USA TODAY 10Best
Craving something sweet? Check out the 10 best candy stores across the US
Best Candy Store (2024)
If you have a sweet tooth to satisfy, you should check out these 10 independent candy stores across the United States.
Selected by a panel of experts and voted by readers as the best in the nation, these candy shops stand out because they offer a variety of delicious treats that you won't always find in big chains or supermarkets. Plus, they offer the chance to discover new flavors, support local businesses, and enjoy a fun and nostalgic experience.
- True Treats Historic Candy - Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
- Wilton Candy Kitchen - Wilton, Iowa
- Windy City Sweets - Chicago, Illinois
- Candyality - Chicago, Illinois
- Samuel's Sweet Shop - Rhinebeck, New York
- The Farris Wheel Candy Co. - Wichita, Kansas
- Bright's Candies - Walla Walla, Washington
- Sweet Pete's Candy - Jacksonville, Florida
- The Sweet Granada - Emporia, Kansas
- The Taffy Shop - Estes Park, Colorado
Photo courtesy of wundervisuals / E+ Getty Images
No. 10:
The nation's only research-based candy store, True Treats Historic Candy offers candies from the earliest of times through today. For example, try the honey sesame brittle eaten by ancient Greeks, sour grape drops inspired by Native Americans, hand-pulled peppermint sticks from the 1600s, and retro favorites like ribbon candy.
Photo courtesy of Lynn Ochiltree
No. 9:
A veritable throwback to the days of yesteryear, Wilton Candy Kitchen has been a Wilton, Iowa, icon since 1867, possibly making it the oldest continuously operating ice cream parlor, soda fountain, and confectionery of its type in the United States. While the main attractions are arguably the luscious old-fashioned ice cream drinks and phosphates, the store also stocks a curated collection of retro candy.
Photo courtesy of Windy City Sweets
No. 8:
Since 1983, Windy City Sweets has been a one-stop shop for those seeking a sugar fix in Chicago. Find over 1,200 specialty sweet treats, ranging from a variety of bulk and pre-packaged nostalgic candies to a host of signature, housemade chocolate creations including fudge, caramel nut patties, s'mores, truffles, and chocolate-covered sandwich cookies.
No. 7:
From saltwater taffy to assorted hard candy to the store's famous Secret Recipe Popcorn, Candyality offers just what you want to satisfy your sweet tooth. The store also carries a full array of retro candy, including candy cigarettes, candy necklaces, and Blackjack gum, among others.
Photo courtesy of Samuel's Sweet Shop
No. 6:
Not only does Samuel’s Sweet Shop in Rhinebeck sell a cornucopia of sugar-laden treats, there’s also a sweet backstory that comes along with it. This beloved neighborhood candy and coffee boutique is co-owned by actors Paul Rudd and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, plus a few other longtime customers, who all stepped in to save the store from closing after the original owner passed suddenly in 2014. As far as the goodies go, expect to find tasty options ranging from classic candy and chocolates to baked goods.
Photo courtesy of Gerika Wulf
No. 5:
It’s easy to satisfy your sweet tooth in one fell swoop at this family-owned gourmet candy store in Wichita, Kansas. Offering everything from trail mixes and fine chocolates to jelly beans, toffee, malt balls, and licorice, The Farris Wheel isn’t lacking in choice. There’s plenty of retro candy here, too.
Photo courtesy of Kimberly Miner
No. 4:
A mainstay in historic downtown Walla Walla, Washington, since 1934, Bright’s Candies keeps it old-school by handcrafting fine chocolates and confections using old family recipes and copper kettles. Specialties run the gamut from a variety of chocolate truffles to peanut brittle and salted caramels, all of which guests can watch being made via viewing windows flanking the side of the shop.
Photo courtesy of Sweet Pete's Candy
No. 3:
From Pete's Famous Sea Salt Caramels to caramel chocolate apples to an assortment of packaged candies, Sweet Pete's Candy offers quite the variety of sweet treats. To ensure no one is left out, the shop also features a selection of gluten-, dairy-, and nut-free options as well as vegan-friendly sweets.
Photo courtesy of The Sweet Granada
No. 2:
A visit to The Sweet Granada starts with the store's famous Pop-Choc, crunchy buttered popcorn mixed with creamy white and milk chocolates. Then you can move on to the truffles, fudge, macarons, and other treats to get your sugary fix. Even your dog can enjoy the store's offerings thanks to the dog-safe white chocolate-dipped dog biscuits.
