{"id":400964,"date":"2018-01-26T23:16:10","date_gmt":"2018-01-26T23:16:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/origin-www.tasteofhome.com\/?post_type=collection&p=400964"},"modified":"2023-01-19T09:54:15","modified_gmt":"2023-01-19T15:54:15","slug":"the-best-chocolate-shops","status":"publish","type":"listicle","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/the-best-chocolate-shops\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Mom-and-Pop Chocolate Shops in America"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Fowler's has been around Buffalo for over 100 years. Famous for sponge candy<\/a> (which is to-die for!), they\u2019re truly a Buffalo icon. Once a year they sell tickets for a factory tour and a portion of the proceeds is donated to the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program, making them a great neighbor to Buffalo as well.\" \u2014Sue Stetzel<\/span><\/p>\r\nGive Fowler's sponge candy (and much, much more) a taste.<\/a>\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
Dolce Mare Sweets<\/h2>\r\n
Marco Island, Florida<\/h5>\r\n\"The sea salt dark chocolate caramels from Dolce Mare will give you an 'I'm having a moment' reaction when you bite into them. They hit all your taste buds once: the bitterness of the chocolate, the rich caramel and then the surprising note of sea salt.\" \u2014Cyndy Gerken\r\n\r\nShop chocolates (and more!) from Dolce Mare.<\/a>\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Buffett's Candies<\/h2>\r\n
Albuquerque, New Mexico<\/h5>\r\n\"Albuquerque has more than its share of artisan chocolatiers, but for the best, you've got to go with the original: Buffett's Candies (aka 'The Place With The Giant Candy Cane'). They've been doing it right for 60\u00a0years, pioneering the delicious combo of chocolate and pi\u00f1on (pine nuts). Get the pi\u00f1on horny toads!\" \u2014R.D. Stendel-Freels\r\n\r\nGet Buffett's Candies delivered to your door.<\/a>\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Riverside Chocolate Factory<\/h2>\r\n
McHenry, Illinois<\/h5>\r\n\"It's hard to pick my favorite chocolate from this quirky candy store\u2014everything's luscious, but the toffee and sponge candy are my go-to's. We had their chocolate-covered strawberries and truffles at our wedding, and the guests went nuts. Full disclosure: The Chocolate Factory was started by my husband's aunt and uncle.\" \u2014Ellie Martin Cliffe\r\n\r\nTaste what all the fuss is about.<\/a>\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Arrowhead Chocolates<\/h2>\r\n
Joseph, Oregon<\/h5>\r\n\"The huckleberry and lavender honey truffles from Arrowhead Chocolates are excellent!\" \u2014Glenna Pierce Tooman\r\n\r\nTry unique Arrowhead chocolates for yourself!<\/a>\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Holl's Handcrafted Swiss Chocolates<\/h2>\r\n
Charleston, West Virginia<\/h5>\r\n\"The owner of Holl's was born in Switzerland and trained in his families chocolate business. The chocolates are so good it's hard to pick a favorite but I'd have to say mine is the melt-in-your-mouth triple sec truffle. They are so decadent that you can eat just one piece and feel like you are indulging in something luxurious!\" \u2014Becky Cline Carver<\/span><\/span>\r\n\r\nLearn more about Holl's creamy truffles.<\/a>\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Lammes Candies<\/h2>\r\n
Austin, Texas<\/h5>\r\n\"Here in Texas, a favorite candy is Lammes (pronounced lammie). They've been around since 1885 and they still use the same quality ingredients today. They're most famous for their Chewie Pecan Pralines, but they have much more to offer\u2014all delicious.\" \u2014Joan Hallford\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\r\n\r\nVisit Lammes website to learn more.<\/a>\r\n\r\n\r\n
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DeBrand Fine Chocolates<\/h2>\r\n
Fort Wayne, Indiana<\/h5>\r\n\"DeBrand is the best. Gourmet, beautiful chocolates that look like what they are\u2014the chocolate-covered raspberries are shaped just like a raspberry! So creamy and to die for!\" \u2014Gina Mussallem Fensler\r\n
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Confections by Joel<\/h2>\r\n
Theresa, Wisconsin<\/h5>\r\n\"Confections by Joel is a favorite! What makes this place even more special\u2014besides the amazing creamy chocolate\u2014is that the chocolatier is actually blind.\u00a0He makes some very delicious chocolates and candies.\" \u2014Heather Karow<\/span><\/span>\r\n\r\nGive this small-town favorite a try!<\/a>\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Betty Jane Candies<\/h2>\r\n
Dubuque, Iowa<\/h5>\r\n\"Here in northeast Iowa, my favorite is Betty Jane's candies. They were named\u00a0People<\/em>'s top culinary gift in Iowa. Their specialty is the 'Gremlin'\u2014chocolate, caramel and pecans. They are just wonderful!\" \u2014Carol Kaiser\r\n\r\nCheck out Betty Jane's website and get some Gremilins to share.<\/a>\r\n\r\n\r\n