A Sweet Tooth Road Trip Through Colorado
Like a sugar-dusted memory, a visit to a local candy shop feels like walking into a time machine. Whether seeking fresh fudge or saltwater taffy, childhood wonder lurks around every corner. Old-fashioned caramels and hard candy sticks melt all modern-day worries.
A road trip through the scenic byways of Colorado must include a visit to one of these sweet spots as you pass through the state, or head from the city to one of our mountain towns.
Crested Butte
The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, located at 314 Elk Avenue is a charming location for the franchise, which is a staple for anyone craving handcrafted chocolates sold in a mountain-town setting. Enjoy the fresh fudge, hand-dipped caramel apples, and ice cream served in waffle cones.
The Taffy Shop
This mountain town on the outskirts of the Rocky Mountain National Park is a candy lover’s paradise. While strolling the charming Main Street, be sure to visit The Taffy Shop, famous for making saltwater taffy on-site since 1935. The antique wrapping machine in the front window is a slice of living history, drawing in customers, both young and old. Try the Texas Pecan, lemon, peppermint, cinnamon, banana, or anise flavors.
In 2024, the shop was named the “Best Candy Store” in the U.S.A by USA Today.
Estes Park Sugar Shack and Fudge Factory
A one-stop shop for fudge, chocolates, popcorn, hard candies, ice cream, and gelato is the Estes Park Sugar Shack and Fudge Factory. Store mascot, Buddy the Lab, offers sweet treats for furry friends, such as the Buddy Bowl (for dogs only.)
Laura’s Fine Candies
With the tag line “Spoiling Dinner Since 1970,” you know it’s going to be good. Laura’s Fine Candies serves up best sellers, including fudge, popcorn, and toffee. Additional treats include caramels, saltwater taffy, and Bret bars, a delicious crispy peanut butter and chocolate treat.
Grand Junction
Enstrom Candies holds a special place in Colorado’s candy history, built on a strong foundation of perseverance and community involvement. Starting in the ice cream business in Grand Junction, this family-owned toffee maker has been perfecting their almond toffee for over 60 years.
They attribute the success of their delightful treat to the mountain altitude, which helps make the toffee’s unique texture. In addition to the almond toffee, try the toffee popcorn, assorted chocolates, truffles, and cream caramels.
Telluride
Telluride Truffles, which started in 1997 in the beautiful town of Telluride, has now expanded to the Front Range with locations in Denver and Lakewood. They offer a variety of unique truffles, like the Alpenglow, a dark chocolate truffle flavored with Cabernet Sauvignon, or the Bunny Hill, a milk chocolate truffle infused with banana. Try their hot chocolate or chocolate truffle sauce for a special treat.
These shops stand out for their local flavor and tradition. Whether you’re in the mood for soft taffy, rich fudge, or classic toffee, these shops cover every candy craving. Start in Crested Butte, jump over to Telluride, head west to Grand Junction, and finish in Estes Park. Each destination brings a different texture, flavor, and experience worthy of any sweet tooth’s bucket list.
Crested Butte is truly a gem of Colorado and offers both luxury mountain homes and land lots ready to build for your dream home, investment opportunities, or vacation destination. With a background in luxury services, Nikki Pulitzer brings an eye for design to every client experience. Contact Nikki Pulitzer, Crested Butte Realtor, and find your mountain home today.
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