Photo courtesy of The Taffy Shop
No. 1:
Since 1935, visitors have popped into The Taffy Shop to watch candymakers create the store's iconic Estes Park Salt Water Taffy. Not only can you get your favorite tried-and-true flavors such as lemon, vanilla, and peppermint, but also daily flavors such as blueberry, chocolate cherry, and orange creamsicle.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Allison Levine
Allison Levine is the owner of Please The Palate,... Read More
Allison Levine is the owner of Please The Palate, a boutique agency specializing in marketing and event planning for the wine and spirits industry. With over 15 years of experience in communications, marketing, and event planning, Allison is passionate about the world around her and the diverse people in it. Allison holds a master’s degree in international communications with a focus on cross-cultural training from the American University School of International Service and holds a WSET Level 3 Certificate from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET). As an industry expert, she has worked with wine regions around the world. She has traveled extensively and has lived abroad in Italy, Spain, and Mexico where she developed her passion for food and wine. Her work allows her to live life to the fullest and, as a freelance writer, Allison communicates her experiences in articles, as well as in her blog. Allison is the US Host for the international podcast Wine Soundtrack where she interviews winemakers and gets to know them in 30 questions, and she is co-host of the YouTube wine series Crush On This. Her website is www.pleasethepalate.com and you can follow her on Instagram @plsthepalate.
Allison Levine
Allison Levine is the owner of Please The Palate, a boutique agency specializing in marketing and event planning for the wine and spirits industry. With over 15 years of experience in communications, marketing, and event planning, Allison is passionate about the world around her and the diverse people in it. Allison holds a master’s degree in international communications with a focus on cross-cultural training from the American University School of International Service and holds a WSET Level 3 Certificate from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET). As an industry expert, she has worked with wine regions around the world. She has traveled extensively and has lived abroad in Italy, Spain, and Mexico where she developed her passion for food and wine. Her work allows her to live life to the fullest and, as a freelance writer, Allison communicates her experiences in articles, as well as in her blog. Allison is the US Host for the international podcast Wine Soundtrack where she interviews winemakers and gets to know them in 30 questions, and she is co-host of the YouTube wine series Crush On This. Her website is www.pleasethepalate.com and you can follow her on Instagram @plsthepalate.
Carly Caramanna
Carly Caramanna has a passion for covering the... Read More
Carly Caramanna has a passion for covering the latest in unique food, travel, and theme park trends. Growing up in the carb-filled land of bagels and pizza by the slice (aka New Jersey), her parents instilled a love of all things adventure and food. Featured on CNN Business, BBC, NPR, MSN, Huffington Post, and host of the Attractions Magazine podcast, she uses her expertise as a contributor to Travel + Leisure, Business Insider, Delish, and many more. www.adventuresbycarly.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/adventuresbycarly/ X: https://twitter.com/CarlyCaramanna
Carly Caramanna
Carly Caramanna has a passion for covering the latest in unique food, travel, and theme park trends. Growing up in the carb-filled land of bagels and pizza by the slice (aka New Jersey), her parents instilled a love of all things adventure and food. Featured on CNN Business, BBC, NPR, MSN, Huffington Post, and host of the Attractions Magazine podcast, she uses her expertise as a contributor to Travel + Leisure, Business Insider, Delish, and many more. www.adventuresbycarly.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/adventuresbycarly/ X: https://twitter.com/CarlyCaramanna
Jacky Runice
Born in Bucktown (Chicago) when bulletproof was a... Read More
Born in Bucktown (Chicago) when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) and relies on her vast experience and gray matter to produce informative, entertaining content.
Jacky Runice
Born in Bucktown (Chicago) when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) and relies on her vast experience and gray matter to produce informative, entertaining content.
