Candy memories can take you back in time. Do you remember candy necklaces and candy cigarettes? How about penny candy? Did you love Warheads, Pop Rocks or Hubba Bubba Bubble Gum?
Perhaps you were too young for some of these sweets, but maybe these were the candies your parents or grandparents enjoyed. While old time favorites like these may be hard to find at your local drug store or big box store, you’ll be able to stock up on plenty of retro treats at these Long Island candy stores.
581 Lakeville Road, New Hyde Park
Eileen and Ronnie, the owners of Bobb Howard’s General Store, call themselves “a couple of baby boomers who grew up on Long Island.” The General Store is attached to the family auto repair shop that Eileen’s parents opened 73 years ago. The store, which has won several honors such as "Best Mom & Pop Store" and "Best Candy Store," sells retro candy favorites including chocolate cigars, Moon Pies, Lemonheads, Gobstoppers and many, many others. Bobb Howard's General Store also carries a limited number of discontinued candies that are sold as collectibles. Visit the website and view a candy timeline!
516 Moriches Rd, Saint James
26B Lido Boulevard, Point Lookout
Skipperdee’s, which was voted Long Island’s Best Ice Cream Shop in 2017 and 2018, is also known for its large selection of nostalgic candy from the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. Be sure to check out the loose 25 cent candy and full selection of theater style box candy.
142 E. Main St. Huntington
This store in Huntington calls itself "Long Island's Original True Candy Store Experience.” From Astro Pops and Bonomo Turkish Taffy to Pop Rocks and candy necklaces, Sweeties Candy Cottage has a large variety of popular confections from years gone by. Sweeties also sells gourmet chocolate and makes candy gift baskets, favors and centerpieces for any special occasion.
3951 Long Beach Rd, Island Park
The mission of Hope’s Land of Candy is to "link the 19th century to the 21st century through sweets, soda, ice cream and scenery." On the store’s website, the owner Hope describes how as a child she dreamed of owning a candy store. Her dream came true. Hope's Land of Candy is an old-fashioned candy store and ice cream soda shop that sells ice cream as well as classic candy treats like Pez, wax bottles, Bit-O-Honey and Whirly Pops.
3517 Hempstead Turnpike, Levittown
Rocket Fizz is a chain store that sells branded flavored sodas, vintage style signs and a large selection of retro candy.