Every State’s Sweetest Candy Shop Worth A Visit
Across the country, Main Streets and hidden corners are sprinkled with candy shops that feel like pure magic.
Some have been delighting generations with glass jars of handmade fudge and ribbon candy, while others bring a modern twist to nostalgia with gourmet caramels and truffles.
The air inside always carries that unmistakable scent of sugar and joy, the kind that makes you feel like a kid again.
1. Three Georges Candy Shop (Alabama)
Mobile’s candy landmark since 1917, this shop feels like stepping into your grandparents’ favorite sweet spot. Family recipes passed down through generations create chocolates that locals guard like state secrets.
Their pralines alone are worth the trip south. The nostalgic atmosphere wraps around you like a warm hug, making every visit memorable beyond just the sugar rush.
2. The Kobuk (Alaska)
Fairbanks hides this gem where handmade chocolates meet frontier charm. Imagine tasting treats crafted in America’s last frontier, where creativity thrives despite the cold.
Their chocolate-covered berries showcase Alaska’s wild bounty. Each piece tells a story of northern resilience and sweetness. Visitors often say the shop’s warmth rivals any fireplace during those long winter nights.
3. Cerreta Candy Company (Arizona)
Glendale’s candy empire has been cranking out confections since 1968, and their factory tours are legendary. Watch molten chocolate transform into works of edible art while the sweet aroma makes your mouth water.
Their pecan caramel patties could convert anyone into a candy fanatic. Free samples sweeten the deal even more!
4. Martin Greer’s Candies (Arkansas)
Little Rock’s sweetest secret since 1984 serves up Southern hospitality with every purchase. Their hand-dipped chocolates showcase Arkansas pride in every bite, crafted with techniques that honor old-world candy making.
Toffee lovers travel miles for their buttery creations. The shop’s friendly staff treats everyone like family, making first-timers feel instantly welcome.
5. See’s Candies (California)
California’s candy royalty since 1921 has expanded nationwide, but the Golden State roots run deep. Black and white shops dot the landscape, each offering free samples that hook you instantly.
Their lollipops and truffles define West Coast sweetness. Warren Buffett loves them enough to own the company—that’s some serious endorsement!
6. Hammond’s Candies (Colorado)
Denver’s candy wonderland has been handcrafting sweets since 1920, and watching their candy cane makers work is mesmerizing. Giant copper kettles bubble with sugar magic while artisans twist ribbons of color into edible rainbows.
Their ribbon candy practically sparkles under the lights. Tours reveal candy-making secrets that’ll amaze kids and adults alike.
7. Munson’s Chocolates (Connecticut)
Connecticut’s chocolate heritage lives strong at Munson’s, where European techniques meet New England sensibility. Since 1946, they’ve perfected the art of creating chocolates that feel both sophisticated and comforting.
Their sea salt caramels balance sweet and savory perfectly. Multiple locations mean you’re never far from a chocolate fix when exploring the Constitution State.
8. Snyder’s Candy (Delaware)
Dover’s beloved candy maker has sweetened Delaware since 1932, keeping traditions alive in the First State. Walk in and the smell of fresh fudge immediately transports you to simpler times.
Their peanut butter meltaways literally dissolve on your tongue. Family ownership means quality never takes a backseat to profits, and locals appreciate that dedication daily.
9. Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory (Florida)
Daytona Beach sweetness since 1925 proves Florida isn’t just about oranges. Their chocolate-making expertise survived nearly a century of recipes, hurricanes, and changing tastes.
Chocolate-covered key lime creams perfectly capture Florida’s essence. Factory tours show how they keep cool chocolate in the Sunshine State. Racing fans often stop by before heading to the speedway nearby!
10. River Street Sweets (Georgia)
Savannah’s riverfront treasure has been making pralines since 1973, and watching them pour those buttery pools onto marble is pure theater. The shop’s location in historic buildings adds atmosphere you can’t manufacture.
Their original pralines set the Southern standard. Tourists and locals alike queue up for samples, and nobody leaves empty-handed from this Georgia gem.
11. Big Island Candies (Hawaii)
Hilo’s candy paradise combines island flavors with Japanese precision, creating treats that taste like Hawaii in edible form. Their chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies have achieved legendary status among visitors.
