Bacon soda. Ranch dressing soda.
Buffalo soda. Somebody stocked those on purpose, and I can’t stop smiling about it.
This little Washington candy shop sits along a mountain highway, and it hides a second floor of sweets below the first. Upstairs, you get house-made fudge, taffy, jams, and sauces.
Downstairs, the old-school candy waits like a time machine with a cash register.
I like how it works for everyone in the car. Kids can hunt for gummies and rice candy.
Grandparents can spot treats they haven’t seen in decades.
The drive alone brings real mountain views. Then the shelves take over, and suddenly you’re bargaining with yourself over one more square of fudge.
Would you pick the root beer flavor, or the soda that tastes like sour cream and onion?
A Candy Stop On The Mountain Road You’ll Want To Pull Over For
Road trips need a reward, and The Alps Fudge/Candy delivers one right off US-2. The shop sits on the road into Leavenworth, a quick drive up from the Bavarian-style town.
Google lists it as a candy store, but that label sells it short. The shelves also hold jams, sauces, seasonings, teas, soft beef sticks, and more.
It works as a natural stretch-your-legs stop for anyone crossing the pass. Families heading to eastern Washington often make it part of the routine.
The building has two levels, and each one has its own personality. Upstairs leans toward fudge, taffy, and pantry goodies.
Downstairs is the kids’ candy zone, packed with nostalgic sweets. That split makes it easy for a whole family to spread out happily.
The place holds a 4.7-star rating across more than a thousand Google reviews. That’s a lot of happy sweet tooths for one roadside shop.
Fudge comes up more than any other topic, followed by taffy and the soda selection. Friendly staff gets plenty of mentions too.
So yes, it’s a candy store. But it’s also a pantry, a soda library, and a mini museum of childhood treats under one roof.
The Story Behind A Shop That Came Back Stronger
Fires usually end stories, yet this one kept going. One past visitor learned from an owner that the store was rebuilt after a fire.
Details about the date aren’t clear, so I won’t guess. What matters is that the doors opened again, and the candy kept flowing.
Plenty of families treat the stop like a tradition. Some have pulled in for decades while crossing the mountains.
One longtime visitor recalled stopping when her kids were small, on trips to see her parents. Now she and her husband still stop on their way east.
Another family makes it an annual stop on the way to the lake. That kind of loyalty doesn’t happen by accident.
A few visitors have wished the shop’s history had a bigger spot inside the store. Honestly, I agree, because the backstory adds charm.
The shop also made changes recently, including a new candy counter. The owner explained it came from customer feedback about buying single chocolates.
Not every longtime fan loved the remodel, which is fair. Change at a childhood favorite can sting a little.
Still, the heart of the place remains the same. Fudge, taffy, and a ridiculous soda wall keep pulling travelers off the highway.
Fudge Made Right Here Is The Main Event
Root beer fudge. That flavor alone should get your attention.
Fudge is the most-mentioned topic for The Alps Fudge/Candy, and it’s easy to see why. The shop makes its own, and there are many varieties to choose from.
Past visitors have described sampling fudge at the counter before buying. Free samples are a dangerous strategy, because one taste usually leads to a box.
One shopper bought a couple of squares after trying it. Another family admitted they wished they’d grabbed more for the road.
The kitchen sits downstairs, according to an owner’s chat with one visitor years ago. That same visitor heard the shop makes about 300 of its own products.
Whether that number holds today, I can’t confirm. Either way, house-made treats clearly sit at the center of the operation.
Fudge squares also travel well for a road trip. They make an easy gift for whoever’s watching the dog back home.
Kids usually go straight for chocolate. Grown-ups might gamble on something bolder like root beer.
My advice? Ask what’s on offer that day and taste before you commit.
The worst outcome is leaving with two flavors instead of one.
Taffy In More Colors Than Your Crayon Box
Saltwater taffy has a superpower. It turns grown adults into careful pickers, digging for that one flavor they loved at age nine.
Taffy is the second-most talked-about item here. Visitors keep pointing to the huge selection.
For families, taffy is a smart pick. Kids can choose their own mix, and everyone gets a say.
It’s also an easy way to keep spending in check. A small bag of favorites feels like a treat without turning into a splurge.
Taffy is chewy, colorful, and wrapped, which makes it great for the car. No sticky fingers on the seat belts, hopefully.
Grandparents tend to love this part. Taffy bins feel like a throwback to boardwalk candy counters from decades ago.
The shop also sells brittles, including coconut macadamia nut brittle. There’s even jalapeño peanut brittle for the brave.
Peanut butter crunch earns a surprising number of mentions too. It shows up often enough to deserve a spot on your list.
So build a bag, trade flavors in the parking lot, and argue about the best color. That’s half the fun of a candy stop anyway.
A Soda Wall That Dares You To Get Weird
Ranch dressing soda exists, and it lives here. So do bacon, buffalo, and sour cream and onion flavors.
One past visitor called those flavors repulsive in theory. Then they still called the place really neat.
The soda selection is one of the most-mentioned features. Another visitor boldly called it the best soda selection in the state.
Not every bottle is a dare, of course. Retro and specialty sodas fill the shelves for folks who prefer classic flavors.
Kids will treat this aisle like a science fair. Expect lots of pointing and at least one gagging face.
Here’s a fun family game. Let everyone pick one bottle, then share sips at a picnic stop later.
