Gimme Some Sugar

Whimsical and wonderful candy shops that'll make you feel like a kid again

- BY SYMIAH DORSEY ILLUSTRATION BY KENDYLL HILLEGAS

Sweet Pete's Candy
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA

The word “store” hardly captures the scale of this imaginatively designed three-story structure in downtown Jacksonville. Housed in the 23,000-square-foot 1903 Seminole Club building, Sweet Pete's claims to be one of the largest candy shops in the United States. Owner Peter Behringer grew up in the business—his mother, Phyllis Lockwood Geiger, founded the popular chain Peterbrooke Chocolatier, naming it after Peter and his sister, Brooke. With a working factory, seasonal offerings, and a mix of classes, it's like the world of Willy Wonka has come to life. More than 600 kinds of treats share space with a restaurant, ice-cream parlor, and cocktail bar. Sip on the Cotton Candy Prosecco (just $3 during happy hour) or a sugar-rimmed mocktail. For the full experience, book a guided tour of the property.

Martin Greer's Candies
GARFIELD, ARKANSAS