I still remember the first time I walked into McCord Candies on Main Street in Lafayette. The smell hit me immediately, a mix of fresh chocolate and vanilla that made my stomach growl even though I had just eaten lunch.
Looking around, I noticed families gathered at small tables sipping colorful sodas, kids pressing their noses against glass cases filled with handmade chocolates, and a couple laughing over milkshakes topped with whipped cream. This place felt different from any candy store I had visited before.
It felt real, warm, and genuinely special. McCord Candies has been part of Lafayette for over a century, and walking through the door feels like stepping into a piece of Indiana history.
The wooden floors creak under your feet, old-fashioned soda fountain equipment lines the counter, and everywhere you look, there are treats you cannot find anywhere else. Whether you grew up in Lafayette or you are just passing through, this candy store offers something magical that keeps people coming back year after year, generation after generation.
Handmade Chocolates Crafted Right in the Store
McCord Candies makes their chocolates by hand, right in the building at 536 Main Street. You will not find mass-produced candy here.
Every truffle, every chocolate-covered treat, every piece comes from careful work by skilled candy makers who follow recipes passed down through generations.
Walking up to the display case, you see rows of glossy chocolates in different shapes and sizes. Some are dark, some are milk chocolate, and a few have decorative swirls on top.
The selection changes based on what is in season, but you can always count on finding something delicious.
Customers rave about the quality in their reviews. One visitor mentioned how the chocolates are not too sweet, which lets the rich chocolate flavor shine through.
Another talked about ordering custom gift boxes for clients and being amazed at how quickly the staff put together substantial orders.
What makes these chocolates special is the attention to detail. Each piece is made with care, using quality ingredients and traditional techniques.
You taste the difference immediately. The texture is smooth, the flavors are balanced, and every bite feels like a small celebration.
If you love chocolate, this alone makes the trip worthwhile.
Famous Candy Canes Made Fresh Every Holiday Season
McCord Candies is known throughout Indiana for their handmade candy canes. During the holiday season, the candy makers pull hot sugar by hand, twisting and shaping each cane individually.
This tradition has continued for decades, and people drive from all over the state to get these special treats.
The candy canes cost four dollars each, which might seem high until you understand the work involved. Sugar prices have more than doubled in recent years, and every cane requires skilled labor and hours of physical effort.
The owners follow the exact same recipe they inherited, down to precise temperatures and timing.
Visitors can even take tours during Christmas time to watch the candy cane making process. For a small fee, you get to see how the magic happens and even shape your own cane to take home.
Kids absolutely love this experience, and parents appreciate learning about the history and craftsmanship.
One reviewer mentioned that if your candy cane seems too hard at first, just let it sit for a few days and it will soften up. Some people prefer the hard crack texture, while others like them softer.
Either way, the flavor is incredible.
These candy canes have become a Lafayette tradition that families look forward to every year.
Old-Fashioned Soda Fountain with Custom Drink Combinations
The soda fountain at McCord Candies brings back memories of a simpler time. Behind the counter, you will find dozens of flavor combinations for sodas, phosphates, Italian sodas, and more.
The staff mixes each drink by hand, adding syrups and carbonation to create something unique.
One couple who visits regularly swears by the Dr Pepper Not Neat, calling it superior to all other flavors they have tried. Another customer raved about a mango and pomegranate Italian soda that tasted unlike anything they had experienced before.
A staff member recommended lemonade to one visitor, and it was so good they mentioned it specifically in their review.
You can also order shakes, malts, and ice cream treats at the fountain. The marshmallow chocolate Coke with light ice has a dedicated fan base among regulars.
Red cream soda gets mentioned frequently as a must-try flavor.
The atmosphere around the soda fountain feels nostalgic and welcoming. Families gather at tables, couples share shakes, and kids climb onto the counter stools to watch their drinks being made.
The staff is friendly and happy to suggest combinations if you feel overwhelmed by choices.
This is not just a drink. It is an experience that connects you to Lafayette history.
Nostalgic Candy Selection from Your Childhood
Walking through McCord Candies feels like traveling back in time. The shelves are stocked with candies you probably have not seen in years.
