Wittich’s Candy Shop, Circleville

From the jars full of gummy bears and Jordan almonds to the classic soda fountain and a hot fudge recipe that goes back decades, Wittich’s Candy Shop lives up to its billing as the oldest family-owned and -operated candy shop in the nation.

Founded by G.F. Wittich in 1840, the downtown Circleville confectionery is now in its fourth generation. Many of the shop’s chocolate and mint recipes date back to the early 1900s, and its homemade buckeyes, caramels and creams are big sellers.

“We’re not trying to invent new things to stay relevant,” says April Hoffman, daughter of the shop’s current owner Janet Wittich. “We’re just doing what’s tried and true and works really well. … We still hand-dip our chocolates, which is kind of an art that is dying out over mechanization.”

The sweets shop also stocks gift baskets and plush animals as well as chocolate molds for people who want to craft their own. “We’re a unique place being the only candy shop in Circleville,” says Hoffman. “We do things the old-fashioned way, and it still works.” 117 W. High St., Circleville 43113, 740/474-3313, wittichscandyshop.com