LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — What sweeter way is there to kick off the summer than celebrating June's National Candy Month?
It's easy to think of Hershey when thinking about candy in the central Pennsylvania area, though, there are plenty of spots in the region to mark the unofficial holiday.
Tucked away in a rural part of Manor Township, Lancaster County is the main location for Groff's Candies.
"We're kind of out in the middle of nowhere, but we’ve become a destination place, people enjoy traveling from all over coming to see us," said Marvin Groff, the second-generation owner of the candy business.
The business started with Marvin's mother selling fudge in the 1960s. In 1969, she had the opportunity to open a stand in Lancaster's Southern Market. Operations continued to expand until the Groffs opened the shop on Blue Rock Road in 1993, where they make their candy today.
Marvin took over the business in 2003 and said he is able to continue to successfully run his business with his son Joshua helping him out.
"It's just been a great opportunity to grow up doing this," Marvin said. "To have my kids growing up doing this, and my grandchildren will probably grow up doing this."
The Groffs make all kinds of sweet treats using Wilbur chocolate, like nonpareils, truffles and peanut clusters. Salted caramel and chocolate covered pretzels are customer favorites, though.
"It's a product that makes people happy, they enjoy buying it," Marvin answered when asked what his favorite part of being in the candy business is. "It's not a hardship to buy chocolates, because everyone loves chocolates."
People can also buy Groff's Candies at the company's second location at the Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market, on the businesses website or at select grocery stores.
For something a little more unconventional, people can head to Ripleigh's Creamery locations. There, folks can try freeze-dried candy.
"We saw it was trending on TikTok and stuff and we decided to hop on the train, cause it really fit our criteria of fun wacky stuff, not just normal candy, which every kid loves," said owner Ripleigh Maring.
The creamery has locations in East York, McSherrystown and Emmitsburg. While the brand is known for its unique ice cream flavors, 17-year-old Ripleigh decided to expand her reach in the realm of sweet treats.
"Being able to be creative with it, a lot of people like to try new flavors," said Ripleigh.
Ripleigh's Creamery sells all kinds of freeze-dried candy. Right now, it has Jolly Ranchers, Nerds, Taffy Bites and Skiddles. The Skiddles come in unique flavors, like Old Bay, Sour, Pickle and even Reaper Ghost Pepper.
"You'd think Old Bay and fruity Skiddles don't go together very well, but they actually do," said Ripleigh.
As for what's next with the freeze-dried candy, Ripleigh says they are experimenting.
The freeze-dried candy is also available to buy online here.