10 Candy Stores in Indiana Filled With Delicious Treats

With Valentine’s Day coming up, I thought it fitting to write this month’s blog about some wonderful candy stores in Indiana that offer high quality goodness. Places like these are going to cost more than just going to Wal-Mart or Meijer to buy candy, but what they have tastes great!

1. Debrand’s (Fort Wayne/Indy)

Debrand chocolate is high-quality stuff. They have several locations throughout Fort Wayne and one Indianapolis location; their main location is on Auburn Road. At all locations, they serve up delicious chocolates, truffles, gelato, hot chocolate, and many other great creations, but the Auburn location lets you go behind the scenes on a short (30-45 min.) tour of their factory. Tours only cost $5, which is honestly less than what it would cost to consume the amount of items you get to sample. Plus, you get a coupon for $5 off a $10 purchase at the end of the tour. My favorite items here are the European hearts, salted peanut butter, dark chocolate truffle, and the caramel pretzel bar.

2. Good’s (Anderson)

Good’s in Anderson has been a staple of mine whenever I’m out hiking at Mounds State Park. Granted, I usually get ice cream when I do that, but their candy is very good too. They also have a great selection of fudge that has not steered me wrong yet! Most people talk about their caramels, turtles, and truffles, but they also have gourmet popcorn that sells very well. Though it may sound unusual, their chocolate covered potato chips are worth trying if you like the combo of sweet and salty.

3. South Bend Chocolate Company (South Bend/Mishawaka/Indy)

This company has multiple locations in the South Bend/Mishawaka area, but has a prime location in Monument Circle in Indy. Like many great chocolate stores, they offer a wide variety of chocolates and seasonal items too! They have several different candies and popcorn mixes that they cover in an orange pumpkin icing in the fall (including Oreos!), peppermint in the winter, and Easter colors in spring. They also serve good ice cream and some amazing hot chocolate! My favorite thing from here would be their peanut butter meltaways.

4. J.  Edwards (Kokomo)

Unlike some of the other stores on this list, J. Edwards is a relatively new establishment. Their website boasts that they have over 60 different types of chocolate, and sugar free options are available as well. What this store offers that many others on this list don’t is a bakery section that gets all kinds of rave reviews. If you feel like shelling out $30-40 for a cake, you won’t be disappointed. If you’re thinking of cheaper fare, the cupcakes are apparently just as good. As far as the candy goes, their different caramels and creams sell the best.

5. Albanese (Merrilville)

This group is the one on the list that is actually not as well known for their chocolate, even though they have it. They’re known for their gummy candy best, which can even be found in grocery stores like Wal-Mart. I would say of the different gummy candies I’ve had, these are the best. They also offer free factory tours, complete with free samples! Viewers will be able to view the candy making process through 8 different windows and 3 videos. You may elect to take a self-guided tour or guided tour, though guided tours need to be scheduled in advance. Tours are open May-October and January-February.

6. Schimpff’s (Jeffersonville)

Schimpff’s is probably the least commercial of the different locations on the list so far. Visitors describe the lovely down-home feel it has and how customer service is incredible. They make their own chocolate and hard candy, and do demonstrations for customers to watch. Free samples abound too, which is always a plus. There is even a soup/sandwich deli as part of the store if you want to grab lunch while there. If you’re curious about the history of the place, there is also a small “museum” section. Their biggest sellers are their red hots and lemon drops.

7. The Best Chocolate in Town (Indy)

This store in downtown Indy offers all kinds of tasty chocolate and cookies. Reviewers all highlight the amazing selection of truffles, as well as their great taste. They certainly seem to be the #1 seller, but plenty of folks also talk about the coffee and ice cream, which are both from other local vendors. They also make something called a truffle pie, which has a consistency like chocolate mousse. The only downside according to reviews is that they don’t always keep their store stocked, so there are times where people come in to almost empty shelves.

8. Abbott’s Candies (Hagerstown)

Abbott’s operates out of a factory that is over 100 years old! Even though they make the usual chocolates, truffles, and fudge, their specialty is their caramel. The recipe hasn’t been changed in a long time, and whatever they’re doing, they’re doing it right. Abbott’s candy is sold all over the Indy area, but they do have a showroom at their factory site. Visitors can take a 30-40 minute (free) guided tour off the facility as well, with one tour time being 10am and the other being 1pm.

