On the Friday I popped into Sweet Dreams Candy Shoppe in St. Leonard, it was difficult to tell that it was less than two weeks until Christmas. There was no hustle and bustle of people frantically trying to get their shopping done. In fact, there were few cars at all in the center of town. But that made it all the more pleasant when I walked into this small, friendly shop. It may not have been busy while I was there, but Sweet Dreams Candy Shoppe is clearly a local favorite.
The owner, Bonnie Blackwell, and her daughter were working behind the counter, filling bags full of old-fashioned assorted hard candies. Not only is there a large variety of candy – both pre-packaged and made on-site – but there is even a small area in the back that can be reserved for parties and other events.
I asked what candies were the most popular, and Bonnie told me that people love the nostalgic candies that she has available in jars by the cash register. Speaking of which, I was looking for root beer barrels (my husband’s favorite), but she was sold out. Evidently, I wasn’t the only one who wanted them. She assured me there would be more in stock soon.
The handmade candies in the case all looked delicious. I was particularly intrigued by the crab-shaped chocolates with Old Bay seasoning. I suppose to a native Marylander, that doesn’t seem like such an odd combination. Naturally, I had to try one. I was delighted by the pleasant warmth and spice that the Old Bay added to the smooth, creamy chocolate. These crabs, unsurprisingly, are popular.
I also went home with a half a pound of peanut butter smoothies. No root beer barrels for my better half, but those will do nicely. Let’s just say they didn’t quite make it into his stocking.