The Sweetest Road Trip in New Jersey Takes You To 9 Old School Chocolate Shops
Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy chocolate, and isn’t that almost the same thing? While that may not be true for everyone, chocolate has always brought me joy. I’ve been going to the same shops for years – they’ve been around for decades and I know I can count on quality candy and friendly service. While I’m also a fan of more modern shops, I enjoy these old-school favorites, all across the state. Follow along on this sweet road trip to visit some of the best chocolate shops in New Jersey.
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Are these ALL of my favorite chocolate shops in New Jersey? Not nearly, but they're all planned out in an easy-to-drive route that can be done in a day, but would be better traversed in two.
This chocolate shop has been making its goodies on-site for over 50 years. They have a sizable selection including seasonal chocolate-covered blueberries which are absolutely divine! A family business for three generations, they're definitely doing something right. Click here to learn more about this New Jersey chocolate shop.
This little shop claims to have the best selection of handmade chocolates in South Jersey...you'll have to visit and see for yourself. We love their whimsical holiday creations and classic staples. You'll find great gifts for even the bravest souls...we've heard they stock chocolate-covered chili peppers! Click here to learn more about this New Jersey chocolate shop.
Damask's Candies was established all the way back in 1906 - does it get more old school than that? Fresh cream, pure butter, and only the highest quality ingredients go into the handmade chocolate treats that have made Damask's Candies a local New Jersey legend. Click here to learn more about this New Jersey chocolate shop.
Aunt Charlotte's has been making delicious candies for four generations. The business got its start when Charles Brooks Oakford, Sr. began selling chocolates out of his Ford Model T Truck. Nearly 100 years later, Aunt Charlotte's is housed in a charming building with a spectacular supply. They're known for friendly service, creamy caramels, and great gifts. Click here to learn more about this New Jersey chocolate shop.
Not to be confused with the equally incredible Thomas Sweet Ice Cream Shop, Thomas Sweet Chocolates has been a local favorite for over 30 years. Their chocolates are made in fresh, small batches and on-location every day. Try their chocolate-covered espresso beans! Click here to learn more about this New Jersey chocolate shop.
If you are looking for candy stores in New Jersey with a large selection, then you need to stop by Nutty Over Sweets where you'll find just about every old-fashioned candy you can think of as well as chocolates. We're also nutty for the chocolate-covered strawberries at this Sussex County staple. Their selection is MASSIVE, and, though the shop is more modern, we love the old-time feel! Click here to learn more about this New Jersey chocolate shop.
"The Sweetest Spot On The Mountain" since 1958, they've spent decades perfecting their recipes. We adore their peppermint bark and advent calendars, but this spot is worth a visit all year long. You'll find a secondary location in Essex Mall. Click here to learn more about this New Jersey chocolate shop.
Address: 350 Rifle Camp Rd, Woodland Park, NJ, 07424
We love the look of this little shop, right off Route 17, but we love their chocolate-covered Oreos even more. Since 1929, they've served up quality homemade candy. Everything is made the old-fashioned way - the candy centers are made with the finest ingredients and are cooked in copper kettles over open flame stoves all while being hand mixed. Yum! Live along the Jersey Shore? Hanna Krause has another location in Toms River. Click here to learn more about this New Jersey chocolate shop.
Critchley's has been a favorite since 1957 and values tradition and excellence. Their chocolate-covered pretzels are a favorite, but so are their bunnies! Here's a little anecdote on their website that we loved: "One morning about five years ago a customer bought her son an Easter bunny. 'He insists on a Critchley's bunny every year,' the woman said. 'How lovely,' said the owner's wife. 'How old is your son?' 'He's 43 years old.'" Click here to learn more about this New Jersey chocolate shop.
Address: 812 Kinderkamack Rd, River Edge, NJ, 07661
Are you ready to take the sweetest of all New Jersey road trips? For an interactive map, click here. You can add stops as you see fit! New Jersey has so many amazing chocolate shops, it was hard not to make this a 10-hour road trip! Other old-school favorites worth checking out include Genevieve’s Home Made Chocolates in Garfield (since 1944), Kilwins in Ridgewood (since 1947), Douglass Fudge in Wildwood and Stone Harbor (since 1925), and Conrad’s Confectionery in Westwood (since 1928), and Krause’s Homemade Candies in Paterson and Fairview (since 1929). What are your favorite old-fashioned chocolate shops in New Jersey? For another delectable journey, check out this Garden State Donut Trail.
Address: 721 Asbury Ave, Ocean City, NJ 08226, USA
Address: 782 S Brewster Rd, Vineland, NJ 08361, USA
Address: 2255 US-322, Swedesboro, NJ 08085, USA
Address: 5 W Maple Ave, Merchantville, NJ 08109, USA
Address: 29 Palmer Square W, Princeton, NJ 08542, USA
Address: 6 White Deer Plaza, Sparta, NJ 07871, USA
Address: 350 Rifle Camp Rd, Woodland Park, NJ 07424, USA
Address: 89 Westview Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652, USA
Address: 812 Kinderkamack Rd, River Edge, NJ 07661, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Chocolate Shops In New Jersey
March 16, 2021
Melissa Mahoney
Are there any dessert trails or road trips to follow in New Jersey?
If you have a sweet tooth and are ready to follow another sweet trail, we have two: the New Jersey Bakery Road Trip and the New Jersey Milkshake Trail. Along the Bakery Road Trip, discover local favorites that may be lesser-known around the state. Are you in the mood for cupcakes? Crystal Cupcakery in Columbus is one of the stops along the way. On the Milkshake Trail, one stop is Benny’s Luncheonette in Fair Lawn which makes the most delectable, over-the-top milkshakes you’ll ever see!
What are the best candy shops in New Jersey?
Got a sweet tooth? Well, you’re in luck because the Garden State has some pretty incredible candy stores that you will want to visit ASAP. With two locations, one in Metuchen and one in Middletown, 2 Chicks With Chocolate turns chocolate into delicious works of art. Experience the artisanal bonbons they are known for at either location and check out their chocolate workshops and classes. IT’SUGAR in East Rutherford is a place like you’ve never seen before – a 22,000 square foot, three-level department store filled with every candy imaginable. You can spend hours in this place!
Are there any chocolate factories I can tour in New Jersey?
It’s fun to get a behind-the-scenes look at how some of our favorite sweets are made. One, in particular, David Bradley Chocolatier has observation windows into their Robbinsville factory so you can see the process of chocolate-making. And best of all, they give free samples!
Address: 721 Asbury Ave, Ocean City, NJ 08226, USA
Address: 782 S Brewster Rd, Vineland, NJ 08361, USA
Address: 2255 US-322, Swedesboro, NJ 08085, USA
Address: 5 W Maple Ave, Merchantville, NJ 08109, USA
Address: 29 Palmer Square W, Princeton, NJ 08542, USA
Address: 6 White Deer Plaza, Sparta, NJ 07871, USA
Address: 350 Rifle Camp Rd, Woodland Park, NJ 07424, USA
Address: 89 Westview Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652, USA
Address: 812 Kinderkamack Rd, River Edge, NJ 07661, USA
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Kristen is a writer, editor, and social media maven who loves her state. Born and raised in New Jersey, sharing all it has to offer is her passion. After attending Montclair State University, she continued her education online, obtaining certifications in social media management.
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