We all know the feeling when your sweet tooth kicks in and you need something specific. Not just “something sweet,” but homemade chocolate that reminds you of your grandma, new candy you’ve seen on TikTok you really want to try, or maybe even just a fountain soda paired with a little bit of small-town history.
Lucky for us, Lafayette and West Lafayette are home to three local spots that cover all the bases – Wolf’s Fine Chocolates, Something Sweet Candy Shop, and McCord Candies. Each one has its own personality, its own story, and its own way of hitting the spot when a craving strikes.
Purdue University Student, Hannah McDowell, shares this blog. This blog is part of a series of articles submitted to Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette through a cooperation with a 400-level travel writing class at Purdue University.
Wolf’s Fine Chocolates – When It Has to Be Chocolate
If your sweet tooth is shouting chocolate, Wolf’s Fine Chocolates is your answer. The story of Wolf’s goes all the way back to the 1930s, when Chick Richey learned the craft of candy-making before opening his own chocolate shop in Attica, Indiana. Fast forward to today, and the tradition is alive and well, with all chocolates still made from scratch daily in Attica and sold at their West Lafayette location.
When I stopped in, I got some insider tips from staff members Melissa Nipper and Taylor Nethercutt, who told me their most popular items are the wolfies (caramel pecan patties), cherry cordials, and all things peppermint. Melissa even mentioned how much she loves the family-friendly atmosphere – she sometimes brings her daughter along to work! That warm, homegrown feel is part of what makes Wolf’s so special.
And of course, I had to do a little taste test myself between the wolfie, a salted caramel square, a raspberry cream chocolate, and a peanut butter ball. Each bite reminded me of a homemade treat that my grandma would bring to Christmas. Plus, they have plenty of extras like caramel apples, popcorn, and even sweet-smelling candles if you want to grab a gift.
Something Sweet Candy Shop – When You Want Sweet, Sour, or Something New
For those days when you’re craving something fruity, sour, or adventurous, Something Sweet Candy Shop is the place to be. Owners Joy Gorringe and her fiancé William Skaggs opened the shop in May 2024, but their candy-making roots go back much further. Joy had been experimenting with candies (especially freeze-dried versions) for years, selling them at farmers’ markets before finally taking the leap to open her own storefront.
Their goal? To bring the community candies you can’t easily find anywhere else. On my visit, I spotted trendy Swedish gummies, homemade Dubai chocolates, and of course, the classics like peach rings and gummy bears. You can mix and match your own bag by the pound, which makes the experience even more fun.
Joy and William also whip up homemade treats like marshmallows, toffee, and peppermint bark, with hopes to add more of their creations to the storefront soon. I filled my bag with Swedish candies like the popular BUBS dizzy skulls and wild strawberry pomegranate ovals, and I was blown away by how different the flavors and textures were compared to American candy. If you’re the type of person who loves trying something new (or just can’t resist sour gummies), this shop will feel like candy heaven.
McCord Candies – When You Want a Sweet Treat and an Experience
Sometimes, you’re not just craving candy, but craving a whole experience. That’s where McCord Candies comes in. Housed in a historic building that’s been around since 1912, McCord’s is part candy shop, part soda bar, and part piece of Lafayette history. The iconic soda counter began in the 1950s, and walking in feels like stepping back in time.
McCord’s has plenty of chocolates and candies in glass cases, but the real magic happens at the soda bar. You can create your own soda or milkshake with any flavor that you can imagine.
Shea Wickstrom, who works a lot behind the soda counter, said her personal favorite order is a diet Coke with vanilla syrup and marshmallow fluff. Wickstrom has been working at McCord’s since her parents, Angie and Billie Pattengale, took ownership three years ago.
“I’ve loved getting to work here and be a part of the history of Lafayette. This is such a special place for the community to gather,” she said.
And if you want to explore even more, there’s a little antique shop tucked upstairs. Also in this spot is a small seating area where you can enjoy your drink, try some candy, and try their light lunch options.
If you are around during the Christmas season, you definitely don’t want to miss McCord Candies most unique tradition! Every year McCord’s sells their famous hand-pulled candy canes. They often offer a backend tour of the McCord Candies’ historical building and confectionary kitchen …aka “The Candy Cane Factory.”
Between the history, the atmosphere, the variety of unique experiences, and the sweet treats, McCord’s is the perfect place for when your craving is less about candy and more about making a memory.
Satisfy Every Sweet Craving in Greater Lafayette
So the next time your sweet tooth hits, remember this:
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Need chocolate? Head to Wolf’s Fine Chocolates.
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Want sour, sweet, or international candies? Stop by Something Sweet.
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Craving a one-of-a-kind experience? McCord Candies is waiting for you.
Each shop offers something special, and together they show just how sweet Greater Lafayette can be.