The holiday season is fast approaching, and kids of all ages are going to bed with visions of sugarplums dancing… Okay, we have to ask: What are sugarplums? Do people still eat them?
Maybe red velvet cherries and pecan pralines are dancing in their heads, instead.
Here are our top Smoky Mountain spots to buy homemade goodies to stuff your families’ stockings with, and perhaps make out with a treat for yourself too.
Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen
Founded in 1952, the Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen came to be when Dave and Peggy Dych, traveling to California to seek their fortune, passed through Gatlinburg and fell in love with its charm. The Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen has been making taffy, chocolate, pecan logs, and more for over half a century – and it shows. Try the white-fudge-dipped Oreos for an indulgent treat. If you’re not an Oreo fan, the Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen has plenty more to choose from!
Aunt Mahalia’s Candies
Bring your sweet tooth to Aunt Mahalia’s! Prepare yourself for a delicious blast from the sugary past with homemade brittle, old-fashioned divinity, and gleaming caramel apples that are almost (but not quite) too pretty to eat. They also offer a variety of colorful candy sticks and other stocking stuffers. For the more virtuous among us, there’s a selection of sugar-free candy that will surely satisfy.
The Caramel Candy Company
The fresh, handmade caramels at the Caramel Candy Company are famous for not sticking to your teeth- but they’re so much more than that: soft, buttery, and exquisite. Tins are available in 1 lb. or 3 lb. varieties in flavors like chocolate pecan and sea salt almond. They even offer caramel cakes for the true caramel connoisseurs.
The Chocolate Monkey
The old-fashioned fudge smells so good at the Chocolate Monkey that it’ll draw you in from the sidewalk. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed; it’s made with real cream and real butter, resulting in decadent, melt-in-your-mouth fudge. Customers claim allegiance to old favorites like mint chocolate and maple nut, but don’t miss the specialty candies like white Oreo balls and peanut butter candies.
Kilwin’s Chocolates
Founded in 1947, Kilwin’s promises a little piece of Americana in the form of lovingly crafted candy, caramel apples, and chocolates. Try anything Kilwin’s has to offer, and you’ll see they have delivered on their promise. This Gatlinburg classic offers homemade treats aplenty with everything from fresh fudge to caramel corn to handmade toffees. Need a holiday basket or chocolate Santa? They’ve even got a lineup of treats made special for the holidays.
Mountaineer Candy Kitchen
Idea: This year, fill your favorite big kid’s stocking with tons of nostalgic candy. You can purchase it at the Mountaineer Candy Kitchen where you’ll find old favorites like Mary Janes, Bit-O-Honeys, and saltwater taffy. The list of sweets offered at Mountaineer Candy Kitchen continues wth fudge, chocolate-covered marshmallows, and chocolate almond bark. They’ve also got a selection of jams and jellies that make excellent gifts. Bonus: The Mountaineer Candy Kitchen is family-run, and their service is warm and friendly.
Sweet treats calling your name? They’re just the beginning of an unforgettable family vacation. Book your cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park today!