Macadamia nuts meet chocolate in perfect harmony here. The factory’s cleanliness rivals a laboratory, and watching production through viewing windows entertains while you wait for samples.
12. Farr Candy Company (Idaho)
Boise’s hidden sweet spot since 1949 keeps Idaho’s candy legacy alive with handcrafted confections. Their commitment to small-batch production means freshness you can actually taste.
English toffee here crunches with buttery perfection. Locals know to visit regularly because seasonal flavors disappear fast. The shop’s unpretentious vibe matches Idaho’s down-to-earth personality perfectly, making everyone feel welcome immediately.
13. Margie’s Candies (Illinois)
Chicago’s sweetest landmark since 1921 serves up nostalgia with every sundae and chocolate. The Beatles once ate here – seriously! Red vinyl booths and vintage decor make you feel transported to another era.
Their enormous sundaes defy physics and appetites. Homemade chocolates line the cases, tempting visitors before they even sit down for ice cream extravaganzas.
14. Albanese Candy Factory (Indiana)
Hobart’s gummy bear empire produces some of America’s finest chewy candies, and their factory outlet is a sugar-lover’s paradise. Bins overflow with every flavor imaginable, sold by the pound.
Their twelve-flavor gummy bears taste like actual fruit. Factory tours reveal industrial-scale candy production that’s surprisingly fascinating. Bulk buying here makes every other candy purchase feel overpriced afterward!
15. Beaverdale Confections (Iowa)
Des Moines’ artisan chocolate maker proves Iowa has serious sweet credentials. Small-batch production means each chocolate receives individual attention, resulting in consistently excellent quality.
Their salted caramels achieve that elusive sweet-salty balance. Seasonal flavors showcase Iowa ingredients, connecting candy lovers to local agriculture. The cozy shop feels like visiting a friend who happens to be a chocolate genius.
16. The Fudge Factory (Kansas)
Manhattan’s fudge headquarters serves up Kansas hospitality one creamy square at a time. Their copper kettles produce fudge so smooth it practically melts before reaching your mouth.
Dozens of flavors rotate seasonally, keeping regulars guessing. College students from nearby Kansas State fuel their studies with sugar rushes from here. The friendly staff remembers names and favorite flavors alike.
17. Rebecca Ruth Candies (Kentucky)
Frankfort’s bourbon ball birthplace invented Kentucky’s signature candy back in 1919. These ladies literally created the bourbon ball recipe that everyone else copies!
Their original bourbon balls contain actual Kentucky bourbon. Tours reveal candy-making secrets passed down through generations. The shop’s Southern elegance matches the sophisticated flavors perfectly, making every purchase feel special and authentically Kentuckian.
18. Laura’s Candies (Louisiana)
New Orleans’ candy tradition since 1913 brings Creole sweetness to every confection. Their pralines taste like liquid jazz – smooth, rich, and distinctly New Orleans.
Chocolate voodoo dolls add playful local flavor to the selection. The shop survived Katrina and continues thriving, proving Louisiana resilience extends beyond just music and food. Visitors leave with bags full and smiles wider.
19. Len Libby Candies (Maine)
Scarborough’s candy landmark features a 1,700-pound chocolate moose named Lenny – yes, seriously! Since 1926, they’ve been crafting chocolates that capture Maine’s rugged charm.
Their needhams (potato candy) are a Maine tradition. Saltwater taffy and chocolate lobsters delight tourists seeking edible souvenirs. The giant chocolate moose steals every photo, making this shop unforgettable beyond just taste.
20. Wockenfuss Candies (Maryland)
Baltimore’s candy institution since 1915 knows Maryland tastes better than anyone. Four generations have perfected recipes that locals consider family heirlooms.
Their Old Bay caramels sound weird but taste incredible. Crab-shaped chocolates make perfect Maryland gifts. Multiple locations mean you’re never far from a chocolate fix when exploring Charm City or its suburbs. Quality remains consistently excellent across all stores.
21. Phillips Candy House (Massachusetts)
Dorchester’s chocolate haven has sweetened Boston since 1925, surviving nearly a century of changing neighborhoods and tastes. Their commitment to handmade quality never wavered despite modern pressures.
Chocolate turtles here achieve perfection – pecans, caramel, chocolate in ideal proportions. The shop’s old-school vibe feels refreshingly authentic. Bostonians consider Phillips a city treasure worth protecting and supporting loyally.
