Who knew our region had such a sweet spot for sweet spots? We certainly didn’t realize the wide variety of confectionary companies that made their home in Cincinnati, Dayton, Springfield, Southeastern Indiana and Northern Kentucky. After browsing the numerous shops, specializing in everything from gummy bears, old-fashioned candy, handmade and bean-to-bar chocolates, it is clear that when it comes to sweet treats you can find anything your heart or tastebuds desire. Here’s a brief rundown of what our area has to offer:
CANDY STORES WITH VARIOUS REGIONAL LOCATIONS
Esther Price Fine Chocolates
8621 North Pavillion Dr., West Chester, OH
7501 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH
5500 Harrison Ave., Cincinnati, OH
1709 Wayne Ave., Dayton, OH
194 Woodman Dr., Dayton, OH
269 N. Main St., Centerville, OH
4810 Bolzano Blvd., Clayton, OH
Esther Price Candies continues the tradition of old-fashioned quality using the same recipes that Esther Price herself perfected over 85 years ago! They are a tried-and-true source of delicious chocolates.
Graeter’s
50+ locations (including Cincinnati and Dayton, OH; Northern KY)
In 1868 a young Louis Graeter moves to Cincinnati, Ohio to sell ice cream at neighborhood street markets. Graeter’s is now the only commercial ice cream manufacturer anywhere in the world to use French Pot freezers, and its two-gallon batches are the smallest in the industry.
Winans Chocolates and Coffees
14 locations throughout Cincinnati, Dayton and Springfield, OH
Established in the late 1800’s and in its fourth generation of family ownership, Winans Chocolates and Coffees brings cutting-edge flavors and time-tested quality.
CANDY STORES IN CINCINNATI, OHIO
Aglamesis Bro’s.
3046 Madison Road and 9899 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH
Aglamesis Bro’s has been around since 1908 when it was originally known as The Metropolitan. Its Oakley location ice cream and candy parlor remains virtually unchanged and is considered by many to be one of the very last original ice cream parlors from a bygone era. You must try the root beer float – it’s served with tea cookies.
Candy Stash Sweets & Treats
7125 Liberty Centre Dr., West Chester, OH
An old-fashioned candy shop, this store has yummy sweets from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. You can create a personalized candy stash with mix and match sweets at a flat price! This store also has rolled ice cream and craft soda.
Chamoda’s Candy Café
11512 Chester Road, Sharonville, OH
Indulge in your favorite candies and coffees at Chamoda’s. They also boast the largest and best assortment of gummy bears. Enjoy a drive-up window for your orders.
Chocolats Latour
4037 Hamilton Avenue, Northside, Cincinnati, OH
Try their chocolate bars and hand-painted truffles. It is works-of-art for your mouth! They also have caramels and brittle. This is a go-to place for Valentine’s Day and Easter seasonal chocolate. This is a wonderful candy store when you need a special gift.
Doscher’s Candy Co.
6926 Main St, Cincinnati, OH
Doscher’s Candies was founded in 1871 by Claus Doscher, a German immigrant who arrived in Cincinnati in 1868. They are widely known for their Doscher’s French Chews and handmade candy canes. They also have candy buttons, root beer barrels, caramels and other individually wrapped candies. (Doscher’s is the oldest U.S. manufacturer of candy canes! Read more here about this company.)
Fawn Candy Co.
4271 Harrison Ave. and 2692 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH
Since 1946, The Fawn Candy Company has been owned and operated by Cincinnati’s Guenther family. They make the confections the old fashioned way – selecting only the finest of ingredients and continuing to cook many of their confections over an open fire. Enjoy munching on jelly beans, chocolate turtles, “caramellows”, and sea salt caramels.
Golden Turtle Chocolate Factory
120 S. Broadway St., Lebanon, OH
Homemade chocolates! This candy store has turtles, cherry cordials, toffee, buckeyes, truffles and assorted chocolate boxes. When you go, you’ll have a difficult time making up your mind of what to select.
