9 Sweetest Candy Shops in the West

“Don’t pass through Bandon on the southern Oregon Coast without stopping at Cranberry Sweets & More. Find fruit candies, chocolates, caramels, and cookies made by hand in small batches. Caution: Do not attempt to eat a treat from each plate of free samples.” —Ron Bolt

“My go-to is the Candy Store in San Francisco. The owner is a serious candy person who stocks the newest and retro varieties and more types of licorice than I ever thought existed. Makes me feel like a kid in a candy store . . . at 60!” —Rosanne Christensen

“Among the many delectable sweets at Chocolate Covered Wagon in Salt Lake City, you’ll find chocolate-covered strawberries, caramel apples, English toffee, and saltwater taffy. It’s the place to return to even if you live out of town.” —Boneta Brown

“Nelson’s Columbia Candy Kitchen in Columbia, California, is sweet not just for its treats, but also for the memories you can make visiting this spot set within a historic state park. It can be a challenge to not buy one of everything, as all the confections, from the fudges to the giant jawbreakers, look amazing.” —Anna Nicholas

“Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory in Mound House, Nevada, is a belly-pleasing experience. The shop, which smells delicious, sells candy, yogurt, ice cream, and fudge. The clerks tell wonderful stories about the area’s history.” —Harold Roy Miller

“Cravin's Candy Emporium at Bown Crossing in Boise wins hands down. You can get it all: nostalgic candies, gelato, special handmade chocolates, and more. The grandkids love it!” —Angelle Snyder

“I frequent Arrowhead Chocolates in Joseph, Oregon, with to-die-for artisanal chocolates. You can watch the candies being dipped right there behind the counter. The place has won Good Food Awards as well as the undying devotion of both locals and visitors to our remote corner of eastern Oregon.” —Chuck Anderson

“At Bruce’s Candy Kitchen in Cannon Beach, Oregon, the candy-striped storefront displays a vintage taffy-wrapping machine and a Wonka-worthy selection of sweets. With the beach just one street over, the kids can run off their sugar rush!” —Nick Rothenberg

“Burst’s Chocolates in Corvallis, Oregon, has been in business for over 75 years. My favorite treats are the nut-caramel clusters, but the shop covers everything from Oregon hazelnuts to Texas pecans.” —Carey Osieczanek