8 Best Candy Stores in the US, Hands Down
Some candy stores are so much more than places to grab a chocolate bar. They’re colorful little wonderlands packed with childhood memories, old-fashioned treats, and enough sugary surprises to make even the most disciplined shopper forget their budget.
Across America, a handful of candy shops have turned selling sweets into something special. Some have been making chocolates for more than a century, while others offer enormous candy selections, vintage soda fountains, and even hands-on candy-making experiences.
Whether you’re planning a road trip, searching for nostalgic favorites, or simply looking for a sweet adventure, these eight candy stores deserve a spot on your must-visit list.
Schimpff’s Confectionery, Jeffersonville, Indiana
Imagine walking into a candy store where the recipes are almost as old as the building. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Schimpff’s Confectionery.
Established in 1891, this family-run business is famous for its Cinnamon Red Hots, made using a recipe traced to Gustav Schimpff Sr.’s handwritten recipe book from the 1880s.
But the candy is only part of the attraction. Visitors can explore a candy museum filled with thousands of historical items, admire the original tin ceiling, and enjoy an old-fashioned soda fountain.
The shop also offers candy-making demonstrations using historic equipment. Check the demonstration schedule before visiting, especially if watching traditional candy production is your main reason for stopping.
For something different, try the Modjeskas, a regional favorite featuring marshmallow wrapped in caramel.
Shane Confectionery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
If candy stores could tell stories, Shane Confectionery would have plenty.
Located in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood, this historic confectionery occupies a site where candy-making dates back to 1863.
Step inside, and you’ll discover beautifully restored wooden cabinetry, marble countertops, stained-glass details, and curved-glass showcases that make the shop feel like a delicious trip into the past.
The real magic, however, happens behind the scenes. Shane makes chocolate from cacao beans and produces traditional buttercreams using a Shane-family recipe.
Another standout is its clear toy candy, a molded hard-candy tradition with deep Philadelphia roots.
Chocolate lovers can also explore the shop’s drinking chocolate offerings, although the café may close earlier than the retail store.
It’s a wonderful stop for anyone who appreciates history served with a generous side of chocolate.
Economy Candy, New York City, New York
Ever wished you could walk into a store and find practically every candy you remember from childhood?
Economy Candy comes impressively close.
Operating since 1937, this Lower East Side institution grew out of a shoe-and-hat repair business that discovered candy was a much bigger hit with customers.
Today, the family-operated shop offers more than 2,000 products, according to its owners.
You’ll find nostalgic American sweets alongside international discoveries, including imported chocolates and unusual candy flavors.
The store also stocks chocolate-covered graham crackers, jelly rings, dried fruits, nuts, and other traditional treats.
Be prepared for a browsing adventure. Merchandise fills the shelves, and the aisles are relatively compact.
That’s part of the charm, though. Economy Candy feels less like a polished modern retailer and more like discovering a treasure chest filled with sweets.
Lagomarcino’s, Moline, Illinois
Some places make you want to slow down, sit at the counter, and order something delicious. Lagomarcino’s is one of them.
Founded in 1908 by Angelo and Luigia Lagomarcino, this Illinois confectionery combines generations of family candy-making with an old-fashioned soda fountain.
Its specialties include English toffee, sponge candy, boxed chocolates, and seasonal caramel apples.
The shop’s confectionery traditions expanded during the Great Depression, when the family acquired additional candy-making recipes and equipment.
And here’s a tempting bonus: Lagomarcino’s also makes its own ice cream and is known for its hot-fudge sundaes.
It’s the kind of destination where stopping for a small box of chocolates can easily turn into a leisurely afternoon treat.
Bruce’s Candy Kitchen, Cannon Beach, Oregon
A visit to Oregon’s beautiful coast deserves something sweet, and Bruce’s Candy Kitchen delivers.
Founded in 1963 by Bruce and Treva Haskell, this family business has become a beloved Cannon Beach destination.
Its biggest attraction is house-made saltwater taffy, which visitors can purchase in assorted flavors.
Interestingly, the shop started with just eight taffy flavors and 12 varieties of hand-dipped chocolates. Its selection expanded as customers requested new treats.
Today, other specialties include peanut brittle, caramel corn, and handmade chocolates.
For shoppers who can’t visit in person, the business also offers online ordering.
If you’re exploring Cannon Beach, this is an easy place to pick up a sweet souvenir before heading home.
b.a. Sweetie Candy Company, Cleveland, Ohio
What happens when a candy store goes big? Really big?
You get b.a. Sweetie Candy Company, a Cleveland destination featuring a 40,000-square-foot retail candy store.
The business traces its origins to 1950, when it began bagging bulk candy for distribution.
Today, shoppers can explore shelves filled with retro favorites, packaged chocolates, bulk candy, and seasonal sweets.
But there’s more to this place than shopping.
The property also features an old-fashioned soda shop serving ice cream, shakes, and malts, plus 36 holes of miniature golf.
That makes it especially appealing for families looking to turn a candy run into a bigger outing.
Just check miniature-golf availability separately before planning your visit.
Sweet Pete’s Candy, Jacksonville, Florida
If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting a real-life candy mansion, Sweet Pete’s Candy might be your dream destination.
Founded in 2010 by Peter Behringer, the business moved into Jacksonville’s historic Seminole Club building in 2014.
Today, its colorful three-story location combines a candy store with interactive experiences and dining.
Visitors can shop for handmade sea salt caramels, artisan chocolates, and hand-pulled lollipops, alongside an extensive selection of other sweets.
The biggest attraction might be the opportunity to participate in candy-making classes or book a factory tour.
Some tours even include creating a custom chocolate bar, depending on the booking.
There’s also an on-site restaurant serving food, craft sodas, and elaborate shakes.
For families, it’s an excellent option when simply buying candy doesn’t feel like enough adventure.
Big Top Candy Shop, Austin, Texas
Step right up! Big Top Candy Shop turns ordinary candy shopping into a circus-inspired experience.
Located along Austin’s South Congress Avenue, this independently operated shop has delighted visitors since 2007.
Inside, antique circus memorabilia and colorful displays create a playful setting packed with sweets.
The assortment includes nostalgic American candies, international treats, bulk selections, and specialty chocolates.
There’s also an old-fashioned soda fountain, perfect for adding another treat to your visit.
And this isn’t just a hidden neighborhood gem. Big Top ranked eighth in the 2026 USA Today 10Best reader-voted Best Candy Store awards.
Because the shop attracts visitors exploring one of Austin’s popular shopping districts, major event weekends can bring increased traffic.
If you love quirky stores with personality, this one deserves a visit.
Related: 10 Things Kids in the 1960s Did Alone That Parents Would Never Allow Today
Which Candy Store Should You Visit First?
The best choice depends on what makes your sweet tooth happiest.
For history and traditional recipes, Schimpff’s and Shane Confectionery are particularly memorable. Economy Candy is ideal for nostalgic discoveries, while b.a. Sweetie offers an enormous selection.
Families looking for activities might prefer Sweet Pete’s, and coastal travelers should make room for Bruce’s handmade taffy.
Whichever destination catches your attention, one thing is certain: these candy stores prove that sometimes the experience of buying sweets can be just as enjoyable as eating them.
And really, who says you have to choose only one?
