to stock up on chocolate that’s as loyal as Cheeseheads themselves.
Wyoming – Donells Candies (Casper)
Donells has been Casper’s sweet spot since the 1940s, serving hand-dipped chocolates and homemade fudge with Wyoming hospitality. The shop’s small-town vibe feels warm and welcoming, like visiting a friend’s kitchen.
Their almond toffee is crunchy perfection, and the caramels are soft enough to melt on your tongue. Locals know Donells is the place for special occasion treats and everyday sugar fixes alike.