9. Lowery’s (Muncie)

Lowery’s has been operating for over 78 years, and they keep the “old-fashioned” way of creating their candy. They still make each of their candies by hand because the quality is better, and the customers agree! What their customers can’t agree on is which candy piece they like best. Reviewers on TripAdvisor and Yelp mention their caramels, turtles, fudge, chocolate creams, and a unique product of theirs called “dark secrets”. Another thing they highlight on their website is how they still use the best of ingredients, which does explain a higher price for their chocolates.

10. Schakolad Chocolate Factory (Indy/Plainfield)
This small chain has been in the Indy area for nearly 20 years, and though small, people can’t stop raving about them. Reviewers call attention to not only delicious chocolate, but to the great customer service and charming décor. An overwhelming favorite is the dark chocolate hot chocolate, which, like Debrand, uses liquid chocolate. The dark chocolate candies are also extremely popular. On their website, they highlight their custom chocolates and 3-D molds they can make for special occasions, as well as the gelato they serve there.

7 Great Ways to Challenge Yourself in Indiana This New Year

As we ring in a new decade, people are making plans on how to start 2020 on the right foot. Resolutions are being made with the best intentions, and there are plenty of places in Indiana that can help one challenge themselves in one way or another.

1. The Cardinal Greenway and Monon Trail
These two trails are perfect for people who are setting physical goals for themselves for the new year. Both trails cater to runners, bikers, hikers, skaters, and cross country skiers and can be accessed in all 4 seasons. Being active outdoors is far more satisfying and offers a better change of scenery than staying inside and going on a treadmill or stationary bike. Plus, it’s free! The Cardinal Greenway runs 62 miles from Converse to Richmond (though not always by that name), while the Monon trail runs 26 miles from Sheridan to Indy.

2. Ziplining (various locations)
Looking to conquer your fear of heights this year? Ziplining is a great way to do just that because you’re taken through a course with a guide and are harnessed and clipped in for maximum safety. There are over a dozen different ziplining options throughout Indiana, with some options offering unique attractions. For example, some zipline courses also offer rope bridges/wood pathways between trees or ziplining from tree to tree. You can even go to Indiana Caverns and zipline underground!  Most zipline experiences will set you back at least $50, so be prepared to spend some money.

3. Trivia Nights (Various locations)
If you’re looking for more of an intellectual challenge, try attending a trivia night on a regular basis! Trivia competitions work differently depending on where you go, but the idea is that teams are asked random trivia questions, and the team to get the most right wins! Sometimes, trivia nights can be themed (TV shows, History, Pop Culture, etc). Bars and Breweries are the typical locations for trivia nights, and you will usually find these places in larger cities like Indy, Fort Wayne, Lafayette, Muncie, and so on. Certain chains like The Stacked Pickle and Wings Etc. each are known for doing trivia as well.

4. 3 Dunes Trail Challenge (Indiana Dunes State Park)
Another great physical challenge would be to complete the 3 Dunes Trail at the Indiana Dunes. The trail has, you guessed it, 3 large dunes to climb up (and down) on a 1.5-mile trail that is marked as “rugged” on park maps. The dunes are 176 feet, 184 feet, and 192 feet in height, and at times the trail has a 40-degree slope! What’s nice about this challenge is that it is not timed, so you can go at your own pace. Also, once you complete the challenge, you can stop at the Visitor’s Center and get a free sticker!

5. Cooking Classes (Mostly Indy, some in Bloomington and South Bend)
Food is amazing. It’s even more amazing when you can make delicious food on your own without having to go out to eat! A good resolution for the new year could be to better learn to cook for yourself, and there are plenty of great cooking classes available to help with that. Some classes are specific about what you’ll be making (Macarons and Marshmallows from sweet shops), while other places like Nestle Inn B+B or Chef JJ’s BackYard offer different foods on different nights. Depending on what you’re making, classes can range from an hour to 5 hours and cost anywhere from $10-$150. Below is a link of some great options in Indianapolis:
https://www.indystar.com/story/life/food/2013/05/30/14-cooking-classes-in-indy-can-you-handle-the-heat/28936311/
Just a heads up, that article is from 2013, so it’s likely not all of those places offer classes anymore.