Groovy Gumball Candy Company
6848 Wooster Pike in Mariemont (Cincinnati), OH
You’ll find candies from yesteryear as well as European treats, cotton candy, gourmet-Belgian fudge and ice cream. They create homemade waffle cones daily.
Haute Chocolate Inc.
9424 Shelly Lane, Cincinnati, OH
Haute Chocolate has been creating freestyle chocolate treats since 1979. In addition to chocolates, enjoy munching on brownies – imagine their two-pound brownie! They have beautifully boxed tins and gift sets as well as seasonal sweets.
Henry’s Candy Co.
243 High Street, Hamilton, OH
Candy is sold by the pound with treats including chocolates, gummies, lollipops and more. Fill your bag! They also feature snack mixes. Follow on Facebook.
Holly B’s Sweets
33 S. Main St., Waynesville, OH
Twenty-six years making homemade candy! Enjoy their chocolates, fudge and other candies.
It’sugar
7125 Haskell St., (Located at Liberty Center) Liberty Township, OH
Swedish fish – check. Pop rocks – check. Skittles – check. Pez – check. They have all kinds of gummy sweets, too. Fill up your candy bag. Be sure to check out their candy-scented hand sanitizers.
Karma in the Kitchen
8779-B Cincinnati Dayton Road, West Chester, OH
This wonderful shop features chocolates and caramels. And, for those of you watching the carb count or are vegan, they have sweets for you, too! makes their sweets in small batches. They also feature soft-serve ice cream. Follow on Facebook.
Lebanon Candy & Sports Cards
38 E. Mulberry Street, Lebanon, OH
Find some old-time candy here. And you can purchase sports trading cards!
Loveland Sweets
124 W. Loveland Avenue, Loveland, OH
Inspired by a love of fine chocolates and homemade confections, Gloria Wilson founded Loveland Sweets in 2006. You’ll also find gummies, novelty candies, ice creams and coffees. This is a quaint shop filled with goodness.
Macaron Bar
1206 Main St., Cincinnati (Over-the-Rhine), OH
3431 Edwards Rd., Cincinnati, OH
Although technically not candy, these sweet confections look and taste amazing! All ingredients are gluten free. These macarons are eye candy to behold and eat. They make perfect gifts.
Maverick Chocolate Co.
129 W Elder Street, Cincinnati, OH
Family-owned and operated bean-to-bar chocolate company located at Findlay Market.
Murray Bros. Old Time Store
4446 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH
Murray Bros. Old Time Store specializes in selling vintage candies. They are proud to offer Marpro Marshmallow Cones, BB Bats and Kits Taffy, which are made right here in Cincinnati.
OTR Candy Bar
1735 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH
OTR Candy Bar operates as part of Findlay Market and offers a vast array of local and national candies, retro sodas, soda floats, specialty gift baskets, and Cincinnati-themed goodies.
Patty’s Old Fashioned Popcorn
3437 Michigan Avenue, Hyde Park, Cincinnati, OH
Enjoy gourmet popcorn and classic candies such as turtles.
Peter Minges & Son Confectionary
138 W. Court Street, Cincinnati, OH
The Queen City’s oldest candy store. Specializes in bulk sales. Awesome store to visit in person with original hardwood floors and an old-style candy store vibe!
Quaintrelle Confections
1210 Main Street, Cincinnati, OH
Artisan marshmallows including a s’more bar! Build your own!
Ruby’s Chocolates
6741 Gilmore Road, Hamilton, OH
3923 Isabella Ave. in Oakley (Cincinnati), OH
Chocolates and candies! And at the Oakley shop, there are truffle cakes and Joy Sticks!
Supreme Nut and Candy
6147 Glenway Ave. #2, Cincinnati, OH
10829 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH
5800 Cheviot Rd., Cincinnati, OH
This family-owned candy operation features many candies and chocolates by the pound. You can also purchase nuts and dried fruits. It’s a great place to stock up if you are having a party with a candy bar.