22. Kilwins (Michigan)
Petoskey birthed this now-nationwide chain that still maintains Michigan roots and quality. Their original store remains a Northern Michigan destination where copper kettles produce fudge magic daily.
Mackinac Island fudge gets serious competition here. Chocolate and ice cream combine for dangerous temptation. The brand expanded nationally but never abandoned the craftsmanship that made them famous initially.
23. Abdallah Candies (Minnesota)
Burnsville’s chocolate experts have been crafting Minnesota-nice sweets since 1909. Five generations of candy makers perfected recipes that define Upper Midwest chocolate standards.
Their almond toffee rivals anything from fancier chocolatiers. Seasonal selections showcase creativity without sacrificing classic appeal. Minnesotans gift Abdallah boxes like currency during holidays, knowing quality speaks louder than trendy packaging ever could.
24. Betty’s Place Candies (Mississippi)
Columbus keeps this sweet tradition alive with Southern hospitality baked into every treat. Family recipes passed through generations create candies that taste like Mississippi grandma’s kitchen.
Their divinity achieves cloud-like perfection. Pralines here compete with Louisiana’s best. The shop’s warmth extends beyond just the candy, making strangers feel like neighbors. Mississippi’s sweet tooth finds satisfaction here repeatedly and reliably.
25. Crown Candy Kitchen (Missouri)
St. Louis’ time capsule since 1913 serves malts, sodas, and chocolates like the old days never ended. The original soda fountain still operates, creating drinks with vintage authenticity.
Their BLT sandwiches compete with candy for customer loyalty – weird but true! Five generations maintained this landmark through everything St. Louis threw at them. Visiting feels like stepping into your great-grandparents’ favorite hangout.
26. The Parrot Confectionery (Montana)
Helena’s candy landmark since 1922 combines Wild West charm with sweet sophistication. The original soda fountain survived decades while Helena changed around it, becoming a beloved constant.
Hand-dipped chocolates and phosphates transport visitors to simpler times. The building’s history matches the candy’s timeless appeal. Montanans treasure this spot like the Big Sky itself – essential and irreplaceable to state identity.
27. Baker’s Candies (Nebraska)
Omaha’s candy royalty since 1923 proves Nebraska grows more than just corn. Their chocolates showcase Midwest values – honest quality without pretension.
Butter brickle candy here sets the standard others chase. Multiple generations perfected recipes that Nebraskans consider state secrets. The shop’s enduring popularity stems from refusing to cut corners, even when cheaper alternatives tempt. Consistency breeds loyalty here.
28. Ethel M Chocolates (Nevada)
Henderson’s chocolate oasis features a cactus garden alongside gourmet chocolates – only in Nevada! Mars candy family created this premium brand, bringing serious chocolate credentials to the desert.
Their liqueur-filled chocolates please adult palates. Factory tours show large-scale production that maintains small-batch quality. The botanical garden outside provides unexpected beauty, making visits memorable beyond just chocolate consumption alone.
29. Kellerhaus (New Hampshire)
Weirs Beach’s sweet institution since 1906 combines lakeside location with old-fashioned candy making. Their ice cream and chocolates fuel summer memories for generations of New Hampshire families.
Saltwater taffy and fudge define their offerings perfectly. The shop’s vintage charm matches Lake Winnipesaukee’s timeless appeal. Visitors often make Kellerhaus stops annual traditions during vacation pilgrimages northward.
30. Lucille’s Candy Shop (New Jersey)
Belmar’s boardwalk treasure serves up Jersey Shore sweetness since 1947. Saltwater taffy in rainbow colors lines the walls like edible sunshine.
Their fudge rivals Atlantic City’s famous confections. Beach-themed chocolates make perfect shore souvenirs. The shop survived storms and changing times, remaining a constant in Jersey Shore summers. Locals and tourists alike consider stops here mandatory beach ritual.
31. The Candy Lady (New Mexico)
Albuquerque’s spicy sweet spot gained fame from Breaking Bad, but their chile chocolates earned respect long before. Combining New Mexico heat with chocolate takes serious skill they’ve mastered.