6. Swing Dancing (Fountain Square Theatre, Indianapolis)
Learning to dance well is most certainly a way to challenge yourself this coming year. There are many types of dance and many different places to learn how to dance, but I’m just focusing on one particular place that friends of mine have checked out and liked. Fountain Square Theatre offers swing dancing on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of every month. If you come from 7:30-8:30, you can get lessons on how to swing dance. Then, from 8:30-11:30, there is a live band and open swing dancing. According to my friends, an activity like this is fun to do as a group, where you can learn together and switch off partners throughout the night. It costs $14 for the lesson and dancing or $12 if you come just to dance.

7. Run a Race (various locations)

One of the more common challenges people give to themselves for a new year is to be able to run a race of some kind, whether that be a 5K or full marathon. Luckily, Indiana is host to over 390 races of various kinds throughout the 2020 calendar year. A 5K (3.1 miles) is the most popular race to find, and even the smaller towns put those on throughout the year. The bigger races are typically held in bigger cities, like the popular Indy Mini Marathon (half marathon). If you don’t like the idea of being timed, there are plenty of fun races that happen throughout the year as well, with the Color Run being a prime example. For a list of races in Indiana this coming year, visit this website:
https://www.runningintheusa.com/race/list/map/in/upcoming

12 Great Indiana Weekend Getaway Ideas

Indiana happens to be home to all kinds of fun destinations, as my blog entries have shown over the years. However, it also contains some fascinating lodging options as well! The following vary from commercial hotels to intimate cabins. Some of the places cater more to warmer months, but other can easily be enjoyed year-round.

1. Serenity Springs (La Porte)
If you and a significant other are looking for a nice getaway location, Serenity Springs is perfect. Just off the interstate in northern Indiana, it provides a way to disconnect from reality and just relax. Serenity Springs offers cabins that each have themes, like Sunset or Safari, and offer other nice amenities like an indoor jetted tub right in the floor, a back porch with gas firepit, large, comfy beds, and a wall of movies and games to pick from on arrival. Another plus is the call box each cabin has that gets filled with goodies like smores supplies, cheesecake, and fruit and muffin baskets throughout the trip. On the grounds, there are several scenic lakes to walk around/bike around, and there are even horse rides offered from the parking lot to your cabins. Several minor downsides here are that you can still hear some of the traffic from the interstate, horse rides can be unavailable due to weather/other reasons (and their van they use as a backup is super sketchy), and some rooms show more wear than others. That being said, I took my wife here for a weekend, and we had a blast.

2. West Baden Hotel (French Lick)
French Lick is definitely a tourist destination, but the West Baden offers a way to stay in style. The hotel is huge, with the 200-foot dome being the most eye-catching feature. The hotel has a casino, golf courses, spa, restaurants, pools, and amazing architecture. The area offers plenty to do, but the hotel itself is quite marvelous. I would recommend the West Baden for a couple’s getaway, while families might better enjoy the sister hotel, the French Lick Springs Resort. Both offer access to all the things I listed above, but the West Baden is the more expensive of the two hotels. Online reviewers say the West Baden Hotel is a first-class experience, with only 100 of the 2,300+ Tripadvisor reviews rating it below 4/5 stars.

3. New Harmony Inn (New Harmony)
New Harmony Inn boasts 90 rooms with a fun, old style décor. Apart from the rooms, the inn features 4 different guesthouses for larger groups. The grounds and surrounding area are described as calm and peaceful, with plenty of greenery and water. The town of New Harmony offers some fun shops and restaurants, but the inn has a heated pool, fitness center, restaurant, spa, tennis courts, walking trails, and more. This is one of the cheaper options on this list, but you won’t be getting as great as an experience as some of the more expensive places. I’d recommend this for a couple’s getaway that is focused on relaxing and quiet.

4. Patoka Lake Floating Cabins (Birdseye)
Patoka Lake is known for its beauty and plentiful water activities, but it’s also becoming known for the floating cabins that can be rented on its shore. Each of these cabins has an outdoor back deck and includes all the usual amenities of a regular cabin. People highlight the uniqueness of the floating cabins, as well as the view of the lake that they offer. Renters can pick from either a 2-bedroom option or a 3-bedroom option. I wouldn’t necessarily pick these cabins if you’re looking for a luxurious getaway, but they certainly look like a fun experience.

