Dreaming of a road trip filled with sugary delights?
This sweet tooth journey will take you to 10 iconic old-school fudge shops across Michigan!
1. Original Murdick’s Fudge (Mackinac Island)
Step into a time machine disguised as a candy shop!
Original Murdick’s Fudge on Mackinac Island is the granddaddy of Michigan’s fudge scene, churning out sweet treats since 1887.
The white clapboard exterior and vintage signage are like a siren call to sugar enthusiasts.
Inside, it’s a whirlwind of activity, with fudge makers wielding paddles like conductors leading a symphony of sweetness.
The aroma is so intoxicating, you might find yourself involuntarily drooling – don’t worry, it happens to the best of us.
Their classic flavors are the stuff of legend, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try their seasonal specialties.
Just remember, calories consumed on vacation don’t count, right?
2. JoAnn’s Fudge (Mackinac Island)
JoAnn’s Fudge is like that cool aunt who always has the best treats.
Nestled in a charming white building with red trim, it’s a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.
The shop’s interior is a candy lover’s fever dream, with rows upon rows of fudge flavors that’ll make your head spin faster than a sugar rush.
Their fudge-making process is a spectacle in itself – it’s like watching culinary magic unfold before your very eyes.
Pro tip: if you can’t decide on a flavor, just close your eyes and point.
You can’t go wrong here, unless you’re pointing at the cash register.
That’s not edible, trust me.
3. Ryba’s Fudge Shops (Mackinac Island)
Ryba’s is the fudge shop equivalent of that overachiever in high school – they’ve got multiple locations on the island and they’re all equally fantastic.
The pink awning is like a beacon of sugary hope in a sea of, well, more sugary hope.
Their fudge-making process is a well-oiled machine, with staff members moving with the precision of a synchronized swimming team.
The result?
Fudge so smooth it could charm the socks off a snake.
Fair warning: the smell wafting from Ryba’s is potent enough to lure unsuspecting passersby from blocks away.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself magnetically drawn to their door.
4. Kilwin’s Chocolates & Ice Cream (Petoskey)
Kilwin’s in Petoskey is like the Willy Wonka factory of Northern Michigan, minus the Oompa Loompas (as far as we know).
The shop’s exterior is as inviting as a warm hug, with its cheerful awning and promise of sweet delights.
Inside, it’s a cacophony of colors and aromas that’ll make your inner child do backflips.
Their fudge is the stuff of dreams, but let’s not forget about their other confections.
It’s like they took all the best parts of childhood and condensed them into edible form.
Word to the wise: Bring stretchy pants.
You’ll thank me later.
5. Sanders Candy (Clinton Township)
Sanders Candy is the elder statesman of Michigan’s sweet scene, having been around since 1875.
Their Clinton Township location looks like a quaint Tudor-style cottage that got lost on its way to a fairy tale.
Step inside and you’re transported to a world where chocolate flows like water and fudge is considered a basic food group.
Their fudge is so good, it should probably be illegal.
But let’s keep that between us, shall we?
6. Alpine Chocolat Haus (Gaylord)
Alpine Chocolat Haus in Gaylord is like that overachieving friend who’s good at everything.
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Not content with just making amazing fudge, they’ve branched out into all sorts of chocolatey goodness.
The shop’s exterior is sleek and modern, but don’t let that fool you – inside, it’s as warm and inviting as grandma’s kitchen.
Their fudge is so creamy, it makes velvet feel like sandpaper in comparison.
Warning: side effects of visiting may include spontaneous happy dances and an irresistible urge to hug strangers.
7. Sweetland Candies (Grand Rapids)
Sweetland Candies in Grand Rapids is the unassuming superhero of the candy world.
From the outside, it looks like a regular strip mall shop, but inside? It’s a wonderland of sweetness that’ll knock your socks off.
Their fudge is the stuff of legends, whispered about in hushed tones by sugar aficionados across the state.
It’s so good, you might find yourself planning your entire vacation around a visit here.
8. Mackinac Fudge Shop (St. Ignace)
The Mackinac Fudge Shop in St. Ignace is like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow – if that pot of gold was made of delicious, creamy fudge.
The shop’s charming exterior, complete with red trim and flower boxes, is practically begging you to come inside.
Once you’re in, prepare for sensory overload.
The smell alone is enough to make you weak in the knees.
Their fudge-making process is a sight to behold – it’s like watching a delicious magic show.
9. Marshall’s Fudge (Mackinaw City)
Marshall’s Fudge in Mackinaw City is the kind of place that makes you believe in love at first bite.
The shop’s vintage-style sign is like a beacon of hope for weary travelers (and sugar addicts).
Inside, it’s a fudge lover’s paradise.
The array of flavors is mind-boggling – it’s like they’ve somehow managed to distill pure joy into edible form.
Their fudge is so good, it should come with a warning label.
10. Sayklly’s Candies (Escanaba)
Last but certainly not least, we have Sayklly’s Candies in Escanaba.
This place is the unsung hero of Michigan’s fudge scene, quietly churning out deliciousness since 1906.
The shop might not look like much from the outside, but don’t let that fool you.
Inside, it’s a treasure trove of sweet delights.
Their fudge is the kind of thing poets would write sonnets about – if they weren’t too busy stuffing their faces with it.
Fun fact: The satisfaction of biting into Sayklly’s fudge has been known to cure even the worst cases of the Mondays.
There you have it, folks – a tour of Michigan’s sweetest spots.
Remember, life is short.
Eat dessert first, especially if it’s fudge!