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This Sweet Tooth Road Trip Will Take You To The 10 Best Old-School Michigan Fudge Shops


Imagine a world where calories don’t count and sugar rushes last forever.

Welcome to Michigan’s fudge paradise, where your dentist’s nightmares come true and your taste buds throw a party!

1. JoAnn’s Fudge (Mackinac Island)

JoAnn's Fudge: Where calories fear to tread. This charming shop is a siren call to sweet tooths everywhere. Resistance is futile, but oh so delicious!JoAnn's Fudge: Where calories fear to tread. This charming shop is a siren call to sweet tooths everywhere. Resistance is futile, but oh so delicious!
JoAnn’s Fudge: Where calories fear to tread. This charming shop is a siren call to sweet tooths everywhere. Resistance is futile, but oh so delicious! Photo Credit: LunaTech 3D

Oh, JoAnn’s Fudge, where have you been all my life?

This Mackinac Island gem is like stepping into Willy Wonka’s factory, minus the Oompa Loompas and questionable child labor practices.

The white clapboard building with its cheery red trim is as inviting as grandma’s house – if grandma were a confectionery genius.

Fudge flavors galore! JoAnn's rainbow of treats makes choosing harder than solving a Rubik's Cube. But unlike the cube, every choice is a win.Fudge flavors galore! JoAnn's rainbow of treats makes choosing harder than solving a Rubik's Cube. But unlike the cube, every choice is a win.
Fudge flavors galore! JoAnn’s rainbow of treats makes choosing harder than solving a Rubik’s Cube. But unlike the cube, every choice is a win. Photo Credit: Lili H.

Inside, the aroma of chocolate and sugar hits you like a sweet, sweet uppercut to the senses.

The fudge-making process is on full display, with artisans folding and shaping the gooey goodness on marble slabs.

It’s like watching edible modern art being created, except you can actually eat this masterpiece without getting kicked out of a museum.

2. Original Murdick’s Fudge (Mackinac Island)

Step into sweetness! Murdick's Fudge, where history and sugar collide in a delicious time warp. It's like Willy Wonka opened a Victorian bed and breakfast.Step into sweetness! Murdick's Fudge, where history and sugar collide in a delicious time warp. It's like Willy Wonka opened a Victorian bed and breakfast.
Step into sweetness! Murdick’s Fudge, where history and sugar collide in a delicious time warp. It’s like Willy Wonka opened a Victorian bed and breakfast. Photo Credit: Samantha N.

Just a hop, skip, and a sugar-induced jump away is Original Murdick’s Fudge.

This place has been around since 1887, which means they’ve had over a century to perfect the art of making your pancreas work overtime.

The storefront, with its bold lettering proclaiming “THE ORIGINAL SINCE 1887,” is like a time machine to a sweeter era.

Fudge-making as performance art! Watch confectioners transform liquid indulgence into solid joy. It's the Cirque du Soleil of sweets, minus the acrobatics.Fudge-making as performance art! Watch confectioners transform liquid indulgence into solid joy. It's the Cirque du Soleil of sweets, minus the acrobatics.
Fudge-making as performance art! Watch confectioners transform liquid indulgence into solid joy. It’s the Cirque du Soleil of sweets, minus the acrobatics. Photo Credit: Abhishek Master

Step inside, and you’re greeted by the sight of copper kettles and the rhythmic sound of fudge being paddled.

It’s like a symphony orchestra, but instead of violins and cellos, they’re playing with sugar and cream.

The result? A fudge so smooth it could talk its way out of a speeding ticket.

3. Ryba’s Fudge Shops (Mackinac Island)

Ryba's: The fudge shop that could. With multiple locations, it's like a sweet treasure hunt across Mackinac Island. X marks the spot... everywhere!Ryba's: The fudge shop that could. With multiple locations, it's like a sweet treasure hunt across Mackinac Island. X marks the spot... everywhere!
Ryba’s: The fudge shop that could. With multiple locations, it’s like a sweet treasure hunt across Mackinac Island. X marks the spot… everywhere! Photo credit: Preston Luman

Completing the holy trinity of Mackinac Island fudge is Ryba’s.

This place is like the cool kid on the block who knows they’ve got the goods.

The storefront, with its classic awning and inviting windows, practically winks at you as you walk by.

Fudge so good, it should be illegal. Ryba's might just be the most delicious felony you'll ever commit. Guilty as charged, Your Honor!Fudge so good, it should be illegal. Ryba's might just be the most delicious felony you'll ever commit. Guilty as charged, Your Honor!
Fudge so good, it should be illegal. Ryba’s might just be the most delicious felony you’ll ever commit. Guilty as charged, Your Honor! Photo credit: Preston Luman

Inside, it’s a fudge lover’s fever dream.

The air is thick with the scent of chocolate, vanilla, and probably a few cavities in the making.

But who cares about dental health when you’re face-to-face with slabs of fudge so tempting they should come with a warning label?

