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One of Roanoke's newest downtown businesses is also the sweetest: welcome to the Candy Store, where you'll find every sweet treat you think of! To put it simply: it's like Willy Wonka's dream store wrapped up in Roanoke charm.
The store is downright whimsical, from its exposed brick walls to adorable candy button print wallpaper. Rows upon rows of candy jars align the walls, with so much to look at you'll need a second (and probably third, fourth, and fifth) visit. Bright candy colors pop against the modern white shelves, inviting every sweet tooth to peruse to their heart's content. Of course, the smell of sugar when you walk in the door is a nice addition as well!
Looking for chocolate? They've got every kind of bar you can think of, from regional artisan chocolates to bars from around the world, including the famous Vosges bacon bar. They also carry delectable truffles in their front case made specifically for their shop by a chocolatier in Blacksburg. (This writer can attest, they are melt in your mouth delicious!)
And if you're searching for candy, you've got so many choices it'll be hard to pick! From gummy worms and Gobstoppers to Pop Rocks and pixie sticks, there's something for everyone. Five pound Hershey bars and the biggest boxes of Nerds and Hot Tamales you've ever seen will complete any holiday, birthday or special occasion. They also carry vintage candy that might have adults recalling special childhood memories - and that's the point.
"I wanted to open the store because obviously, I love candy, but also because downtown Roanoke needed a family-friendly store," says owner Lawson Jaeger. "It's not just for kids, but for adults and their inner child."
Owners and brothers Lawson and Robert Jaeger opened the store mid-September, about ten weeks ago, and business is booming. With the saturation of bars and restaurants, breaking up the monotony with a candy shop is surely a great way to stand out. The store is always busy (especially at this time of year), and out of towners are probably the most impressed, making it a point to pop in and see the delights.
Lawson, originally from Roanoke, has a nine year old daughter. "When we used to visit, we'd go downtown and within ten minutes, she'd be bored."
After a visit to the candy store, however, we bet most kids will beg their parents to go back downtown so they can spend hours picking out that perfect piece of candy.
Be sure to visit the Candy Store, located at 122 Campbell Ave in downtown Roanoke.