Sweet Tooth? Indulge in Delco’s Go-To Candies!

You don’t need a holiday to indulge your sweet tooth, especially when there are so many candy shops all around Delco. It doesn’t matter if your obsession is chocolates, enrobed pretzels, nonpareils, caramels, rainbow pops, seasonal family favorites — we’ve got you covered thanks to these Delco chocolatiers and candy makers!

Christopher Chocolates

This family’s mission is: “Make the world a happier place, one bite at a time.” David and Laurel Lamparelli opened their chocolate shop in 1986, naming it after their son; Christopher is now working the family business, too! The first treats to hit the shelves were chocolate covered pretzels; today, those shelves are filled with gourmet mints, truffles, snack food, gift baskets — the works! Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. around holidays. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for the current hours.  Want more Lamparelli goodies? Check the next listing!

3519 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, (610) 359-1669

Oh Ryan’s Irish Potatoes

Another son, another confection! David and Laurel Lamparelli launched a Delco sensation in 1989, naming it after their other son (Ryan). Irish Potatoes look like tiny taters, but they’re an irresistible, soft coconut cream center rolled in cinnamon. They’re available only from January through March, so mark your calendar! The factory is in Marcus Hook — and you can find Oh Ryan’s Irish Potatoes in season at well-stocked grocers and markets, or, you can order directly from Christopher Chocolates (see listing above).

Bevan’s Own Make Candy

This is a a third generation, family-owned and -operated candy store, celebrating more than six decades of delighting Delco candy-lovers. Randy Bevan, grandson of the original founder, is keeping the tradition alive with signature nonpareils, butter creams, caramels, nut clusters, dot mint squares and more. Traditional holiday sweets? Of course! Open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

143 E. Baltimore Pike, Media, (610) 566-0581.

 

Kelly’s Kandy

Here’s another Delco third-generation, family-owned and-operated confection shop! It was conceived in 1974 by Thomas and Dale Sheehan after a decade of running a traveling concession business. They didn’t want to raise their daughter, Kelly, on the road — thus, the shop was born. The current location opened in 1983 and specializes in chocolate-enrobed pretzels, assorted fine filled chocolates and candy for any occasion or holiday — even jelly beans and gummies! Check the website for the adult chocolate, too. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but that changes during the holidays. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for the current hours.

312 MacDade Blvd., Collingdale, (610) 461-4676

Sweet Spot Gelato, Candy & Soda Pop Shop

Paolo and Patrizia Rizzi opened this “retro-inspired, fun store” out of their passion to bring just that to the neighborhood — a happy place to enjoy treats. Look for novelty and specialty candies and chocolates — including some from Italy, Mexico and Japan! Speaking of fun: You can also create a make-your-own taffy box! And, it may not be considered candy, but we’re blown away by the huge cotton candy selection. Hours vary by season, so follow on Facebook for the current hours.

 

Chill Out Chocolate Therapy 

Tim and Karen Monahan opened for “therapy” in 2019 to make sure there was Swiss chocolate-covered everything — and a whole lot more — to satisfy the discerning Delco sweet tooth. Candies are just some of the offerings, including chocolate-dipped fruits, retro candy, fudge and their top sellers: salted caramels, chocolate-covered potato chips, and hand-poured artisan chocolate bars. Salty and sweet? We’ll take those chocolate-drenched chips, please! Open Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 7 p.m.; closed Sunday through Tuesday. Follow on Facebook for extended hours during the holiday seasons.

19 E. Hinckley Ave., Ridley Park, (484) 497-5589.

The Head Nut

Speaking of salty … we must give a nod to this storied bulk store that’s packed to the ceiling with every nut imaginable! You’ll find candy and seasonal sweets, too, but we can’t help but long for a handful of nuts to go along with our candy — especially if we’re making a candy board (think cheese and charcuterie, but with candy and nuts). You can find its top sellers at the Lancaster County Farmers Market in Wayne, or take in the full bounty in Ardmore. Open in Wayne, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., and in Ardmore, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lancaster County Farmers Market, 389 Lancaster Ave, Wayne, (610) 964-9830; and 2408 Haverford Rd., Ardmore, (610) 642-3066.

• • •

Want to know more about everything Delco? We’re more than just your source for good eats — we’re your source for where to stay, what to do and more in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA, and we’ve got you covered from Philly to the Brandywine. Contact us at (610) 565-3679, by email, or online.

— Nina Malone

Featured photo: Kelly’s Kandy