5. Clayshire Castle (Bowling Green)
Ever wanted to stay in a castle that has a distinct Medieval ambiance? Clayshire Castle is a B&B type lodging that goes all out in providing guests with a fun, unique stay. Open in 2013, Clayshire is home to 5 different guest room, each with a different theme. Each room has a queen bed and sofa bed, and a gourmet breakfast is provided. Guests also have the opportunity to pick from over 100 costumes to wear while here. Things to do while here include walking trails, an exercise room, a cedar hot tub, and a library. They even host a Medieval Fair once a year. The one downside people have mentioned is that there is no nearby option for lunch/dinner.

6. Mary Rose Herb Farm and Retreat (Bristow)
Have you ever heard of a yurt before? Think of it as a fancy teepee. This retreat destination offers 2 yurts that provide quite the glamping experience. Each yurt has 2 double beds, a microwave, fridge, and heating/cooling. This is a perfect getaway for people who enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, but don’t feel up to sacrificing modern conveniences. There is also a Japanese soaking tub that can be used as well, but it requires advanced notice and does cost extra. Breakfast, however, is provided.

7. Nestle Inn (Indianapolis)

Mere blocks from downtown Indy is a B&B called the Nestle Inn. It’s known for great service and for providing all modern necessities for a bed and breakfast: a quiet, comfy room with a shower, free Wi-Fi, and free snacks and local coffee. Apart from the amazing location, one thing about the Nestle Inn that stands out from other B&B’s is the cooking classes that they offer. The kitchen here is huge, and they bring in local chefs to teach people how to make things like Thai food, scones, and more. Visitors can’t help but have great things to say about this place.

8. Fort Harrison State Park Inn (Lawrence)

Many state parks in Indiana have inns where people can stay, but Fort Harrison’s inn provides a whole different feel. The area around the state park used to be an active military base, so the inn makes use of buildings that used to be a part of that. The inn itself has quite a bit of history, but larger families and groups can stay in one of the Officer’s Quarters, which are set up to be more like a house. Apart from being next to the state park, the inn is also across from a Pete Dye constructed golf course. Guests here rave about great treatment from staff, the proximity to golf and hiking, and the unique feel of the place itself.

9. Joseph Decuis Farmstead Inn (Roanoke)

Joseph Decuis is a 5-star restaurant in the tiny town of Roanoke that is one of the very few places in the state that you can order Wagyu beef. However, they also have a bed & breakfast associated with their name. The Farmstead Inn is a restored 1884 farm house, carriage house, and barn. This rural getaway offers 6 bedrooms (each w/private bath) and an opportunity to learn what farm life is like. Some rooms also have private, screened in porches. Despite having an older feel to it, this B&B contains quite a few modern luxuries, though not as much info is available about it online as other places on this list.

10. Charlie Creek Inn (Wabash)

This inn has a very distinct Victorian/French feel to it as soon as you walk in the doors. The beautiful architecture is also a part of the inn’s 30 rooms, though the old school feel doesn’t extend to the amenities offered. Along with free wi-fi, televisions, and comfy beds, the inn provides several food options. There is a cocktail bar, wine and cheese shop, ice cream and dessert shop, and a full service restaurant on site, and guests also have access to the YMCA during their stay for free. Online reviews highlight cleanliness and great staff.

11. Oakwood Resort (Syracuse)

Oakwood Resort offers a great option for a weekend getaway in a warm month. This resort is situated right on Lake Wawasee and offers great views and a lot to do. Guests can use the swimming pier and beach area to swim in the lake, rent kayaks, paddleboards, and boats, or take advantage of nearby walking/bike paths. The property also has a picnic area, fire pit, basketball court, and space for yard games. Inside, the resort has a small fitness center and a small game room, plus a salon/spa. As far as food is concerned, there is a restaurant on site, and complimentary breakfast is offered on weekdays. Cleanliness and service are highlighted here, and cost per night is actually pretty low. Don’t expect anything super swanky, but it’s a great find!

12. Blue Heron Guest House (Winona Lake)

Staying at the Blue Heron is essentially like renting a room in a mansion overlooking a lake. It’s a beautiful property right on Winona Lake, and while the design makes it look vintage, it’s only a decade or so old. Housed inside are 3 different suites that are available to rent, each with their own private deck or patio. One of the 3 options has a hot tub on the deck too! As this is a bed and breakfast, morning meals are provided each day you’re here. One only review on Tripadvisor is a 4/5, and the rest are all 5/5 reviews.