One Gen X visitor mentioned finding treats from their childhood and feeling a rush of good memories.
The selection includes both classic favorites and harder-to-find varieties. You will spot candy you remember from corner stores when you were young, alongside modern treats your kids might love.
The store carries Squashies, which one couple called the best candy ever and a reason they keep coming back.
Beyond the nostalgia factor, the variety is impressive. You can find gummies, hard candies, chocolates, sour treats, and specialty items you will not see at regular grocery stores.
The displays are organized and clean, making it easy to browse and discover new favorites.
Parents love bringing their children here to share candy they enjoyed at the same age. Grandparents create new memories with grandkids, just like they did with their own children years ago.
One reviewer mentioned how their grandma used to bring them to McCord Candies when they were little, and now they get to do the same with their own kids.
The store understands the power of sweet memories and works hard to keep that tradition alive for every generation.
Cozy Upstairs Seating Area Perfect for Relaxing
Many visitors do not realize McCord Candies has seating upstairs. Climb the stairs and you will find a cozy space with tables where you can sit and enjoy your treats in a more private setting.
One reviewer specifically praised the upstairs area, calling it nice and cozy with a great overall atmosphere.
The seating gives you a chance to slow down and savor your purchase. Instead of rushing out with your candy, you can settle in with a shake or soda and watch Main Street through the windows.
It feels intimate and peaceful, especially compared to the busier main floor.
This space works perfectly for dates, family outings, or solo visits when you just want a quiet moment with something sweet. One couple mentioned McCord Candies is their go-to date spot, and the upstairs seating likely plays a role in that choice.
The store can get busy, especially on weekends and during holiday seasons. Having the upstairs option means you can still find a comfortable spot even when the main floor is crowded.
The staff does a great job managing the flow of customers, and everyone seems to appreciate having multiple spaces to enjoy.
It is these thoughtful touches that make McCord Candies more than just a place to buy candy.
Sandwiches and Light Lunch Options Available
McCord Candies is not just about sweets. They also serve sandwiches and light lunch items that surprise many first-time visitors.
The menu includes breakfast and lunch options, which is impressive for what looks like a small corner business from the outside.
Several reviews mention enjoying sandwiches along with their drinks. The food is simple but well-made, perfect for fueling up before you dive into the candy selection.
One family specifically noted they enjoyed both the sandwiches and drinks during their visit.
Having food available makes McCord Candies a practical stop during a day exploring downtown Lafayette. You can grab lunch, satisfy your sweet tooth, and browse unique gifts all in one location.
The convenience factor should not be overlooked, especially if you are visiting with kids who need regular meals.
The staff handles food orders alongside candy and drink requests without missing a beat. Even when the store gets busy, they manage to keep everything running smoothly.
One reviewer praised how well the team performed during a rush, making sure everyone got their orders quickly.
This combination of candy store, soda fountain, and light cafe makes McCord Candies a versatile destination. You can visit for any meal or snack and find something satisfying.
Unique Gifts and Quirky Decor Throughout the Store
Beyond the candy and food, McCord Candies offers a collection of unique gifts and novelty items scattered throughout the store. One visitor mentioned all the cool knick-knacks for sale and the quirky, unique decor that makes the space feel special.
The decorations create an atmosphere that feels like Christmas year-round, according to one reviewer. The attention to detail in how the store is arranged and decorated adds to the overall experience.
You are not just shopping, you are exploring a carefully curated space filled with interesting things to discover.
This makes McCord Candies an excellent stop for finding unusual gifts. Whether you need stocking stuffers, client gifts, or something special for a friend, you will find options you will not see at typical stores.
One customer ordered custom gift boxes and was thrilled with how they turned out.
The store even carries specialty items like marzipan fruits, which one clever reviewer suggested would pair perfectly with tickets to The Nutcracker or the book itself. These thoughtful touches show how the owners understand their customers and try to offer more than just candy.
Located at 536 Main Street in downtown Lafayette, McCord Candies sits near other local attractions, making it easy to include in a day of exploring the area.
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