Candy Trails and Cabin Tales

What is it about candy when you’re on vacation? You may never eat it like this at home — but up north, it just feels right. Maybe it’s nostalgia.

When I was a kid, our family cottage was in the Kettle Moraine area of Wisconsin, and candy was part of the weekend ritual. Back in the 1970s, our favorites were Brach’s orange slices and circus peanuts. They stuck to our teeth, our fingers, and sometimes the dashboard — yet somehow, they still tasted like summer.

Thankfully, my taste — and the options — have grown a bit, but that sweet, carefree feeling hasn’t changed one bit.

I have two people in my life who plan their Northwoods visits around candy. My friend Kat literally maps out candy stops on the four-hour drive up. And my brother-in-law Roy makes a beeline for white chocolate treats in downtown Minocqua on day one of every trip.

When candy is on the itinerary, wandering through the Northwoods becomes part treasure hunt, part

adventure. Luckily, most sweet spots are conveniently “on the way to somewhere else,” which makes exploring with Kat particularly fun. Here are a few of our favorites — not just for what they sell, but for the little touches that make them special.

1. Dan’s Minocqua Fudge

Addresses: 100 W. Wisconsin Ave, Minocqua, WI 54548 | 210 W. Park St, Minocqua, WI 54548

With two locations, Dan’s is a Northwoods staple. The fudge is always rich and creamy, the ice cream is hard to resist, and there’s a cozy outdoor seating area that makes it easy to linger.

My favorite? The make-your-own Chocolate Covered Nut mixture. You get to choose from chocolate-covered raisins, cashews, espresso beans, malted milk balls, and more — all in whatever combination you like. Sweet, salty, and perfectly satisfying.

2. The Fun Factory – Rhinelander

Address: 501 N. Stevens St, Rhinelander, WI 54501

I drove past this place for fifteen years before my friend Cheryl finally nudged me inside: “You have to stop — the chocolate there is something else.” She was right.

The Fun Factory has everything from chocolate-dipped pretzels to old-fashioned penny candy. What really makes it feel special are the gourmet truffles. You can pick a few favorites and make a little box — great for sharing, or keeping all to yourself.

And the gelato is a little adventure on its own. Flavors change, mixing classics like chocolate and vanilla with unexpected ones like lavender, lemon-basil, and tiramisu. I always try to bring a pint or two home — it’s hard to resist.

3. Tremblay’s Sweet Shop – Eagle River

Address: 117 N. Railroad St, Eagle River, WI 54521

Eagle River has its share of candy stops, but Tremblay’s is a favorite for one simple reason: cashew brittle. Always fresh, perfectly crunchy, and just the right level of sweet, it also makes a great gift — if you can resist eating it yourself first.

4. A Bonus: Sprecher Root Beer Toffee

This one is seasonal and a little tricky to track down, but worth the effort. I discovered Prairie River Farm’s Sprecher Root Beer Toffee at the Labor Day Arts and Craft Show in Eagle River. It’s buttery, crunchy, and unforgettable. If you see it, grab it. Trust me.

Order online here

Up north, candy isn’t just a treat — it’s a little bit of joy, a dash of nostalgia, and the perfect excuse to wander. Whether it’s fudge in Minocqua, truffles in Rhinelander, or brittle in Eagle River, each stop brings back memories and adds a little extra sweetness to the adventure.

For the record, I’m not being paid to share any of these spots — I’ve done my own extensive research and can personally vouch for the sugar-to-fun ratio.