Summer on the East End is pretty sweet, especially when it comes to the sugary treats. Mom-and-pop shops scattered throughout the Twin Forks have a host of homemade goodies dressed with an old-fashioned flare. Remember the days spent strolling through the aisles, eyes wide and mouth watering, at your favorite confection store? Well, they never left. Consider the delicious offerings at these five Long Island shops a permission slip to be a kid in a candy store once again.
The Candy Man, Orient
image: facebook.com/orient-candyman
This neighborhood landmark has had locals and vacationers eating caramels, butter crunch and peanut butter sponges out of the palms of their hands for over 75 years. And the more things change on the North Fork, the more they stay the same at The Candy Man. The Heins family has owned and operated the business for four generations using the same evergreen recipes. Fruity and savory, their creams can be covered in milk or dark chocolate with flavors like vanilla, raspberry and coconut. Go.
The Fudge Company, Southampton
The Fudge Company is best known for their creatively rich fudge flavors like pecan caramel and walnut chocolate. But it doesn’t stop there. Truffles, s’mores and a variety of pretzels that have been sugar-coated in chocolate fill the shelves. Instead of screaming for ice cream, just choose from 30 satisfying flavors including non-fat frozen yogurts and sherbets, which can be topped with nuts, sprinkles, gummies, dried fruit and granola. Go.
Love Lane Sweet Shoppe, Mattituck
Sugar, spice and everything Godiva chocolate. Love Lane Sweet Shoppe’s gift baskets filled with dark chocolate covered cherries, gourmet jams and Gold Ballotins make for a delicious hostess gift for an end-of-summer bash. Just don’t get caught with a hand in the candy basket while pulling up to the party. Go.
Fudge N’ Stuff, Montauk
Being in the business for more than 30 years means one thing—more than 30 flavors of fudge. Think mudslide, pistachio, cookies and cream and peanut butter chocolate chip for a taste so creamy it instantly brings back childhood memories. When you ask for seconds, and you will, make it extra special by pairing the fudge with cotton candy that is made to order. Go.
Sweet Indulgences, Greenport
image: sweet indulgences
First-time guests tend to become regulars at Sweet Indulgences. Nestled in the charming town of Greenport, this authentic specialty shop carries a little bit of everything from jelly beans to salt water taffy and almond bark. The homemade dark chocolate covered vanilla caramels, milk chocolate covered peanut buttercups or the pecan caramel patties are a sweet tooth’s delight. Go.