All City Candy
Why We Love It: Grab a basket and fill it to the brim with anything from M&M’s to jelly beans at this megastore. “People come in because they love the bulk experience and having the huge variety and choices,” says president Elisabeth Sapell. “We’ve got something for every taste out there.” Try This: Milk chocolate-covered Strawberry Pop-Tarts ($4.95 each) are worth the splurge. 746 Richmond Road, Richmond Heights, 216-487-7070; 7441 Mentor Ave., Mentor, 440-701-6888, allcitycandy.com
B.A. Sweetie Candy Co.
Why We Love It: A Northeast Ohio staple for more than 60 years, this shop is a tasty slice of nostalgia with more than 4,500 candy varieties. “Candy is my livelihood,” says owner Tom Scheiman. “Sugar is in my veins.” Try This: Bun Bars ($1.19 each), delicious candy bars made with roasted peanuts and a creamy vanilla center covered in milk chocolate. 6770 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, 216-739-2244, sweetiescandy.com
Rocket Fizz
Why We Love It: Find candies from around the globe such as chocolate-covered insects, agave candy and Kinder candy bars. “It really is a blast watching people come in and pick them out,” says owner Susan Hale. Try This: Japanese Jubes ($2.99 per bag), fermented coconut water that’s cut into small pieces and then flavored. 530 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-505-5225, rocketfizz.com
Sugar Rush
Why We Love It: With a selection of more than 500 candy types, it draws Kent State University students and local residents for their sweet fix. “We get little kids jumping up and down outside the door waiting to come in,” says owner Liz Woobs. Try This: Puchao ($2.49 per pack), a Starburst-like treat that tastes like Pop Rocks. 201D E. Erie St., Kent, 330-999-0682, shopsugarrush.com
Yum Yum Sweet Shop
Why We Love It: In addition to plenty of salt water taffy and nostalgic candy such as Bottle Caps and Chiclets, this store offers plenty of chocolate including fudge, pecan turtles and truffles. “Variety is nice, but quality is awesome,” says Keith Saffles “If we ever have a choice between the two, we’ll choose the most quality item.” Try This: The made-to-order cotton candy ($3 per bag) comes in pina colada and eight other flavors. 2156 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330- 920-0900, yumyumsweetshop.com
