Pickle-flavored cotton candy sits on a shelf here, right next to pancake and spicy jalapeño versions. I can’t decide if that’s brave or a little bit wild.
Either way, I already want to see it.
The surprises keep stacking up from there. There’s fudge in flavors like carrot cake and strawberry cheesecake.
Coolers hold sodas most folks have never heard of. And the restrooms come with sparkling chandeliers, which nobody expects at a candy stop.
This sweet spot sits right off the interstate in the middle of Missouri. It’s open every single day, early morning until late evening.
I like that road-trippers and grandkids can pop in any time the sweet tooth calls.
So what happens when a highway stop starts acting like a chocolate factory from a storybook? Let’s find out together, one sample at a time.
A Sugar Wonderland Waiting Right Off Exit 118
Highway boredom has a cure, and it’s called Redmon’s Candy Factory. The shop sits in Phillipsburg, Missouri, right beside Interstate 44 at Exit 118.
Google lists it simply as a candy store. That label sells it short, honestly.
Inside, shelves overflow with big-name brands and treats made right on site. You’ll find chocolate, fudge, popcorn, taffy, and a whole lot more under one roof.
The place has earned a 4.6-star rating across more than 9,400 Google reviews. That’s a lot of happy sweet tooths weighing in.
Phillipsburg is a small town in Laclede County, east of Springfield. The candy factory makes it a natural pause on any I-44 trip across the Ozarks.
It works as a quick break or a full-blown destination. Plenty of travelers plan a short stop and end up lingering much longer.
Families heading to the lake can swing through easily. Grandparents driving to see the grandkids can, too.
And here’s a fun bonus for the cooler and the car. Fuel is available on site, so filling up the tank and the candy bag happens together.
Not a bad deal for one exit, right? Let’s look closer at what makes it so sweet.
The Nose Knows Before the Door Even Closes
Popcorn hits first. Visitors often describe a rich, sweet aroma rolling out the moment the door swings open.
That smell blends buttery popcorn with homemade fudge. One traveler called it the scent of childhood dreams, which feels about right.
The air seems to carry every flavor at once. Caramel, chocolate, and sugar all compete for your attention.
Plenty of shops sell candy in sealed wrappers. Here, much of it gets made fresh, so the whole building smells like a working kitchen.
Kids will notice instantly, of course. Grown-ups usually follow right behind with the same grin.
Good luck walking past the popcorn without grabbing a bag. The temptation starts before you reach a single shelf.
That first whiff sets the tone for everything else. It promises fresh treats, and the counters back it up.
Many guests mention the old-fashioned charm right away. The aroma plays a big part in that feeling.
It’s a little like opening Grandma’s kitchen door on baking day. Only this kitchen happens to be the size of a candy store.
So take a deep breath when you arrive. It’s the cheapest treat in the building.
Fudge Flavors That Sound Made Up But Aren’t
Carrot cake fudge exists, and it lives here. So do butter pecan, orange creamsicle, and strawberry cheesecake.
Fudge is easily the star at Redmon’s Candy Factory. It’s the treat folks bring up more than anything else.
The counter offers both classic and adventurous picks. Snickers fudge and peanut butter chocolate show up alongside dark chocolate orange.
One side of the counter holds the fudge lineup. The other side shows off specialty treats dipped in chocolate.
Here’s the friendliest part. Free samples are reportedly offered, so you can test a flavor before committing.
That makes choosing a little easier. It also makes leaving with just one flavor nearly impossible.
Fudge makes an easy gift for the folks back home. It also travels well in a cooler on a warm Missouri afternoon.
Grandkids can pick something wild while Grandpa sticks with plain chocolate. Everybody wins at that counter.
Flavors may rotate, so the lineup could look different each trip. That just gives you a reason to come back.
Honestly, a box of fudge beats a gas station candy bar any day. And you’re already right off the highway.
Taffy in More Colors Than a Box of Crayons
Saltwater taffy gets a whole section to itself. Rows of wrapped pieces line up in countless styles and flavors.
It’s the second most talked-about treat at the shop. Only fudge pulls more attention.
You don’t need an ocean nearby to enjoy taffy. Missouri does just fine, thank you.
Bags are available for filling, and plenty of folks load them right up. Mixing flavors is half the fun.
Little ones love grabbing a rainbow of colors. Older folks often reach for the old-fashioned flavors they remember.
Taffy also makes a great car snack. It keeps small hands busy for miles down I-44.
