Are you looking for somewhere to buy Valentine’s Day chocolates for that special person in your life? Or just to satisfy your own sweet tooth with a special treat?
It’s not hard to find candy stores, but some go above and beyond and make their own candies or have diverse selections of imported desserts. Some are even historic businesses that have been making and selling candy to the community for years.
We found five highly-rated candy shops in the DMV for whenever you need to get your sugar fix.
Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shop
1721 Centre Plaza, Alexandria, VA 22302
Open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
If variety is your main goal for a candy store, Rocket Fizz Alexandria has got you covered. The family-owned business is stuffed to bursting with novelty and nostalgic candies, and even home decorations. Its most unique offering is its vast collection of glass-bottled sodas, ranging from classic flavors to more peculiar ones. Ever wanted to try popcorn-flavored soda? Now, you can!
rocketfizzalexandr.wixsite.com/website
The Capital Candy Jar
201 15th St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
Open noon–7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday
“Washington D.C.’s Hometown Candy Company” has been operating in the area for more than 34 years and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike shopping for sweet souvenirs. Most of the shop’s offerings are homemade, including its eclectic cotton candy flavors (caramel apple cotton candy, anyone?) and its chocolate-covered OREOs emblazoned with iconic Washington, D.C. imagery. Capital Candy Jar -brand sweets are sold all over the country, so if you don’t want to make the trip to the D.C. location, you can go online to see where they’re sold near you.
capitalcandyjar.com
Henry’s Sweet Retreat
4823 St. Elmo Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814
Open 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon-8:30 p.m. Sunday
Inspired by the founder’s memories of going to the local five-and-dime store with his grandparents, Henry’s Sweet Retreat aims to recapture the experience of being able to choose from more desserts than you can stomach. In addition to imported chocolates and candies, Henry’s also stocks ice cream, home-baked goodies, popcorn and more.
The shop even hosts interactive activities like cookie- and cupcake-decorating workshops and gingerbread house -making parties, so kids can take home their own custom creations.
henryssweetretreat.com
Arcay Chocolates
3211 O St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20007
Open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday through Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday
Arcay Chocolates is most well known for its handcrafted truffles and bonbons, which are just as much of a treat for the eyes as they are for the mouth. Founded by a Venezuelan master chocolatier and her family, the store offers unique flavors like tamarind and blackberry cardamom made with all-natural ingredients. Give them as a gift to a special person in your life and marvel at their aesthetic as much as their taste.
arcaychocolates.com
Chocolate Chocolate
1130 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20036
See website for updated shop hours
Chocolate Chocolate was founded by two sisters who are not only chocolatiers, but also published authors of several books about the shop’s founding, chocolate-themed recipes and children’s stories. They sell many different kinds of candy, from chocolate replicas of D.C. landmarks to handmade artisanal candies and chocolates imported from Europe. For hardcore chocoholics, they also run a “Chocolate Club,” where members can receive different kinds of chocolates quarterly, bimonthly or monthly for a set price.
chocolatedc.com
