Old-fashioned candy shops satisfy sweet tooth | Food For Thought

If you are like me, you are always on the lookout for candy and might be willing to drive a bit to satisfy that sweet tooth.

Here are three old-timey candy shops in Northeast Pennsylvania to help keep your candy stores stocked this winter.

Where: 128 Luzerne Ave., West Pittston

Hours: Wednesdays through Sundays, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Stepping into Ballyhoo in West Pittston is like stepping back in time.

The shop features ice cream sundaes and old-fashioned soda drinks in addition to the candy of your youth (and the youth of your parents and possibly your grandparents, too).

The candy is like you remember — a nickel, a dime and maybe a quarter for the satellite wafers, gummy bears and wax soda bottles.

If you are having trouble deciding, Ballyhoo offers a $2 mystery bag of candy. The bags also make for a great gift as well.

Where: Route 61, Port Clinton

Hours: Sundays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

When you step into the Port Clinton Peanut Shop, your senses are hit from all sides. There’s the scent of peanuts and sweet treats, and the brightly colored candies are a feast for the eyes.

In addition to a wide variety of bulk and packaged candy, the store offers fresh roasted peanuts and a large selection of homemade chocolates.

Where: 730 Main St., Stroudsburg

Hours: Sundays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop along Main Street in Stroudsburg is filled with all sorts of candy, craft sodas and gifts.

One highlight of Grandpa Joe’s is the $5 candy buffet. You pick up a box and fill it up with candy from the bulk candy section. No matter the weight, the box is just $5.

Beside the shop in Stroudsburg, Grandpa Joe’s has locations in Bethlehem, Western Pennsylvania and Ohio. If you can’t GET to one of the locations, Grandpa Joe’s also offers online shopping at grandpajoescandyshop.com/shop-online.