Does spooky season have you craving candy? Charm City’s got you covered with decadent treats that are much more unique than the stuff you’ll find at your local big-box store. Whether it’s an array of truffles and nonpareils or rich chocolate-covered strawberries, these locally owned shops have everything you need to build your sweet stash. We even offer a signature sweet for each, if you really need help narrowing down the options.
Berries by Quicha: Fruit and chocolate. What could be sweeter than that? Berries by Quicha in Federal Hill creates show-stopping chocolate-covered strawberries. They’re dipped, designed, and even customized for special occasions. Stop in to treat yourself, or place a custom order online. Signature sweet: Red velvet chocolate-dipped strawberries. 922 Light St. 410-440-3239
Black-Eyed Susan: We recently named this gift shop in the heart of Historic Glyndon a Best of Baltimore for its Maryland-made treats. This time of year, look out for specialty sweets like maple and pumpkin truffles, alongside the wide selection of Wockenfuss chocolates, chocolate-covered pretzels, licorice, and gummy candy. Signature sweet: Dubai chocolate bars come in and out of stock quickly. Get them while supplies last! 7 Railroad Ave. Glyndon. 410-833-5427
Eddie’s of Roland Park: A trip to the confections counter is an essential part of the experience at this hyper-local grocer. Whether you’d like scoops of bulk candy (jelly beans, gummy bears, licorice—you name it) or a box of toffee or brittle, the Eddie’s experts have you covered. Signature sweet: Of course, Eddie’s boasts local names such as Mouth Party Caramel and Salazon Organic Chocolate. 5113 Roland Ave. 410-323-3656
Jinji’s Chocolate: Founded in 2012 by Jinji Fraser and her father, Guy, this Waverly sweet shop provides chocolate with a meaningful backstory. Maintaining a high level of sensitivity to the farmers who grow and harvest the cacao, the chocolate comes in bar, bark, truffle, fudge, and drink form. Signature sweet: Chocolate-covered coffee beans or dark chocolate hazelnut spread. 3100 Greenmount Ave. 443-835-1636
Kirchmayr Chocolatier: If you’re looking for elegant European chocolate, look no further than Timonium. At Kirchmayr, you can experience the perfect combination of bitterness, fruitiness, and acidity within its confections. (Think: truffle boxes, dipped nuts, and even chocolate crab candies that infuse Old Bay.) The team prides itself on using the highest quality beans from across the world. Signature sweet: Jack-o-lantern shaped chocolate pops. 1811 York Rd Suite E, Timonium. 443-275-2145
Kilwins’s Chocolates & Ice Cream: You can often smell the sweet aroma of this Fells Point stalwart, home to hand-crafted chocolate and original recipe ice cream, from outside on Thames Street. Enjoy an array of fudge, caramel apples, caramel corn, brittle, and 32 flavors of ice cream. If you need some caffeine, you can also take advantage of espressos and lattes in their cafe. Signature sweet: Mackinac Island fudge. 1625 Thames St. 410-276-9300
Natasha’s Just Brittle: Back when she ran a daycare business in Hamilton, Natasha Wainwright would make brittle for the children. Eventually, she was inspired to open her own shop, which is now the anchor of Wainwright’s B’More Made With Pride commercial kitchen on Harford Road. Enjoy brittle (40 different types, to be exact, from apple spice to snickerdoodle,) as well as gourmet popcorn and handcrafted chocolates. The brittle is made with special combinations of organic sugar, fresh nuts, salted butter, sea salt, and exclusive spices and extracts. Signature sweet: Classic peanut brittle. 6617 Harford Rd. 410-982-9995
Pat’s Porch: Thanks to its impressive selection of nostalgic penny candy, a visit to this Catonsville mainstay will literally make you feel like a kid in a candy store. Aside from fine chocolates and gifts—including fall highlights like ghoulish gummies and jelly pumpkins—browse throwbacks including Zotz, Turkish Taffy, Chuckles, and Necco Wafers. 819 Frederick Rd. Catonsville. 410-788-1270
Rheb’s Homemade Candies: Formerly Louis and Esther Rheb’s garage, this Catonsville sweet spot officially opened in 1950. Their most important ingredients? “Quality, service, and value.” Now into their fourth generation, the store is known for its chocolate goodness with truffles, creams, nuts, chews, and festive holiday treats. Signature sweet: Pecan turtles. 3352 Wilkens Ave. 410-644-4321
Sweet Cascades: If you find yourself moseying around Old Ellicott City, this 20-year-old store is a requisite stop for satisfying your sweet tooth. Try a traditional truffle (flavored with everything from Old Bay to lavender), expand your horizons with chocolate-covered bacon, pick up your own chocolate-making kit, or sample something seasonal—like the cutie monster cookies or a white chocolate owl. Multiple locations including 3709 Old Columbia Pike. Ellicott City. 410-750-8422
The Velvet Chocolatier: Three words: chocolate potato chips. Ruthie Carliner’s Stevenson shop churns out tons of satisfying sweets, including caramel cups, chocolate-covered discs, and chocolate hearts. But the sweet-and-salty dark chocolate-dipped waffle potato chips are a must-try. All of Carliner’s products are all-natural, kosher, and gluten-free. Signature sweet: Chocolate potato chips.(It bears repeating.) 10403 Stevenson Rd. 410-365-9883
Wockenfuss Candies: This sweet shop began with Herman Charles Wockenfuss, who came to America in 1885 and learned how to make candy. His grandson, Paul, now owns the business and continues to expand, selling chocolates, candies, and seasonal products at multiple locations. Look out for fan favorites like chocolate-covered gummy bears, sour belts, marshmallow bars, and chocolate-covered raisins. Signature sweet: Caramel apples. Multiple locations including 6831 Harford Rd. 410-483-4414