There’s nothing quite as nostalgic as a trip down the colorful aisles of a local candy shop. From decadent pastry shops to quintessential “mom and pop” style candy stores, these unique and local sweet shops can be found in Canal Towns along the C&O Canal towpath. If you’ve got a bit of a sweet tooth, you won't be disappointed. Look the part and shop The Road Trip Mercantile's C&O Canal Collection here.
1. Baked and Wired in Washington DC
This family-run business has been using their tried and true handed down recipes for over 20 years. You'll find their counters full everyday with a fresh selection of baked goods. Individual cakes are wrapped in parchment and topped off with a swirl of rich frosting. Avoid the long likes and place same-day pickup orders here!
1052 Thomas Jefferson St NW | Washington DC 20007 | 703-663-8727
2. Hive Bakeshop in Brunswick, MD
Owned by two sisters, Sally and Rebekah, this artisan bakeshop specializes in custom cakes, French macarons, baked-fresh breads and unique flavor combinations. These two globetrotters have a fresh approach to baking classics. Some of their fan favorite foods are rooted in fun and deeply personal stories from their travels ranging from the Great Pyramids in Giza to La Casa Azul (Frida Kahlo’s House) in Mexico City.
318 Petersville Rd. | Brunswick, MD 21717 | 301-969-6506
3. True Treats in Harpers Ferry, WV
True Treats is the nation’s only researched-based historic candy store specializing in candy from the first in history through the mid-1900s. This is a traditional style, old-fashioned candy shop, reminiscent of when you were a kid. Shelves are stocked with jars of colorful candies, including everything gummy to sweet, chocolate treats.
4. Shepherdstown Sweetshop Bakery in Shepherdstown, WV
Shepherdstown Sweet Shop is a bakery housed in a 200 year old building in the center of historic Shepherdstown. Originally they specialized in Old World style whole grain artisan breads. Over the years they expanded their offerings to include cakes, donuts, cookies, tarts and fine pastries. Shepherdstown Sweet Shop will satisfy your sweet tooth and more. They are open daily for breakfast, lunch, or an anytime snack; offering an array of contemporary sandwiches on handcrafted breads, creative wraps, and a selection of soups.
5. Desert Rose Cafe and Sweet Shoppe in Williamsport, MD
Rose and her mother, Beverly, are living their dream of providing confections for Williamsport townies, travelers from far and wide, and all their amazing customers. The Sweet Shoppe offers hand-dipped ice cream, hard-to-find candies, cookies, and fresh baked pies and cakes. Located just two short blocks from the C&O Canal Cushwa Basin on the corner of Potomac and Conococheague Streets, their location makes for a convenient stop while trekking the towpath. Call ahead to place a bag lunch and custom sweet order.
2 E. Potomac St. | Williamsport, MD 21795 | 301-223-6400
6. M&M Bakery in Cumberland, MD
This family-run shop says that business is more than just donuts and cookies, "it's all about family." This is evident in their Facebook pics where they love to show pint size visitors who delight in a weekly trip to M&M Bakery. Popular items at the sweet shop include Chocolate Long Johns (eclairs), Cookie Doozies, and Peanut Butter Roll Donuts.
80 Baltimore St. | Cumberland, MD 21502 | 301-722-2660
Author: Maria Lane
Maria Lane is Co-owner of The Road Trip Mercantile. She enjoys the creative process of designing merchandise to promote the C&O CANAL and the GREAT ALLEGHENY PASSAGE. View and shop her latest creations HERE.