The Sweetest Road Trip in Illinois Takes You to 7 Old School Chocolate Shops

If you've got a sweet tooth, there's a good chance it craves chocolate. If you're in the mood to visit an old-fashioned chocolatier, this road trip to seven of the best vintage chocolate shops and candy companies in Illinois will be perfect for you.

Truffles, turtles, and chocolate-covered goodies await! All you need now is a car, maybe a road trip companion, and a sense of adventure. Explore the northern half of the Land of Lincoln on this nine-hour trip to the best sweet shops around. You don't have to do it all one day, but you'll want to visit each of these shops eventually. However, we will give you an overnight option or two if you'd like to take the entire trip over a weekend.

Use this Google Maps link for an adjustable version of this super sweet road trip map!

1. Anderson's Candy Shop, Richmond

This shop has roots that go back to 1919 when the original owner of this place left a Chicago candy company to begin his own. One of the oldest and most-loved candy stores in the state, this joint is known for its gourmet truffles, fudge, and other candies. It's the perfect place to pick up some Illinois chocolate. Visit the official website of Anderson's Candy Shop for more information.

2. Old Fashioned Candies, Berwyn

Beginning in Chicago in 1969, this place moved to its current location in the suburbs in 1976. Family-owned and -operated, the shop offers a plethora of handmade treats you'll want to try. In addition to chocolate-covered nuts, pretzels, and marshmallows, the shop also sells snacks like popcorn, peanut brittle, and mint cookies. Get all these goodies and more at Old Fashioned Candies in Berwyn.

3. Graham's Fine Chocolates & Ice Cream, Geneva

Known for homemade chocolate candies and ice cream, this old-fashioned place has been in business since 1987. From chocolate-covered pretzels to truffles to giant pecan turtles, this shop is a sweet lover's dream. It's one of the best chocolate companies in Illinois. Visit the website for Graham's Fine Chocolates & Ice Cream to learn more.

4. Lagomarcino's, Moline

One of the oldest vintage chocolate shops in the state, it has been in business since 1908. In addition to assorted chocolates, there is also a soda fountain at this old-fashioned joint. It's one of the best places for Illinois chocolates and ice cream, too!

If you'd like to spend the night in Moline, make a reservation at the highly-rated Element Moline.

5. The YUM Factory, Inc., Quincy

Though it has only been open since 2017, this classic chocolate shop is certainly one of the best. It features a rustic, factory-esque setting and more sweets than you can imagine. Everything here is homemade; the best items are the turtles, truffles, peanut butter balls, and mint melt-a-ways. Visit the Facebook page for The YUM Factory to learn about its sweets and spirits—this place is also a cafe and bar!

6. Pease's Candy, Springfield

What started as a grocery store in the mid-1800s is today one of the most fabulous candy and chocolate companies in Illinois. It sells some of the best sweets in the state. Assorted chocolates, caramels, nuts, toffee, and much more abound here. Visit the official web page for Pease's Candy to learn more.

7. Cocoa Blue Chocolates, Rochester

Opened by an artisan chocolatier in 2013, this wonderful shop features a wealth of truffles, caramels, bars, turtles, and bark. Guests will also find fun molded chocolates in the shapes of frogs, butterflies, and the state of Illinois. Don't pass up this delicious place! It's one of the best chocolate companies in Illinois. Visit the Cocoa Blue Chocolates website for more information.

This marks the end of this road trip route. Sad, I know! If you'd like to stay near Rochester and rest before heading back home, check out The Frederick R. Feitshans House, a historic home in nearby Springfield.

For more like this, check out these fabulous candy shops in Illinois that will make your sweet tooth explode. If you're specifically looking for a chocolate shop in Chicago, check out Fannie May.

What other vintage chocolate shops do you love? If your favorite didn't make it to this list, fill out our nomination form!