5 Candy Stores in Walkable Seattle!

Who doesn't like a sweet and inexpensive treat now and then?  We don't frequent candy stores on a regular basis, but when we do, we make it worth our while!  You can always grab a pack of gum or bag of Hershey's kisses at your local grocery store, OR you can make candy shopping an excuse to explore downtown Seattle and it's surrounding neighborhoods.  There is nothing like the bribery of a sweet treat to coax my kid on a pedestrian adventure. On this latest research project, we focused on an a nostalgic candy hunt. There are plenty of artisanal chocolate places in Walkable Seattle and don't worry, we will get to those soon, but for this post we have decided to go in search of good old fashioned candy stores. Here are five fun places to satisfy and decay that persistent sweet tooth. 

Cone and Steiner-Downtown

1012 1st Avenue  (Between Spring and Madison Streets)

Hours

Monday-Friday         7:00am-8:00pm

Saturday & Sunday   8:00am-7:00pm

Cone and Steiner-Pioneer Square

135 S. King Street (one block from King Street Station)

Hours

Monday-Friday         7:00am-9:00pm

Saturday & Sunday   8:00am-9:00pm

Cone and Steiner refuses to fall into a category and I love them for that.  It's hard to narrow in on the candy offerings when the donuts, brownies and ice cream are singing their siren song but  my very focused daughter was willing to give it a try.  Half of the appeal to candy shopping is the aesthetic and Cone and Steiner captures that old fashioned feel, with amply stocked glass jars, displaying a colorful array of brightly colored confections.  Part of the allure is that they don't have an overwhelming selection, but a finely curated, beautifully displayed, collection of treats for all ages, tastes and appetites. Everyone that we have encountered in both the Pioneer Square location and the downtown store have been exceptionally friendly and kind. I enjoy having a few sips of Fuel coffee while my kiddo nibbles on sweet treats.  If you want something a little tamer than coffee, there is an abundance of sodas, juices and teas.  If you want something stronger than coffee, try out the happy hour at the downtown store. There are little tables outside and some counter space for seating.


The Chocolate Market
(Pike Place Market, Post Alley)

Hours

Daily 10:00am-6:00pm

I'd be hard pressed to pick a favorite candy store in Walkable Seattle. If I had to choose, The Chocolate Market, would probably be my pick.  They offer free samples of homemade fudge, a great selection of chocolate and a number of nostalgic candies, for those who would rather not partake in their signature offering.  The service is attentive and personable and the location is picturesque.  You can find the chocolate market on the north end of Post Alley at Pike Place Market, between Boston Street Children's Clothing and The Tea Room. This little stretch of Post Alley is adorable and there are lots of spots to stake out a place to sit. 

Old Fashioned Candy Store
 1501 Pike Place 
Hours
10:00am-6:00pm

This place is  an assault on the senses and jam packed with every confection you can imagine, see, and smell!  There is barely room to turn around in this shop and candy covers every square inch of the place. If your dreams involve sugar than this is what dreams are made of. My daughter enjoyed this store because she could buy lots of different kinds of individually wrapped candies and we spent less than 2.00. Old Fashioned Candy Store is nestled underneath the main arcade of Pike Place in the "down under" look for the swirling windsocks and you won't miss it!

Sweetie's Candy
1501 Pike Place 
(In the Pike Place "Down Under")
Hours
Daily 9:30-6:00  
opening and closing times can be a bit...fluid.

Sweeties can be a little tricky to find but if you can find the Magic Shop, the Giant Shoe Museum and the North Arcade bathrooms down the ramp, you will be able to work your way there. You won't be overwhelmed with customer service in Sweeties. They simply don't have room to follow you around.  There are over 200 products stuffed into the 135 Sq ft. shop.  Sweeties has been around for a little over 20 years. An adult could walk right by without even noticing it, but kids seem to have eagle eyes for this sort of place. The gigantic jaw breakers are fun to gawk at while filling a candy bag with something a little more edible.  Sweetie's has all of the usual treats and you can walk out with a relatively affordable bag of goodies.

Smith Tower Provisions
506 2nd Ave
Hours vary depending on the season-Check the website before your visit!

The Smith Tower is an iconic landmark and it was Seattle's tallest building before the Space Needle took up residence in 1962. I stumbled upon this candy store quite by accident.  I had popped into Diva Espresso in the lobby of the Smith Tower and my eyes were drawn to the ice-cram counter and candy shelves.  This is a fun find! Not only can you take the historical and hands on tour of the Smith Tower, you can graba  little treat and have a seat at a table in the lobby.  There is an old fashioned ice cream soda counter, an adorable collection of nostalgic candies that you purchase at an old-time cash register.  The staff is delightful and we can't wait to come back.  We are even considering the yearly membership to head up to the observation deck anytime we want.  I am excited for the view.  The kids are excited for the candy. Some fun facts about the historic Smith Tower here