4. Kilwin’s Chocolates & Ice Cream (Petoskey)

Kilwin's: Where ice cream dreams and fudge fantasies collide. It's like Disneyland for your taste buds, minus the long lines and mouse ears.Kilwin's: Where ice cream dreams and fudge fantasies collide. It's like Disneyland for your taste buds, minus the long lines and mouse ears.
Kilwin’s: Where ice cream dreams and fudge fantasies collide. It’s like Disneyland for your taste buds, minus the long lines and mouse ears. Photo credit: Paul Kaser

Venturing off the island, we find ourselves in Petoskey at Kilwin’s.

This place is like the Swiss Army knife of sweet shops – fudge, chocolates, ice cream, they’ve got it all.

The storefront, with its charming red awning and old-school vibe, is like a beacon for sugar enthusiasts.

Sweet tooth paradise! Kilwin's serves up nostalgia with a side of sugar rush. It's like time travel, but with better snacks.Sweet tooth paradise! Kilwin's serves up nostalgia with a side of sugar rush. It's like time travel, but with better snacks.
Sweet tooth paradise! Kilwin’s serves up nostalgia with a side of sugar rush. It’s like time travel, but with better snacks. Photo credit: Nimesh Ramachandran

Step inside, and you’re hit with a sensory overload that would make Willy Wonka jealous.

The smell of waffle cones mingles with the rich aroma of chocolate, creating an olfactory experience that should be bottled and sold as perfume.

Watch as they hand-paddle fudge on marble slabs – it’s like a delicious magic show where the rabbit gets turned into chocolate.

5. Sanders Candy (Clinton Township)

Sanders: Surviving wars, depressions, and diet fads since 1875. Their secret? Fudge that could make even a statue smile.Sanders: Surviving wars, depressions, and diet fads since 1875. Their secret? Fudge that could make even a statue smile.
Sanders: Surviving wars, depressions, and diet fads since 1875. Their secret? Fudge that could make even a statue smile. Photo credit: Javier Rosario

Sanders Candy in Clinton Township is the fudge shop equivalent of your cool grandparent who still knows how to party.

The Tudor-style building looks like it was plucked straight out of a fairy tale, but instead of a witch trying to fatten up kids, it’s a wonderland of confectionery delights.

Inside, it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane, with a modern twist.

Step into Sanders, where every day is cheat day. It's not just candy, it's a Michigan institution – sweeter than a Tigers' World Series win.Step into Sanders, where every day is cheat day. It's not just candy, it's a Michigan institution – sweeter than a Tigers' World Series win.
Step into Sanders, where every day is cheat day. It’s not just candy, it’s a Michigan institution – sweeter than a Tigers’ World Series win. Photo credit: Dawn T

The display cases are filled with an array of treats that would make Mary Poppins’ spoonful of sugar look like amateur hour.

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Their hot fudge is so legendary, it probably has its own fan club and merchandise line.

6. Alpine Chocolat Haus (Gaylord)

Alpine Chocolat Haus: Bringing Swiss charm to Michigan. No yodeling required, but you might break into song after tasting their fudge.Alpine Chocolat Haus: Bringing Swiss charm to Michigan. No yodeling required, but you might break into song after tasting their fudge.
Alpine Chocolat Haus: Bringing Swiss charm to Michigan. No yodeling required, but you might break into song after tasting their fudge. Photo credit: Scott Blackwell

Alpine Chocolat Haus in Gaylord is like the love child of a Swiss chalet and Willy Wonka’s chocolate room.

The storefront, with its bold signage and promise of “Gourmet Hot Chocolat,” is like a siren call to chocoholics everywhere.

Step inside, and you’re transported to a world where chocolate reigns supreme.

Hot chocolate heaven! Alpine's liquid gold could warm even the coldest Michigan winter. It's like a hug for your insides.Hot chocolate heaven! Alpine's liquid gold could warm even the coldest Michigan winter. It's like a hug for your insides.
Hot chocolate heaven! Alpine’s liquid gold could warm even the coldest Michigan winter. It’s like a hug for your insides. Photo credit: Brad Brumm

The air is thick with the scent of cocoa, and the displays are a testament to the versatility of chocolate.

From truffles to fudge to chocolate-covered everything, it’s like they’re on a mission to prove that chocolate is indeed its own food group.

7. Sweetland Candies (Grand Rapids)

Sweetland Candies: Unassuming on the outside, a sugar explosion on the inside. It's the Clark Kent of candy shops – mild-mannered, but super-powered.Sweetland Candies: Unassuming on the outside, a sugar explosion on the inside. It's the Clark Kent of candy shops – mild-mannered, but super-powered.
Sweetland Candies: Unassuming on the outside, a sugar explosion on the inside. It’s the Clark Kent of candy shops – mild-mannered, but super-powered. Photo credit: Sweetland Candies

Sweetland Candies in Grand Rapids is the unassuming superhero of the candy world.

From the outside, it looks like a regular strip mall store, but inside? It’s a sugar-coated wonderland that would make even the Candy Crush saga look bland.

The moment you walk in, you’re hit with a wave of sweet nostalgia.