Jacob and Esther of Local Adventurer
Esther JuLee and Jacob Fu run one of the largest... Read More
Esther JuLee and Jacob Fu run one of the largest travel blogs in the world, Local Adventurer, where they hope to encourage everyone to find adventure in their everyday lives. They spent 7 years moving to a new city every year and are now based in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Jacob and Esther of Local Adventurer
Esther JuLee and Jacob Fu run one of the largest travel blogs in the world, Local Adventurer, where they hope to encourage everyone to find adventure in their everyday lives. They spent 7 years moving to a new city every year and are now based in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Kristin Luna
Kristin Luna is a Nashville-based travel writer... Read More
Kristin Luna is a Nashville-based travel writer who has contributed to Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, USA TODAY, Southern Living and many more. You can follow her adventures via her blog Camels & Chocolate or on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Kristin Luna
Kristin Luna is a Nashville-based travel writer who has contributed to Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, USA TODAY, Southern Living and many more. You can follow her adventures via her blog Camels & Chocolate or on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Melissa Curtin
Melisa Curtin is a travel and food writer who has... Read More
Melisa Curtin is a travel and food writer who has documented her globetrotting adventures for over a decade. A Connecticut girl madly in love with California, her work has appeared in Lonely Planet, LA Weekly, Canadian Traveler, AAA, Roadtrippers, JohnnyJet, Travel Awaits, and many southern California print publications. Melissa is always on the hunt for the best local bites and destinations with few tourists, splitting her non-travel time between Malibu and Palm Springs with her husband and ever-growing collection of plants. Traveling around the world at age 20 on Semester at Sea sparked Melissa's desire for learning about other cultures. As a 20+ year educator and new travel advisor with Fora, she inspires others to reach their goals and pursue their travel dreams. Some of her recent favorite jaunts include a Viking river cruise from Paris to Normandy with her mom, truffle hunting in Tuscany, and eating her way through Florence. Get to know the Best of L.A. and California by checking out her website LaLaScoop.com or following the @lalascoop on Instagram.
Melissa Curtin
Melisa Curtin is a travel and food writer who has documented her globetrotting adventures for over a decade. A Connecticut girl madly in love with California, her work has appeared in Lonely Planet, LA Weekly, Canadian Traveler, AAA, Roadtrippers, JohnnyJet, Travel Awaits, and many southern California print publications. Melissa is always on the hunt for the best local bites and destinations with few tourists, splitting her non-travel time between Malibu and Palm Springs with her husband and ever-growing collection of plants. Traveling around the world at age 20 on Semester at Sea sparked Melissa's desire for learning about other cultures. As a 20+ year educator and new travel advisor with Fora, she inspires others to reach their goals and pursue their travel dreams. Some of her recent favorite jaunts include a Viking river cruise from Paris to Normandy with her mom, truffle hunting in Tuscany, and eating her way through Florence. Get to know the Best of L.A. and California by checking out her website LaLaScoop.com or following the @lalascoop on Instagram.
Melody Pittman
Melody Pittman is the owner and creator of Read More
Melody Pittman is the owner and creator of Wherever I May Roam Blog and is co-owner of the Southern Travelers Explore annual conference, in its 4th year, which brings CVBS and writers/influencers together from all over the country. She is a digital influencer and writes for both online and print publications, such as Travel Awaits, Charleston Home and Living Magazine, Matador Network, She Buys Travel, and more. Melody has worked with major brands during her nine-year career, such as Viking River Cruises, Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Disney, hundreds of tourism boards, and GO RVing. Melody’s first book “100 Things to Do in West Virginia Before You Die” was released in the spring of 2023. She has a podcast, 100ThingsWV, and social channels to go along with the book. Melody loves road trips, small towns, cruising, and sharing lesser-known destinations with her followers via TikTok, Youtube, IG, and FB. After a year of full-time RV travel, she now resides in Mesquite, Nevada.
Melody Pittman
Melody Pittman is the owner and creator of Wherever I May Roam Blog and is co-owner of the Southern Travelers Explore annual conference, in its 4th year, which brings CVBS and writers/influencers together from all over the country. She is a digital influencer and writes for both online and print publications, such as Travel Awaits, Charleston Home and Living Magazine, Matador Network, She Buys Travel, and more. Melody has worked with major brands during her nine-year career, such as Viking River Cruises, Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Disney, hundreds of tourism boards, and GO RVing. Melody’s first book “100 Things to Do in West Virginia Before You Die” was released in the spring of 2023. She has a podcast, 100ThingsWV, and social channels to go along with the book. Melody loves road trips, small towns, cruising, and sharing lesser-known destinations with her followers via TikTok, Youtube, IG, and FB. After a year of full-time RV travel, she now resides in Mesquite, Nevada.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
