With homemade chocolates, salt water taffy and vintage sweets, our list of next-level candy shops will have you munching on treats before you can say, “it’s my cheat day.”
Courtesy of Candylicious Facebook page
1152 Rte. 10 W., Unit I, Randolph
973-252-5300
Step into this small storefront with floor-to-ceiling walls filled with candy. Homemade chocolates and freshly spun cotton candy make this spot a fave destination for candy lovers of all kinds. But because Candylicious ships their treats, anyone with a sweet tooth can get their hands on these treats without making the trip in.
Courtesy of Chocolate Fantasia Facebook page
137 Ridge Rd., Lyndhurst
201-935-8723
Chocolate Fantasia may be small, but the store is loaded with homemade chocolate goodies. The shop works year-round to offer the coolest seasonal treats for Thanksgiving (chocolate cornucopia filled with chocolate covered pretzels), Easter (chocolate covered marshmallow Peeps) and special occasions. Make your birthday party 10 times sweeter with chocolate party favors in the shape of a shoe, duck and anything else you can imagine.
Courtesy of Chocolate Works
Livingston, Millburn, Montclair, Red Bank
If your little cookie monster’s birthday’s coming up, host your own candy-themed party. Kids can decorate their own chocolate, scarf down ice cream and learn where chocolate comes from and how it’s made. If you want cocoa treats to take home, print your own images onto Belgian chocolate lollipops and bars.
Courtesy of Hanna Krauses Homemade Candies Facebook page
Hanna Krauses Homemade Candies
89 Westview Ave., Paramus
201-843-0337
Hanna Krauses Candies looks more like a cottage in a fairy tale than a shop. Once inside, this store gets even sweeter. Its website boasts candy made the old-fashioned way: cooked in copper kettles and open-flame stoves while being hand mixed. The candy shop is closed for the summer months, from June 29-August 13.
Courtesy of It's Sugar Facebook page
Atlantic City, Tinton Falls, Ocean City, Wildwood
It’s Sugar is over the top in the best ways. With brightly colored walls and larger-than-life candy boxes, it’s hard not to get lost in all the sugary goodness. If you’re daughter is obsessed with all things pink, grab her a limited edition All Pink Gift Box, loaded with her favorite Starburst Flavor.
Courtesy of Jenkinson's Ice Cream and Sweet Shop Facebook page
Jenkinson's Ice Cream & Sweet Shop
300 Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant
732-892-7576
It isn’t a trip to the boardwalk without a taste of homemade fudge or salt water taffy. Jenkinson’s puts its own twist on these classic summer favorites with unique flavors and samples available for tasting. Try the fruity jelly donut and orange creamsicle flavored fudge or the savory peanut butter explosion and watermelon taffy. If you’re in the mood for a cool treat on a hot summer day, try one of their soft serve or hard ice cream flavors.
Courtesy of Lolli and Pops Facebook page
Bridgewater Commons, Garden State Plaza, Willowbrook Mall
908-333-0622
If you’ve walked through GSP recently, chances are you stopped in your tracks to check out this pastel-colored fantasy world. Treats are imported from around the globe, and chocolates are made fresh for the picking. You can also order online and have candy (or teddy bears) shipped across the country.
Courtesy of Nutty Over Sweets Facebook page
6 White Deer Plaza, Sparta
973-729-3466
Even with the latest and greatest candy creations in stock, Nutty Over Sweets still has a classic feel to it. If you’re not in the mood for chocolate, sample nuts and dried fruit, or if your kiddos have allergies, there’s a specific selection of treats just for your little sweeties.
Courtesy of Rocket Fizz Facebook page
Marlton, Westmont
This beloved franchise has locations nationwide, all stocked with a variable selection of soda and unique sweets. From bacon-flavored pop to gift baskets loaded with nostalgia-inducing toys and candy, this is the one-stop shop for all the vintage lovers in your life.
Courtesy of Shrivers Salt Water Taffy and Fudge Facebook page
Shrivers Salt Water Taffy and Fudge
9th and Boardwalk, Ocean City
877-668-2339
Shrivers’ salt water taffy doesn’t actually contain salt or much water, but that doesn’t make it any less delicious. This candy shop has been serving the Jersey Shore community since 1898. Choose from more than a dozen flavors, including molasses mint, oh so very berry and flippy fruit.
Courtesy of Sugarfina Facebook page
1200 Morris Tpke., Short Hills
855-784-2734
Named one of the world's most beautiful candy shops by Architectural Digest, Sugarfina is totally Instaworthy. If Short Hills is too far for you and your crew, you can shop Sugarfina candies at Kings Supermarket and The Paper Store locations throughout NJ.
Courtesy of Sweet Nothings Facebook page
26 Beechwood Rd., Summit
866-283-3300
This locale’s always pushing the boundaries of what a candy store can offer. Some of its newest candy creations include coffee dipping spoons flavored with caramel, mint or marshmallow. If you love the smell of chocolate, try one of the shop’s scented candle.