Blue rock candy (yes, that blue candy) became iconic. Green chile caramels sound crazy but taste amazing. The shop embraces pop culture fame while maintaining artisan integrity that predated television glory.
32. Economy Candy (New York)
Manhattan’s Lower East Side candy institution since 1937 crams more sweetness per square foot than seems physically possible. Shelves tower with candies from around the world.
Nostalgia and novelty coexist in delicious harmony here. Four generations maintained this family business through New York’s constant changes. Visiting feels like treasure hunting – you’ll discover candies you forgot existed alongside imports you’ve never imagined.
33. The Candy Factory (North Carolina)
Wilmington’s sweet spot creates Carolina confections in a converted factory building. Industrial chic meets Southern sweetness in their spacious shop.
Their chocolate turtles and truffles showcase local ingredients. The building’s history adds character you can’t fake. North Carolinians appreciate businesses that honor heritage while creating quality products. This shop delivers both admirably, making locals proud and visitors impressed consistently.
34. Carol Widman’s Candy Co. (North Dakota)
Grand Forks’ candy legend invented chippers – chocolate-covered potato chips – back in 1960. Yes, North Dakota created this salty-sweet masterpiece!
Their original chippers remain bestsellers decades later. The shop survived a devastating flood and rebuilt stronger. North Dakotans’ loyalty to local businesses keeps this candy maker thriving through harsh winters and economic challenges. Innovation and resilience define their success story.
35. Aglamesis Bro’s (Ohio)
Cincinnati’s Greek immigrant brothers opened this parlor in 1913, and it still feels gloriously old-world. Marble counters, tin ceilings, and hand-dipped chocolates create atmosphere modern shops can’t replicate.
Their ice cream rivals the chocolates for customer devotion. Two locations serve Cincinnati’s east and west sides equally. Families pass down Aglamesis traditions like heirlooms, making this truly generational sweetness.
36. Bedré Fine Chocolate (Oklahoma)
Davis showcases Oklahoma’s Chickasaw Nation chocolate enterprise that proves Native American business excellence. Their European-style chocolates carry tribal pride in every piece.
Gourmet quality meets cultural heritage beautifully here. The chocolates rival anything from Belgium or Switzerland. Casino revenues fund this operation, creating jobs and delicious products simultaneously. Oklahoma’s chocolate scene elevated significantly thanks to their presence and commitment.
37. Bruce’s Candy Kitchen (Oregon)
Cannon Beach’s candy landmark since 1952 serves coastal Oregon sweetness steps from the Pacific. Their saltwater taffy comes in flavors that surprise even taffy experts.
Watching taffy pulling through the window mesmerizes passersby. Oregon marionberry chocolates showcase state pride. Beach trips feel incomplete without Bruce’s bags in hand. The shop’s longevity proves quality survives trends and changing tourist tastes admirably well.
38. Daffin’s Candies (Pennsylvania)
Sharon’s chocolate wonderland creates sculptures from chocolate that defy belief – we’re talking thousands of pounds. Their factory holds world records for chocolate size.
Turtles here come in portions from tiny to absolutely ridiculous. The chocolate kingdom display changes seasonally, giving repeat visitors new amazement. Pennsylvania’s chocolate heritage runs deep, and Daffin’s honors that legacy with spectacular sweetness and showmanship.
39. Newport Fudgery (Rhode Island)
Newport’s fudge headquarters serves Ocean State sweetness with seaside charm. Their singing fudge makers add entertainment to the candy-making process – yes, they actually sing!
Dozens of fudge flavors rotate through their cases. The performance aspect makes buying fudge unexpectedly fun. Rhode Island’s smallest state status doesn’t limit their big flavors. Tourists and locals alike appreciate the theatrical approach to traditional candy.
40. River Street Sweets (South Carolina)
Charleston’s praline paradise mirrors their Savannah sister shop with distinctly Carolina flair. Southern hospitality flows as freely as the praline mixture onto cooling marble.
Their bear claws (pecan caramel clusters) rival pralines for customer devotion. The historic location adds ambiance you can’t manufacture artificially. South Carolina’s sweet tooth finds satisfaction here, where tradition meets impeccable execution daily without fail or compromise.
41. Turtle Town (South Dakota)
Rapid City’s turtle specialists prove South Dakota takes chocolate seriously. Their name says it all – turtles in every size and variation imaginable.