A bag of mixed taffy makes a sweet souvenir, too. It’s light, easy to pack, and fun to share.
Try setting a rule before you start. Maybe one scoop each, or maybe five favorite flavors.
That rule may not last long, though. The bins have a strong pull on willpower.
Bring the whole crew over to that section and let everyone choose. You’ll hear plenty of debate about the best flavor on the drive home.
Retro Candy That Brings Back the Five-and-Dime Days
Remember candy you haven’t spotted since grade school? Odds are decent it’s sitting on a shelf here.
Nostalgic candy is a big draw at Redmon’s. Shelves hold jars and baskets packed with retro favorites.
Some visitors spot sweets they last saw as kids. Others find treats from the 1990s and early 2000s.
That mix means every generation gets a turn. Grandparents point out their old favorites while grandkids find theirs.
It sparks great conversations, too. Kids love hearing what candy cost back in the day.
Big jawbreakers are part of the fun. So are the classic chocolates nearly everyone grew up with.
One traveler near 50 said it felt like being five years old again. That’s the magic of a good candy shelf.
Grab something that reminds you of a childhood summer. Then share the story behind it in the car.
These little memory trips make the stop special. They turn a snack break into a family moment.
Snap a photo of the treat that takes you back. Somebody in the family group chat will surely remember it, too.
Cotton Candy Flavors That Dare You to Try Them
Pancake. PB&J.
Spicy jalapeño. Pickle.
Those are real cotton candy flavors spotted at the shop. Ask yourself which one you’d actually taste.
The cotton candy lineup leans quirky and fun. It’s the kind of selection that gets kids giggling.
Some flavors sound like breakfast. Others sound like a dare from an older cousin.
Not every choice is wild, though. Classic sweet flavors keep things safe for cautious eaters.
This section shows the playful side of the place. It feels like something a famous candy maker in a top hat might invent.
Families can turn it into a little game. Everyone picks one oddball flavor to share on the road.
The pickle tub might be the toughest sell. At least one group of travelers admitted they couldn’t quite bring themselves to try it.
Flavors may change over time, so selection could vary. Part of the fun is seeing what’s on the shelf that day.
Whatever you pick, it’ll make a story. And a good story is worth almost as much as the candy.
Popcorn Flavors Worth a Second Bag
Many flavors of popcorn wait near the counter. It’s one of the most mentioned treats in the whole shop.
Fresh popcorn helps create that famous smell. It practically calls your name from the door.
The selection ranges from sweet to buttery. Bags come in different sizes, so check which one you’re grabbing.
Popcorn makes a smart pick for long drives. It’s easy to share and not too messy in the back seat.
Kids can pick a fun flavor while adults choose a classic. Split the difference with a mix.
For grandparents, it’s a budget-friendly treat everyone enjoys. A big bag stretches across a lot of miles.
Pair it with fudge for a sweet and crunchy combo. That’s a winning snack plan for any Missouri road trip.
Popcorn also works for movie night once you’re home. Save a bag and the fun keeps going.
It’s easy to see why folks keep circling back to this counter. Every flavor seems to have its fans.
Just don’t let anybody open the bag before you reach the car. That rarely works, but it’s worth a try.
A Soda Cooler Full of Bottles You’ve Never Heard Of
Weird sodas might be the sleeper hit here. The coolers hold a huge variety of drinks.
Some guests admit they’d never heard of half the bottles. That’s exactly why they’re fun to browse.
Bottled root beers show up among the choices. Plenty of unusual flavors fill out the rest.
Kids love picking the strangest bottle they can find. Adults often go for a classic root beer from childhood.
A cold soda pairs nicely with fudge. It also cools things down on a hot summer drive.
Glass-bottle drinks bring back memories of old general stores. The soda selection fits right into that nostalgic feel.
Try buying a few different ones to share. Everybody gets a sip and votes on a favorite.
It’s a cheap little adventure in a bottle. And it adds something different to the usual gas station drink.
Bottles also make fun souvenirs for collectors. Some folks like to save the caps.
Just pace yourself between soda and sugar. Your dentist will appreciate it, and so will the driver.
A Gift Store Big Enough to Lose an Afternoon
Right next to the candy is the World’s Largest Gift Store. Yes, that’s really the name.
The buildings look even larger up close than from the highway. Inside, the variety can feel a little overwhelming in a fun way.
Quirky T-shirts, hilarious socks, and toys fill the aisles. Jams, jellies, and preserves show up too.
