With a slew of candy shops in metro Atlanta offering everything from blast-from-the-past treats to chocolate-coated confections, these options are sure to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. While candy is the first priority, don’t be surprised when childhood memories come flooding back. Perimeter Mall shoppers should bring quarters; there are several freestanding candy machines with gum balls and hard candy near the Dillard’s entrance. We’re not trying to sweet talk you but the following list will make you want to treat yourself and share with others too.
Chocolate looks good as a 70-foot long chocolate lady mural holding chocolate truffles, but why only look when you can buy? This artisan chocolate shop is known for its decadent swirls on desserts such as chocolate truffles in fun shapes like butterflies and turtles. Should you have a taste for additional sweets beyond chocolate, the shop sells fudge by the quarter pound and gourmet ice cream with crafted flavors including peanut butter is my boyfriend, cookie monster and butter-me-up butter cream. 3099 Main St., Duluth. 678-585-3338, thechocolaterie.com.
Credit: HANDOUT
Credit: HANDOUT
Lolli and Pops: Shopping in-store or online may cause a bout of nostalgia for childhood good times at this candy boutique that sells more than sweets on a stick. Expect to find brightly colored French macarons, marzipan fruits and a slew of gummy bear flavors plus fun flavored gift boxes specific to the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s with throwback candy like Good N Plenty, Big Hunk, Pixy Stix, Laffy Taffy and Big League Chew bubble gum. Candy aficionados will also appreciate an array of international treats like Cadbury from the United Kingdom and candy-coated Pocky biscuit sticks from Japan and gummy sour belts from Spain. Perimeter Mall, 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta. 770-551-7120, lolliandpops.com.
Rocket Fizz: Guests can purchase loose candy by the pound; movie-sized boxed candy; atypical soda pop flavors like bacon, chocolate or coffee as well as classics like grape and root beer float; gag gifts; and other fun pieces like a reluctant bride cake topper. Basically, Rocket Fizz has a bit of everything so it's hard to count once you're there, but if you're wondering just how much, the website indicates stores carry thousands of products. 115 Clairemont Ave, Decatur. 404-565-0156. 128 S. Park Sq. NE, Marietta. 678-426-7520. 340 Town Center Ave., Suwanee. 678-765-8818. rocketfizz.com.
Credit: River Street Sweets
Credit: River Street Sweets
River Street Sweets: What started off as a fudge shop in 1978 is now a complete candy business with franchise locations offering pecan pralines, bear claws, a variety of chocolate, candy apples, sweet water taffy, gluten-free candy and more. Fudge is still a staple; opt for chocolate, peanut butter or maple. Mall of Georgia, 3333 Buford Dr., Buford. 678-546-3804, riverstreetsweets.com.
Collier Candy Company: Take someone to this bite-sized Midtown candy shop filled with gobs of mason jar goodies and throwback bars like Oh Henry, Mamba and Sugar Daddy. Be on the lookout for new flavors like cinnamon apple Hot Tamales and Tootsie Pop Drops. Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-343-1488, colliercandy.com.
Sweet Inman's Candies: New and old school treats can be found at this Krog Street Market shop. Find faves like candy buttons, Charms, Smarties, Swedish Fish, gummy Lifesavers and bubble gum packaged as cigarette boxes. We know smoking is a health hazard but back in the day, these "cigarette" boxes were too cool and kids, me included, would pretend to "smoke" the cigarette-shaped gum before quickly giving that up to chew its sweet flavors. The shop isn't huge, but it's more than enough to be eye candy. 99 Krog St., Atlanta. sweetinmans.com.