Tickled Sweets and Treats
317 Main St, Milford, OH
This local sweet shop features locally produced Auel’s Fine Chocolates. Enjoy fresh fudge, too!
Trailside Provisions
120 Karl Brown Way, (historic) Loveland, OH
This shop features chocolate-dipped treats along with coffee, popcorn, jams, syrup and more! It’s a great place to browse for gifts.
CANDY STORES IN NORTHERN KENTUCKY
Galerie Au Chocolat
3380 Langley Dr., Hebron, KY
This store features candy as well as toy/candy sets! When shopping here, Think about picking up great (and delicious) gifts here.
The Gifted Apple
Aspen Place, Union, KY
Do you love caramel apples? Then you will love this shop. They offer gourmet caramel apples dripping with chocolate and other delicious treats. Think toffee, peanuts, pecans, M&M’s and more and have fun looking at all of the apples!
Hickory Dickory Dock Retro Candy & Mor’
540 6th Street, Dayton, KY
It’s a nod to the past at Hickey Dickory Dock. Here you will find some favorite retro candies – some from the 1800’s all the way through the 1990’s. At this candy store, you will find B.B.Bats, Kits, Chick-O-Stixs, Yum Yum Cones, Chuckles, Neccos and more! The store also serves ice cream and sells retro toys.
Natalie’s Candy Jar
3087 B Terminal Dr., Hebron, KY
Flying in or out of the airport? Located at the CVG airport, Natalie’s Candy Jar features chocolates and other sweets! At this candy store, you will see gummies, chocolate-covered nuts and jelly beans along with many more varieties of candy to drool over.
Papas Candies
921 Baker St., Covington, KY
Papas is known for wonderful opera creams, seasonal Easter egg candies as well as Putman’s chocolates. Although you cannot shop at Papas Candies since it is not a retail operation, you can purchase these local candies at various grocery and drug stores. Papas is looking into possibly offering their candies via the Internet in the future.
Perfetti Van Melle
3645 Turfway Road, Erlanger, KY
This is not a retail store, but Perfetti Van Melle is one of the world’s largest candy manufacturers (located in Northern Kentucky). Here they create Airheads, Mentos and Chupa Chups Magic lollipops. (Think Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!)
Schneider’s Sweet Shop
420 Fairfield Avenue, Bellevue, KY
Founded in 1939 by the Schneider Family, Schneider’s originated as an old-fashioned neighborhood candy and ice cream store. Their most popular item (that is unique to the Kentucky area) has always been their opera creams. They are also known for their amazing homemade ice cream and ice balls. Try the caramel apples in the fall. They are a great place to stop for Valentine’s Day and Easter treats.
Sweet Dreams Candy Co.
One Aquarium Way, Newport, KY 41071
Located next to the Newport Aquarium at Newport on the Levee, Sweet Dreams Candy Company offers a delicious assortment of treats. They offer homemade buckeyes, sea water taffy, fudge, brownies, cookies as well as old-fashioned candies like Coconut Long Boys and Neccos. It’s difficult to make a decision of what candy to select when shopping here.
Sweet Tooth Candies
125 W. 11th Street, Newport, KY
Sweet Tooth Candies’ fine chocolates are made with over hundred years of tried and true experience. They offer delicious, homemade chocolates and ice cream all year long. In the fall you will find caramel apples at this store.
CANDY STORES IN DAYTON AND SPRINGFIELD, OHIO
Bellbrook Chocolate Shoppe
101 E. Alex-Bell Rd., Suite 144, Centerville, OH
Bellbrook Chocolate Shoppe is a family-owned and operated business that has been in existence since 1984. Their chocolates and shortbread are handmade in their “shoppe”.
Bratt Tasties
11 E. Dayton St., West Alexandria, OH
Candy and ice cream with a small-town vibe.
