“[Charlie] would hold his nose high in the air and take long deep sniffs of the gorgeous chocolatey smell all around him. Oh, how he loved that smell! And oh, how he wished he could go inside the factory and see what it was like!”

― Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

We’ve got a golden ticket! If you’re like me and can’t watch Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (or its new and just as fantastical prequel, Wonka) without your jaw dropping to the floor then have I got a list for you! Bucks County is home to countless gourmet candy and chocolate stores that, dare we say it, rival Mr. Wonka’s. So grab the whole family and satisfy your sweet tooth at these charming confectioneries.

 

 

 

Evolution Candy

45 E State Street, Doylestown

The perfect place to begin your Sweets Trail! Located in the heart of Doylestown, Evolution Candy has been indulging multigenerational sweet tooths for more than 35 years. This nostalgic hometown store is overflowing with delicious chocolates, candies, vintage candies, milk shakes, international chocolates, sodas, ice cream, premium nuts, as well as beautiful gift baskets for every occasion. While you’re here, grab one of their famous Tanner’s Brother’s ice cream milkshakes!

Goody Bag & Basket Co

132 S Main Street, New Hope

Along the quintessential Main Street of New Hope you’ll come across Goody Bag & Basket Co., where they specialize in hard to find treats and nostalgic candies (think rows upon rows of glass jars brimming with penny candies from yesteryears).

Le Macaroon

4 W Oakland Ave, Doylestown

Having devoted months working of working with a French-trained pastry chef, the owners of Le Macaron in Doylestown have made it their mission to capture the French spirit in each and every one of their sweet delicacies. While the shop’s specialty is their macarons, lightly crisp on the outside and smooth and creamy in the center, the shop also serves an impressive selection of chocolates (including bonbons) and candies.

Lily’s Chocolate Paradise

295 Buck Road, Holland

A true chocolate paradise for chocoholics! Lily’s Chocolate Paradise began with her love of everything chocolate, specifically chocolate-covered pretzels. Over the years, other chocolates were added and they now offer over 50 items.

Naked Chocolate

2830 S Eagle Road, Newtown

Naked Chocolate specializes in handmade artisan chocolates that are so beautiful you’ll feel guilty for eating them. Order one (or a whole box!) of their locally sourced chocolates (we recommend the Fleur De Sel, a gooey, salted brown butter caramel chocolate that’s been hand painted in an iridescent sheen with all natural cocoa butter).

Newtown Chocolatier

66 Richboro Road, Newtown

The Chocolate dipped strawberries are a must here! Newtown Chocolatier is a regionally-renowned confectioner specializing in creating European style confections. They use Belgium’s finest chocolate from Barry-Callebaut as well as other ingredients locally and from around the globe. While other companies look to reduce product cost and lesson the quality of their chocolates, their mission is to constantly seek new ways to improve upon their chocolates.

Pierre’s Chocolates

360 W Bridge Street, New Hope

This award winning chocolatier has been making children’s eyes widen with delight on Christmas and Easter mornings for years with their festive foil wrapped chocolates. All of their chocolate is made on the premises with the best cacao from various regions of the world. Stop in the store during your Sweets Trail journey and say hello, call them with your customized order, or order online. 

Raymer’s Homemade Candies

21 E Oakland Avenue, Doylestown

As an apprentice to his father-in-law, Raymer learned the art of candy making from recipes dating back to the late 1880’s, using only the finest natural ingredients available, and a process based on the natural caramelization of fresh cream and sugar. The family owned and operated candy store uses these same recipes and techniques today. Come in and sample a chocolate sea salt caramel or a chocolate pecan turtle. 

Sciascia Confections

32 S Main St, New Hope

Step inside the Ferry Market and you’ll find Sciascia Confections, a true feast for the senses. Owner and head chocolatier, Tom Sciascia pours his own love for chocolates and confections into each piece he creates. “Sciascia Confections creates the most luxurious truffles, bark and drinking chocolate I have ever had in my 15 plus years as a professional chef,” says Victor Cardamone.

Skip’s Candy Corner

27 Peddlers Village, Lahaska

Are you a chocolate lover but allergic to nuts? Skip’s Candy offers a dedicated line of Nut Free Chocolates and Candies made in their own nut free factory. While the store has had a permanent location in Peddler’s Village since 1993, over the years they’ve expanded to a location with three floors to make room for all of their candy and fudge. 

Stutz Candy Company

1345 Easton Road, Warrington and 400 South Warminster Road, Hatboro

Finish off your Sweets Trail at this legendary confectioner that has been in business since 1940. Known for an array of store made chocolates, fudge, nut confections and nonpareils, Stutz boasts a worldwide clientele and an irreplaceable position in Christmas, Easter, Valentines and your everyday cravings for smooth, rich, delicious chocolate. The store itself is a piece of Americana with pitch perfect vintage signage and an overwhelming display counter

Did we miss your favorite sweet shop? Let us know by leaving a comment!

Lead photo courtesy of Pexels