There’s something about stepping into an old-school candy shop that takes you right back to being eight years old, staring wide-eyed at rows of sweets.
That feeling is easy to find across Massachusetts, where chocolate is still hand-dipped, fudge is cut into thick squares, and candy jars line the walls.
Some places have been around for over a century, still using the same recipes that kept people coming back generations ago.
If you’re ready for warm waffle cones, fresh taffy pulling, and way too many choices to fit in one bag, you’re going to want to see what’s coming next.
1. Richardson’s Candy Kitchen (Deerfield)
Richardson’s Candy Kitchen sits right off Routes 5 and 10 in Deerfield, and the smell of fresh chocolate hits you the moment you walk in.
This place has been making candy since 1954 and churns out handcrafted treats like Dixies, buttery fudge, caramels, nut clusters, and rows of truffles.
If you look around, you’ll find glass cases of sweets and ribbon-tied gift boxes, making it almost impossible to leave without a bag full of goodies.
You can even watch candy being made behind the counter or get a scoop of creamy ice cream, making it more than just a quick stop.
2. Hebert Candies & Gifts (Shrewsbury)
In Shrewsbury, Hebert Candies & Gifts brings serious wow factor with a stone-front building that gives it the feel of a classic New England estate.
Founded in 1917, it’s known for small-batch chocolates like their classic Genevas, creamy white chocolate pieces, and signature gift boxes.
If you want to see how it all comes together, there’s a viewing area where you can watch their treats being made.
They also have an ice cream window where you can try fun flavors such as Purple Cow, Cake Batter, Campfire S’mores, and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.
3. Wayside Country Store (Marlborough)
Let’s keep the sugar rush going with Wayside Country Store in Marlborough, a charming stop dating back to 1790.
This place is known for its fudge, old-fashioned penny candy, and a huge selection of nostalgic sweets that bring you right back to childhood.
We’re talking shelves lined with glass jars of gummy bears, jelly beans, licorice wheels, Jordan almonds, strawberry shoestrings, and Tootsie Rolls.
They also offer confectionary such as milk chocolate–covered peanut clusters, cherry cordials, peppermint patties, toffee truffles, and more.
4. The Penny Candy Store (Sharon)
Next on the list is The Penny Candy Store in Sharon, a tiny shop on Merchant Street that’s like stepping into a time machine.
This one is all about old-school favorites from the late 1800s and early 1900s, including candy cigarettes, Boston Baked Beans, Airheads, and Fun Dip.
Everything is sold by the piece or in bulk, so you can mix your own bag with a little of everything without spending much.
It’s a small space, packed tight with sweets from floor to ceiling, making every visit feel like a fun treasure hunt for your inner child.
5. Phillips Chocolates (Boston)
Then there’s Phillips Chocolates in Boston, a family-run shop on Morrissey Boulevard that traces its roots back to 1925.
They’re best known for their melt-in-your-mouth truffles, sea salt caramels, royal hash, and milk chocolate peanut butter cups.
Each piece is made in small batches using original recipes, and you can really taste the difference in every bite.
If you can, grab a box or two and take a quick five-minute drive to nearby Malibu Beach to enjoy your treats with a waterfront view.
6. Ye Olde Pepper Companie (Salem)
No candy trip in the state is complete without a visit to Ye Olde Pepper Companie, dating back to 1806 and known as the oldest candy company in the U.S.
Gibralters are a standout here, a hard candy flavored with lemon or peppermint that’s still made the same way using the original recipe.
You’ll also find Salem specialties like Black Jacks, which are chewy molasses sticks, along with boxes of chocolates and assorted snacks.
The shop is small yet packed with history, sitting near Salem’s iconic landmarks, so you can wander the area with a piece of American candy history in hand.
7. Tuck’s Candy Factory (Rockport)
End your candy crawl in Rockport with a stop at Tuck’s Candy Factory in Dock Square, a busy waterfront spot filled with shops.
This place has been crafting sweets by hand since 1929, and you can see the candy being made as you browse.
They whip up gooey fudge, saltwater taffy, chocolate-covered fruits, and caramel popcorn, all on display and impossible to pass up.
With your treats in hand, wander down to Motif No. 1, the famous red fishing shack about a three-minute walk away, for a classic Rockport photo while you snack.
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