Candy Break
208 Market Street, Brookville, OH
Chocolates and confections
Candy on the Curve
3741 W SR 185, Piqua, OH
Old-fashioned candy selections
Friesinger’s Fine Chocolates
45 N. Pioneer Blvd, Springboro, OH
919 N. Main St, Dayton, OH
This family-owned business manufactures the finest quality nuts and candy in two facilities in Dayton and Springboro, Ohio. Products are marketed under various brand names which include Dayton Nut, Friesingers, Candy Farm and Riverdale Fine Foods.
Kilwins Dayton-Beavercreek
4391 Holly Drive, Beavercreek, OH
Kilwins began in 1947 and continues to offer the finest quality, traditional down-home confections and ice cream that are kitchen made fresh from premium ingredients and original recipes.
Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop
42 S. Main Street, Miamisburg, OH
1212 Central Avenue, Middletown, OH
1 East Main Street (on the square)\ Troy, OH
They carry a wide variety of vintage and modern candy favorites. Over 325 flavors of Old Fashioned Glass Bottled Soda.
La Puf Sweets Bakery & Candy
1003 Shroyer Rd., Dayton, OH
Old-fashioned candy plus cotton candy
Marie’s Candies
311 Zanesfield Rd., West Liberty, OH
Gourmet chocolates that are drool worthy
The Peanut Shoppe
1576 E. Main St., Springfield, OH
Candy and nuts – what’s not to love?
Signature Confections
2495 Commons Blvd, Suite A4, Beavercreek, OH
Their goal is to produce the finest gourmet products to meet customer’s chocolate desires for every event or special occasion – from weddings to corporate galas.
Sweet Sensations
Dayton Mall, 2700 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Dayton, OH
This store offers a variety of gourmet chocolates, over 300 candies and nuts from your childhood as well as chocolate-covered strawberries, fudge and ice cream.
Trophy Nut Company
320 N Second St, Tipp City, OH
Bulk candy as well as features Winan’s Chocolates
Wise Choice
6171 Brandt Pike, Dayton, OH
Wise Choice has a hundreds of authentic British Foods, gifts and candies from Jolly Olde Britain and Ireland. They’ve been shipping British goodies to Anglophiles and British expats living and working in the USA and Canada since 1997!
CANDY STORES IN SOUTHEASTERN INDIANA
DJ’s Bakery
523 Green Blvd., Aurora, IN
Sells Fawn candy (along with donuts!)
Photo courtesy of Plug’s Sweet Tooth Facebook
Plug’s Sweet Tooth
313 2nd St., Aurora, IN
This store is brimming with gourmet popcorn, ice cream and candy. Because of that, if you love flavored popcorn, you’re going to have a wonderful time making your selections. Plug’s also features “Move Night Baskets” that include a selection of popcorn, five boxes of theater candy and a DVD movie. Be sure to follow them on Facebook.
Strong’s Sugar Shack
98 E. High St., Lawrenceburg, IN
Find all kinds of wonderful treats here – from ice cream, floats, malts, coffees, mixed bulk candy and more. With all of these sugary treats, it’s a great place to stop by for a snack. Follow them on Facebook.
La Sweets
24201 Stateline Rd. Suite A, Lawrenceburg, IN
La Sweets is “the premier chocolatier in southeast Indiana”. And, as the “premier”, they create handmade chocolates, custards and gelato. In addition to confections, gift baskets are available. Thirdly, if you need coffee, say no more – they will serve your favorite cup of joe along with a muffin of scone. And lastly, La Sweets create incredible wedding cakes and specialty cakes.
McCabe’s Greenhouse & Floral
1066 W. Eads Parkway, Lawrenceburg, IN
McCabe’s makes gourmet fudge on site. Pick up a plant or flowers and something sweet to to eat. They have over 20 flavors of fudge and you can purchase by the piece or slab.
Updated: November 2020, 2020 – Did we miss your favorite candy shop? Let us know and we will add it! sknabe@sibcycline.com
During the fall season it’s important to make sure you’re 