Bevan's Own Make Candy
The Bevan family has been keeping it real in Media since 1959, when Maurice and Virginia opened their shop, now in the hands of third generation candy-maker Randy Bevan. They're known for buttercreams, turtles and sugar-free sweets.
143 E. Baltimore Ave., Media
610-566-0581
The Candy Jar
This cheery storefront along the main dining drag specializes in chocolate-covered pretzels topped with all kinds of flavor bits (think Kit Kat and brickle), along with homemade peanut-butter cups, turtles and a line of sugar- and gluten-free treats. Service always comes with a smile - and samples.
742 Haddon Ave., Collingswood
865-833-1010
Eclat
Master Chocolatier Christopher Curtin uses single-source cocoa beans to create offbeat truffles infused with local beer, aleppo chile and dusted in flecks of real gold. His addictive caramels are spiked with rose petals, ginger and calvados.
24 S. High St., West Chester
610-692-5206
Hershey's Chocolate World
If you're heading to Hershey Park, save time for this boutique of all things Hershey, including a simulated factory tour and the chance to make your own chocolate bar (extra charge). Get up close and personal with costumed candy bar. Milton Hershey lost his first candy fortune making caramels in Philadelphia before he headed west and got into chocolate.
251 Park Blvd., Hershey
717-534-4900
Lore's Chocolates
The Walter family bought this Center City landmark in 1986. Patriarch Tony Walter Sr. has a chocolate resumé that includes another local landmark, Goldenberg Peanut Chews. The Walters make most of their candy in the original Goldenberg factory, on Wyoming Avenue. Known for pretzels, caramels, buttercreams and marshmallows. If it's summer, go early before the chocolate-covered blueberries sell out.
34 S. 7th St.
215-627-3233
Shane Candies
It doesn't just look like an old-fashioned candy store. It is one, dating to 1911 and restored by the Berley brothers a century later. Take note of the quaint touches - uniformed counter staff, old timey cash register - as you order barley sugar toy candies made in antique molds and buttercreams from Shane's original recipe.
110 Market St.
215-922-1048
Steel's Fudge
A fixture on the Atlantic City Boardwalk since 1919, this fudge emporium also sells salt-water taffy, macaroons, nut brittle and candy fruit slices.
2719 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
888-783-3571
Sweettooth
Bulk sweet shop dishes out nostalgic candies like Good 'N Plenty, jawbreakers and Mike and Ike, along with all things gummy, licorice whips and rock candy (almost) too pretty to eat.
630 S. 4th St.
215-923-8800
Chocolate by Mueller
Anatomically correct chocolates - including a tasty ticker with white, milk and dark "vessels" - are a fun aspect of this Reading Terminal stall. Just about anything covered in chocolate is another, from pretzels to nuts and dried fruit. Sink your teeth into their caramel apples to feel like a kid again.
12th and Arch Streets
215-922-6164
Marcie Blaine Artisanal Chocolates
Walk to the back of Verde, a funky boutique on 13th, and discover chef Marcie Turney's flavor-forward artisanal chocolates, including a chile-infused truffle, a perfect fleur de sel caramel and a chocolate version of the LOVE statue filled with raspberry ganache.
108 S. 13th St.
215-546-8700
Nuts to You
Besides great nuts, this no-frills spot dishes bulk sweets like malted milk balls, Tootsie pops and the aforementioned Goldenberg Peanut Chews. Choose from five locations, three downtown, one in the Northeast and one in South Philly.
215-677-8520