Candles get a nod as well. It’s a great spot to find a souvenir for Grandma or a goofy gift for a cousin.
Now, timing matters here. Visitors report the gift store closes much earlier than the candy shop, around 5 PM.
Plan to arrive earlier in the day if browsing matters to you. Hours may vary, so double-check before you go.
Many families plan a short stop and stay much longer. The aisles keep pulling folks deeper inside.
It’s a nice way to stretch your legs on a long drive. Kids can wander while grown-ups shop.
Bring a little extra patience and maybe a budget. Those funny socks are hard to pass up.
And yes, you’ll probably leave with something you didn’t need. That’s half the fun.
Friendly Faces Behind the Counter, Most Days
Friendly staff come up often when folks describe their visit. Hundreds of mentions point to helpful, welcoming service.
Many travelers say workers happily offer samples. Others mention help finding a specific candy.
That warmth adds to the old-fashioned feel. It’s nice when the person behind the counter seems glad you stopped.
To be fair, not every visit goes perfectly. A few guests describe quieter moments and less cheerful service.
Busy roadside stops can have off days, like anywhere. A little kindness from customers usually helps too.
Overall, the 4.6-star rating speaks well of the experience. Most folks clearly leave happy.
Asking for a sample is a great way to start chatting. It’s also the tastiest way to make a decision.
Kids can practice saying please and thank you at the counter. Grandparents will be proud.
Patience pays off during busy times, too. The line moves, and the fudge isn’t going anywhere.
A smile goes both ways at a candy counter. Bring one along, and you’ll likely get one back.
Plenty of Room for RVs, Trucks, and Grandpa’s Big Sedan
Parking won’t be the hard part here. The lot has space for commercial trucks, RVs, and trailers.
One cross-country traveler pulled in with a big moving truck and a tow. They still had plenty of room.
That’s welcome news for retirees in motor homes. It also helps families towing a boat to the lake.
Getting back on the interstate is easy, too. Visitors describe it as a quick off-and-on from I-44.
Fuel is sold on site, which saves an extra stop. You can gas up and grab sweets in one trip.
The gas station area carries plenty of candy itself. Even a quick fill-up comes with temptation.
For long Missouri drives, convenience counts. This stop checks a lot of boxes at once.
Truck drivers seem to appreciate it as well. Big rigs have room to maneuver.
So there’s no need to stress about squeezing in. Pull up, stretch, and head inside.
Easy parking might sound boring. Anyone who’s circled a crowded lot knows better.
Hours, Directions, and a Few Smart Tips Before You Go
Early birds are in luck. The candy store opens at 7:30 AM every day of the week.
It stays open until 9 PM, Monday through Sunday. That makes it easy to fit into almost any road trip schedule.
You’ll find it at 330 Pine St, Phillipsburg, MO 65722. Take Exit 118 off Interstate 44.
Phillipsburg sits between Springfield and Lebanon. It’s an easy day trip from either city.
From St. Louis or Kansas City, it fits nicely into a longer Ozarks drive. Many folks stop on the way to the lake.
Remember, the gift store keeps shorter hours. Arrive by afternoon if you want time to browse both.
Hours can change for holidays or seasons. Call ahead or check before you drive, just to be safe.
Some sugar-free candy is available for those watching their sugar. Vegan options are reportedly limited.
Bring a cooler for fudge on hot days. Missouri summers can be tough on chocolate.
A little planning keeps the trip sweet. Then all that’s left is choosing your treats.
Why This Sweet Stop Earns a Spot on Your Missouri Map
Some stops fade from memory by the next exit. Redmon’s Candy Factory tends to stick around a lot longer.
It blends homemade fudge, nostalgic candy, and quirky surprises. Add chandelier restrooms and a giant gift store, and you’ve got a true Missouri original.
The value feels good, too. You can fill a bag, grab a soda, and gas up in one easy stop.
Families love it for different reasons. Kids chase the wild flavors while grandparents relive childhood favorites.
It’s the kind of place you tell people about. Many travelers even plan future routes around it.
A Willy Wonka comparison feels fair here. The fun, the colors, and the oddball flavors all fit that storybook mood.
No golden ticket required, either. Just take Exit 118 and follow your nose.
Plan a little extra time if you can. The shelves and the gift store reward a slow wander.
Tag the sweet tooth in your family when you share this. They’ll probably start planning the drive.
And when you leave with more candy than planned? Well, that’s how you know you did it right.