Caramel, pecans, and chocolate achieve perfect balance here. Mount Rushmore visitors stock up for road trips home. The shop’s focus creates expertise others can’t match. Sometimes specialization beats variety, and Turtle Town proves that philosophy works deliciously well indeed.
42. The Goo Goo Chocolate Co. (Tennessee)
Nashville invented the Goo Goo Cluster in 1912 – America’s first combination candy bar! Their shop celebrates this Tennessee treasure with interactive exhibits and fresh clusters.
Chocolate, caramel, marshmallow, and peanuts create Southern symphony. The new downtown location offers tours showing cluster production. Music City’s sweetness extends beyond just country songs, and Goo Goos prove that deliciously every single day.
43. Lammes Candies (Texas)
Austin’s candy royalty since 1885 makes everything bigger, as Texas demands. Their Longhorn chocolates and Texas-sized pralines satisfy big state appetites.
Five generations perfected recipes that define Texas sweetness. Multiple locations across Texas spread their confection empire. The shop survived wars, depressions, and changing tastes by maintaining quality that Texans demand and appreciate. Lone Star pride tastes delicious here.
44. Hatch Family Chocolates (Utah)
St. George’s chocolate artisans create Utah sweetness with family values baked in. Their small-batch approach ensures quality control that mass producers can’t match.
Utah-shaped chocolates and seasonal flavors showcase local pride. The family’s commitment to craft over profit shows in every piece. Southern Utah’s stunning landscapes inspire their creativity, resulting in chocolates as beautiful as the surrounding red rocks themselves.
45. Lake Champlain Chocolates (Vermont)
Burlington’s chocolate masters combine Vermont maple with European techniques, creating flavors that define Green Mountain State sophistication. Their commitment to organic ingredients sets industry standards.
Maple caramels taste like Vermont in edible form. Factory tours reveal their bean-to-bar process. The company’s environmental consciousness matches Vermont’s values perfectly, making locals proud beyond just the delicious chocolate itself.
46. The Candy Store (Virginia)
Colonial Williamsburg’s sweet spot serves period-appropriate candies alongside modern favorites. Their historically accurate recipes taste surprisingly delicious despite ancient origins.
Chocolate and history blend seamlessly here. Virginia peanut confections showcase state agriculture. The shop’s location in America’s historical heart adds educational value to sugar rushes. Kids learn while satisfying sweet tooths – every parent’s dream come true in candy form.
47. Boehm’s Candies (Washington)
Issaquah’s Swiss-style chocolate factory brings Alpine tradition to Washington State. Their chapel and gardens create atmosphere that transcends typical candy shop experiences.
Northwest berries meet European chocolate in perfect fusion. The founder’s Swiss heritage shows in meticulous craftsmanship. Seattleites drive east for Boehm’s quality and ambiance. The property feels like mini-vacation, making chocolate buying unexpectedly memorable and special indeed.
48. Holl’s Swiss Chocolatier (West Virginia)
Morgantown brings Swiss precision to Appalachian sweetness with surprisingly sophisticated results. Their European training shows in chocolates that rival imports.
West Virginia ingredients meet Old World techniques beautifully. The shop proves mountain state sophistication exists deliciously. College students and locals alike treasure this unexpected gem. Sometimes the best discoveries hide in places you’d least expect to find them originally.
49. Seroogy’s Chocolates (Wisconsin)
De Pere’s chocolate makers have sweetened Wisconsin since 1899, surviving over a century by maintaining quality. Their chocolate bars achieve cult status among Wisconsinites.
Packers-themed chocolates fly off shelves during football season. The dairy state’s milk makes their chocolate extra creamy. Family ownership through five generations ensures traditions never fade. Wisconsin’s chocolate pride centers here, where consistency meets innovation successfully.
50. Yippy I-O Candy Company (Wyoming)
Jackson Hole’s sweet spot combines cowboy culture with gourmet chocolates in uniquely Wyoming fashion. Their rodeo-themed treats appeal to tourists seeking authentic Western souvenirs.
Wyoming wildflower honey enhances their caramels naturally. The shop’s playful name matches Jackson’s quirky personality. Least populated state doesn’t mean least delicious, and Yippy I-O proves that point with every handcrafted chocolate piece made daily.
