8 Nostalgic Candy Shops In Pennsylvania That Locals Still Brag About

Pennsylvania’s sweet legacy runs as rich as chocolate pouring through its historic candy shops. When I was a kid, my grandpa whisked me off on weekend candy adventures, and those sugar-coated memories still make me smile.

From Hershey’s streetlamps to tiny corner fudge kettles, the Keystone State shelters some of America’s oldest, most beloved confectioners. Inside, copper pots bubble, marble slabs cool ribbons of caramel, and hand-pulled taffy snaps with buttery shine.

Generations of families keep time-honored recipes alive—opera creams, Pennsylvania Dutch molasses chews, sponge candy, and chocolate-covered pretzels—welcoming locals and wide-eyed visitors to taste nostalgia, craftsmanship, and enduring sweetness.

1. Sweet History Lives at Shane Confectionery

Walking into Shane Confectionery feels like stepping through a time portal! America’s oldest continuously operating candy shop has been sweetening Philadelphia since 1863. The antique display cases filled with handcrafted confections instantly transported me to a Victorian-era wonderland.

The clear toy candies – vibrant, translucent hard candies molded into whimsical shapes – are absolute must-tries. Their buttercreams practically melt before they even touch your tongue.

The staff, dressed in period attire, still uses original equipment and recipes. Sipping their rich drinking chocolate while watching candy being made by hand makes you forget what century you’re in!

2. Miesse Candies Keeps Lancaster’s Sweet Tooth Satisfied

Chocolate scents waft through the air at Miesse Candies, greeting you before the door even opens! Since 1875, this Lancaster gem has been hand-dipping chocolates that make my taste buds do a happy dance.

Their nonpareils – chocolate discs sprinkled with tiny white candy beads – disappear from my candy dish faster than I care to admit. During summer visits, I always make time for their seasonal ice cream parlor where the homemade vanilla pairs perfectly with their caramel sauce.

Family recipes passed down through generations ensure each bite tastes exactly as it did when my grandmother brought me here as a child.

3. Wilbur Chocolate’s Famous Buds Draw Crowds to Lititz

The heavenly aroma of cocoa hits you blocks away from Wilbur Chocolate! My first Wilbur Bud – their signature teardrop-shaped chocolate morsel – came from my uncle’s Christmas stocking stash, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Watching the chocolatiers work their magic through the viewing windows feels like witnessing delicious art in motion. Each Bud gets wrapped in distinctive foil that makes that satisfying crinkle sound we all associate with quality treats.

Founded in the 1800s, Wilbur pioneered American chocolate-making techniques that rival European traditions. Their vintage chocolate molds displayed throughout the shop tell the sweet story of Pennsylvania’s chocolate heritage.

4. Sarris Candies Creates Chocolate Wonderland in Canonsburg

Holy chocolate waterfall! Sarris Candies isn’t just a store – it’s a 20,000-square-foot sweet paradise that left me wide-eyed on my first visit. Since 1960, this family-run wonderland has been Canonsburg’s pride and joy.

Their chocolate-covered pretzels achieve that perfect sweet-salty balance that keeps me coming back for “just one more.” The ice cream parlor with its sparkling chandeliers and marble counters serves up sundaes that would make your grandmother swoon.

Don’t miss their life-sized chocolate castle display – I spent a good ten minutes just staring at it, wondering how something so beautiful could be made entirely of chocolate!

5. Daffin’s Chocolate Kingdom Rules Sharon’s Sweet Scene

Chocolate animals taller than me? Yes, please! Daffin’s “Chocolate Kingdom” features a 400-pound chocolate turtle that made my jaw drop when I first saw it as a seven-year-old. Founded in 1903, this Sharon landmark continues to amaze visitors with whimsical chocolate sculptures.

Their sponge candy – crispy honeycomb toffee coated in chocolate – creates a magical texture experience you won’t find in ordinary candy bars. Each bite starts crunchy then melts away mysteriously.

The friendly staff often shares stories about Mr. Daffin’s creative vision while offering samples. My favorite childhood memory? Posing for photos next to the chocolate hippo while clutching a bag of chocolate-covered potato chips.

6. Josh Early Candies Delights Generations in Lehigh Valley

Five generations of chocolate expertise fill every corner of Josh Early Candies! The Allentown shop smells exactly as heaven should – a perfect blend of roasting nuts, melting chocolate, and happiness.

Their wall of nonpareils in different flavors and colors became my personal challenge as a teenager – I was determined to try every variety. The dark chocolate buttercreams with their smooth centers still make me close my eyes in appreciation with each bite.

What makes this place special? Perhaps it’s watching grandparents bring their grandchildren to the same counter where they once stood as children. Some things in life should never change, and Josh Early’s recipes are definitely among them.

7. Edwards-Freeman Packs Floor-to-Ceiling Nostalgia in Conshohocken

Remember penny candy? Edwards-Freeman is where time stands still! My first visit felt like discovering a secret treasure cave – every shelf, bin and corner overflowing with colorful treats from floor to ceiling.

The wooden floors creak as you wander through aisles of bulk candy bins filled with everything from modern gummies to candies your great-grandparents enjoyed as children. Their freshly roasted nuts add a savory dimension that balances all that sweetness perfectly.

What I love most is the lack of pretension – this is an honest-to-goodness old-school candy warehouse where you can fill a bag with Mary Janes, Bit-O-Honeys, and saltwater taffy just like kids did generations ago.

8. Mueller Chocolate Co. Creates Quirky Treats at Reading Terminal

Chocolate-covered onions? Anatomically correct chocolate hearts? Mueller Chocolate Co. proves that Philly’s sense of humor extends to its candy! My college roommate dared me to try their famous chocolate-covered pickle, and surprisingly, I loved it.

Nestled in the bustling Reading Terminal Market since 1980, Mueller’s stands out with its quirky chocolate creations alongside traditional favorites. Their chocolate-covered Tastykakes elevate the beloved local snack cakes to gourmet status.

The family-run shop maintains a playful spirit while delivering serious chocolate quality. During medical school graduations in Philadelphia, their anatomically correct chocolate hearts become the most sought-after gifts – both educational and delicious!