Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie

I apologize for the seemingly endless hiatus. I've been battling computer issues for the past month.

As I've previously noted, I'm a true history lover, particularly American history. Salem, Massachusetts (site of the infamous Salem Witch Trials) is one of those towns I'm glad to have visited and experienced the rich history of trade, witchcraft accusations, and candy. That's right, candy. Salem houses the oldest candy company in America.

Now I'll admit that I am not the biggest fan of candy. I've always loved my fair share of chocolate, but I can be very picky when it comes to candy. Perhaps this is due to the fact that my mom tried to avoid giving us chewy "gummy" candies as children, so I never really had enough exposure to it to gain a taste for it. Ironically, though, my dad has a particular liking for fudge. It must be genetic because my favorite thing to do on the boardwalk was run up to The Fudge Kitchen or Laura's Fudge and ask the worker outside for a piece of vanilla walnut fudge.

Our hotel actually recommended Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie, explaining that it was noted for being the oldest in the country. The next morning was muggy, so we decided to stop in and see what 207 years in the candy-crafting business was all about.

Stepping through the quaint New England shop was jaw-dropping. They had any piece of homemade candy you could hope for. Dozens of flavors of fudge, chocolate dipped delicacies, and some very traditional choices only your grandparents would recognize. Everything is sold by weight, which allows you to get as little or as much as you like. They also have prepackaged (but equally fresh) goods for convenience.

I picked a small tin of chocolate walnut fudge which was deliciously rich. My dad made a surprising choice in purchasing peanut butter molasses candies, and, of course, my sister snagged a chocolate covered Oreo with a red lobster piped on top. Everything had a very authentic flavor with a 207 year old recipe.

I would recommend swinging by Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie if you are considering a trip to Massacusetts, as it's a delicious excursion through history.

-Laura