March 16, 2019

Sweet Treats

I definitely have the “sweet tooth” gene, which I inherited from my mother. After almost every dinner, I can still hear her saying “I need something just a little sweet.” And yes, Snicker’s do satisfy but there are times when I (and I assume you) want something really good, unique, decadent, hand-made, and a truly sweet treat. Don’t worry, there are four places near Elms of Camden that satisfy on all levels. And what I think is another plus, they are all locally owned and operated small businesses.

Uncle Willy’s Candy Shoppe

If you want to walk into a true candy store and be reminded of one from 20+ years ago this is your place! Row after row after row of every type of candy and sweet imaginable. It’s almost like Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, minus the Oompa Loompas. They have suckers, mints, chocolates, PEZ, wax lips, tarts, fruit gels, nuts, hard candy, soft candy, and the list goes on and on. It’s as bright and colorful and as the name implies, a haven for candy enthusiasts. The hardest part will be deciding which candies and chocolates to get but I highly recommend the handmade Almond Butter Crunch! One tip for you, they have a second floor that has the largest selection of Jelly Belly Candies I’ve ever seen. If you’re interested in their history and how they began, click here.

Best of all, it’s an easy walk from Elms of Camden.

Bixby & Co. Chocolates

I recently discovered this company in Rockland and OMG, the chocolate is amazing. They pride themselves in hand-crafted confections and even offer vegan chocolates. I’ve always preferred milk chocolate over dark but after one bite of their dark chocolate sea salt caramels, I’ve become a dark chocolate believer. Take the tour, try some samples, and I guarantee you’ll leave with a bag or two of pure decadence. Read how they got started and their mission here, it’s pretty amazing. Be sure to check out their Bean to Bar Chocolate, they are AMAZING! Definitely check out the Chocolate Sea Salted Caramels or Bixby Bites. Yum!

Not only are their chocolate and other ingredients decadent, but the company also has the following certifications; USDA Organic. Women-Owned, Non-GMO Project Certified, Gluten Free, Rainforest Alliance Certified, and Maine Made America’s Best.

Sweet Sensations and 3 Dogs Cafe

When James and I got married Sweet Sensations made our cupcakes and carrot cakes. We were not disappointed! Located in Rockport (about a 5-minute drive from Elms of Camden) this is a great spot for cookies, brownies, cupcakes, and other tempting items. They also serve a great lunch with handmade sandwiches, quiche, and salads. They also have a nice selection of coffee that goes perfectly with one of their brownies. Just sayin’.

Atlantic Baking Company

The tag line for Atlantic Baking Company is Made by Hand, Made in Maine. And it’s true. Everything is made from scratch and they have a large selection of bread, pastries, brownies, scones, and other tempting treats. You can read their story here. If you go be sure and check out their large cookies, crumb bars, and macaroons. And bread, don’t forget the bread.

I recommend all four of these places and you are supporting small, locally-owned businesses which I think is always a good thing.

I hope you enjoyed this blog and hopefully helped you discover some great places when your sweet tooth strikes. Safe travels and Happy Spring!

Gary
https://www.elmsofcamden.com/