We’ve been visiting a lot of New England resort towns this summer, which means we’ve also been to a lot of seafood shacks, bookstores, beachy home decor boutiques, and candy shops. And the candy shops have been the most thrilling because they’re all about sweetness and fantasy. Even if you’re not a huge fan of candy, its appeal is at least 30 percent visual, so it’s fun to just go in and take a look. And I’m talking about all-purpose candy stores here, not just chocolate shops. Places where you find bags of malted milk balls and bins of Gummi Worms, salt water taffy and giant lollipops.
I’ve listed some of my favorites below. What are yours?
The Chatham Candy Manor, 484 Main St., Chatham, MA
The cottage-y pink and white interior is as sweet as the treats on the shelves. Sample the 16 flavors of fudge, a house specialty.
The Harbor Candy Shop, 248 Main Street, Ogunquit, ME
A wall of malted milk balls! Turtles in a dozen flavors! An entire fruit slice section! This small shop manages to cram in a tremendous amount of variety, and its old-time interior is as charming as it gets.
Chutters, 43 Main St. Littleton, NH; 165 Main St. Lincoln, NH
The world’s largest candy counter, as measured by the Guinness Record folks. That alone is worth a visit!
Sweet Rexie’s, 1552 Post Rd., Fairfield, CT
I didn’t know there were two dozen shades of M&Ms, but you’ll find them here. This store has quality chocolates, all the penny candy choices you’d ever need, and a great space to host a party. It’s sugar heaven.
Okay, now it’s your turn. What are your favorite candy stores in New England?
Amy, you’re a girl after my own heart. I LOVE candy stores, and fortunately, my current hometown of Keene has two great ones right on Main Street – Life is Sweet for all things gummy and fruity and Ye Goodie Shoppe for the chocolate fans. My family also loves Mrs. Nelson’s in Chelmsford, MA. YUM!
Chocolate Sparrow in Orleans, MA (on Cape Cod). Great chocolates and candies. They also make their own fudge AND hot fudge! Their hot-fudge-made hot chocolates are served with homemade marshmallows.
love the candy at Pricilla’s
The candy shop at the Kringle Candle complex in Bernardston, Mass. Chocolate from many different chocolatiers, not just the garden variety stuff. Place is a great destination for a meal at the Farm Table restaurant, too. Beautiful food.
BTW, when I was in college, I worked for two summers at the Chatham Candy Manor’s outpost in Dennisport. Stood in the window dipping handmade chocolates.
Len Libby’s on Route One in Scarborough, Maine remains my standard of a New England candy shop. I remember going there with my grandmother in the early 1950s. The usual range of chocolates and confections accented by Maine blueberry products and classic tourist souvenirs.
And, as Aimee posted, I too like Mrs. Nelson’s Candy House in just off Route 3 in Chelmsford, Mass. Mrs. Nelson’s dark chocolate bark, in various varieties, is classic.
Thanks for all the great recommendations, everyone! I’ve added these to my list of places to visit next time I’m on the road. Nan, I just sampled some food from the Farm Table restaurant tonight and it was wonderful.