Fudge so creamy, you'll want to bathe in it. (Please don't. That's weird.) Sweetland's treats are the stuff of Grand Rapids legend.Fudge so creamy, you'll want to bathe in it. (Please don't. That's weird.) Sweetland's treats are the stuff of Grand Rapids legend.
Fudge so creamy, you’ll want to bathe in it. (Please don’t. That’s weird.) Sweetland’s treats are the stuff of Grand Rapids legend. Photo credit: Sweetland Candies

It’s like someone took all your childhood candy dreams and turned them into reality.

The fudge here isn’t just a treat; it’s a rite of passage for any self-respecting sweet tooth in Michigan.

8. Mackinac Fudge Shop (St. Ignace)

Mackinac Fudge Shop: Island flavor, mainland convenience. Get your fudge fix without the ferry ride. It's like teleportation for your taste buds!Mackinac Fudge Shop: Island flavor, mainland convenience. Get your fudge fix without the ferry ride. It's like teleportation for your taste buds!
Mackinac Fudge Shop: Island flavor, mainland convenience. Get your fudge fix without the ferry ride. It’s like teleportation for your taste buds! Photo credit: Carla Sessions

The Mackinac Fudge Shop in St. Ignace is like the cool cousin of the Mackinac Island fudge shops.

It’s got all the charm of its island relatives, but with the added bonus of not having to dodge horse droppings on your way there.

Size doesn't matter at Mackinac Fudge Shop. This little store packs a big flavor punch. It's the ant that moves the rubber tree plant of the fudge world.Size doesn't matter at Mackinac Fudge Shop. This little store packs a big flavor punch. It's the ant that moves the rubber tree plant of the fudge world.
Size doesn’t matter at Mackinac Fudge Shop. This little store packs a big flavor punch. It’s the ant that moves the rubber tree plant of the fudge world. Photo credit: Keith Moore

The white building with its red trim is like a beacon of sugary hope in a world of savory disappointments.

Inside, it’s a fudge lover’s paradise, with rows upon rows of creamy, dreamy fudge varieties.

The smell alone is enough to make you consider moving in and declaring yourself the Fudge King of St. Ignace.

9. Marshall’s Fudge (Mackinaw City)

Marshall's Fudge: The opening act that steals the show. This retro gem might make you forget about crossing that big ol' bridge altogether.Marshall's Fudge: The opening act that steals the show. This retro gem might make you forget about crossing that big ol' bridge altogether.
Marshall’s Fudge: The opening act that steals the show. This retro gem might make you forget about crossing that big ol’ bridge altogether. Photo credit: Jason Frye

Marshall’s Fudge in Mackinaw City is the fudge shop equivalent of that friend who’s been around forever and just keeps getting better with age.

The retro signage and classic storefront are like a time machine to a simpler time when calories were just a twinkle in a nutritionist’s eye.

Step inside, and you’re greeted by the sweet symphony of fudge being made.

Fudge so good, it deserves its own Broadway musical. Marshall's sweet slabs hit all the right notes. Standing ovation, please!Fudge so good, it deserves its own Broadway musical. Marshall's sweet slabs hit all the right notes. Standing ovation, please!
Fudge so good, it deserves its own Broadway musical. Marshall’s sweet slabs hit all the right notes. Standing ovation, please! Photo credit: Eat Your BBQ

The air is thick with the scent of chocolate, vanilla, and probably a few broken diets.

But who cares about waistlines when you’re face-to-face with fudge so good it should be illegal?

10. Sayklly’s Candies (Escanaba)

"Sayklly's Candies: Warming UP winters since 1906. Their fudge could melt a Yooper's heart faster than the spring thaw."Sayklly's Candies: Warming UP winters since 1906. Their fudge could melt a Yooper's heart faster than the spring thaw.
“Sayklly’s Candies: Warming UP winters since 1906. Their fudge could melt a Yooper’s heart faster than the spring thaw. Photo credit: Sayklly’s Candies

Last but not least, we have Sayklly’s Candies in Escanaba, the unsung hero of the Michigan fudge scene.

This place has been around since 1906, which means they’ve survived two World Wars, the Great Depression, and countless diet fads.

If that’s not a testament to the power of sugar, I don’t know what is.

The unassuming white building might not scream “fudge paradise,” but don’t let looks deceive you.

No frills, all thrills at Sayklly's. This Escanaba institution proves that great fudge doesn't need fancy packaging. It's the Betty White of candy shops!No frills, all thrills at Sayklly's. This Escanaba institution proves that great fudge doesn't need fancy packaging. It's the Betty White of candy shops!
No frills, all thrills at Sayklly’s. This Escanaba institution proves that great fudge doesn’t need fancy packaging. It’s the Betty White of candy shops! Photo credit: Tricia W

Inside, it’s a wonderland of sweets that would make even the most hardened sugar critic weak at the knees.

Their fudge is the stuff of legends, probably capable of solving world peace if given the chance.

There you have it, folks – a tour of Michigan’s finest fudge shops that’ll leave you with a sugar high and zero regrets.

Chart your course to flavor!

This map is your key to smooth travels and tasty discoveries.

sweet-tooth-trip-michigan mapsweet-tooth-trip-michigan map

Remember, calories don’t count on vacation… or so I keep telling myself.





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