The prize goes to whoever survives the strangest flavor. Bragging rights last at least until the next gas station.
The bottles make clever gifts too. A buffalo-flavored soda says a lot about your sense of humor.
Sweet tooths can stick with root beer or cream soda. Adventurers can go full chaos.
Either way, this aisle turns a quick stop into a memory. And probably a photo or two.
Head Downstairs For A Time Machine Made Of Candy
Down the stairs, the years start falling away. The lower level is the kids’ candy shop, stuffed with nostalgic treats.
Visitors mention finding candy they hadn’t seen since childhood. Rice candy is one example, and gummies stuffed in a candy taco are another.
One shopper spotted Retro Sours, once known as Altoids Sours. She hadn’t seen them in any other candy store.
That’s the magic of this floor. Parents get to point and say, “I used to eat these,” while kids roll their eyes.
Some visitors even preferred the downstairs candy over upstairs. It’s worth the trip down, so don’t skip it.
Little ones get to browse at their own level. Grandparents get a walk down memory lane, with the help of the handrail.
Old-time candy pops up often in mentions. It’s a big part of what makes the stop feel special.
One fun tip involves the staff. An employee once told visitors that workers think the building might be haunted.
Ask about it, if you dare. A spooky story pairs nicely with a pocketful of retro candy.
Jams, Relish, And Sauces Worth Stocking Up On
Candy might get you through the door, but the jars might send you home. Jams, jellies, relish, and hot sauces line the shelves.
One visitor stops specifically for the jalapeño relish. Another’s husband got hooked on the relish too.
The shop also sells its own condiments. German-style mustard earned special praise from one happy shopper.
Marmalade has a way of sneaking into baskets as well. One visitor admitted buying some she didn’t need because she couldn’t resist.
You’ll also find salsas, honeys, butters, dressings, seasonings, and teas. Marinated mushrooms showed up in at least one shopping haul.
Soft beef sticks and sausage round things out for savory fans. That’s handy when not everyone in the car wants sugar.
Bottle labels carry plenty of humor. One visitor said their group laughed reading them.
These jars make easy gifts, especially for hosts or grandparents. Nobody complains about a quirky hot sauce.
Aplets and Cotlets, a classic Washington candy, sit on the shelves too. It’s a sweet way to bring a little state pride home.
So save some room in the trunk. The pantry side deserves real browsing time.
Pick Your Chocolates One At A Time At The New Counter
Mix-and-match chocolate is now part of the deal. The Alps Fudge/Candy added a candy counter where chocolates are sold by the pound.
The owner explained the change came from customer feedback. Shoppers didn’t want to buy several of the same chocolate just to get one.
Now you can choose a few different pieces instead. That’s great for families who want a little of everything.
Each kid can pick a favorite without fighting over a box. Grown-ups can sample a couple without committing to a dozen.
The owner also addressed pricing. They said prices stay the same either way, and increases come from chocolate costs rising sharply.
Some longtime fans miss the old wrapped chocolates. Change is tough when you’ve loved a place for years.
Families with nut allergies should ask staff questions before buying. Counter-style candy can raise cross-contact concerns for some shoppers.
Asking first saves stress and money. Staff can walk you through what’s available.
For most visitors, the counter simply adds choice. It’s a small, satisfying ritual to point at the glass and build your own sweet lineup.
Mountain Views Come Free With Every Parking Spot
Few candy shops can brag about their parking lot. This one can, because the views are a big part of the stop.
Visitors describe stunning scenery right outside. Pretty photo opportunities come up again and again.
The shop sits on a scenic stretch of road heading into Leavenworth. The drive itself feels like part of the outing.
Bring the camera, or at least a charged phone. A family photo with mountains and a candy bag is hard to beat.
For kids, the outdoor moment gives a break from the car. They can shake out the wiggles before the next stretch of highway.
Grandparents get a relaxed pause too. Nobody needs gear or hiking boots to enjoy the scenery here.
That’s the real bargain of the stop. The views cost nothing, and they stick around in your memory.
Washington mountain weather can change quickly, especially in winter. Check road conditions before heading over the pass.
On a clear day, though, the lot turns into a lookout. Grab your treat, take a breath, and enjoy the backdrop before rolling on.
Friendly Faces Behind The Counter Make It Easy
Friendly staff earns dozens of mentions, and that matters on a family outing. A warm welcome makes browsing with kids far less stressful.
Visitors describe kind cashiers who offered fudge samples. Others mention great customer service and a warm atmosphere.
Years ago, one visitor chatted with an owner about the store’s past. Another described the owners as very friendly.
Staff can also point you toward favorites. That helps when you’re staring at hundreds of choices and a restless toddler.
The shop has been described as very clean inside. That’s reassuring when little hands touch everything.
Of course, no shop is perfect every day. A few recent visitors had disappointing moments, which happens anywhere.
Still, the overall rating stays high at 4.7 stars. Most people leave happy, and many come back year after year.
A little kindness helps a candy stop feel like a tradition. It’s the difference between a quick purchase and a family ritual.
So say hello, ask questions, and maybe ask about that haunted rumor. The answer might become your kids’ favorite story of the trip.
Who Will Love This Stop The Most
Candy lovers, obviously. But the list goes much further than that.
Families with young kids get an easy, low-effort outing. There’s no gear, no skills, and no long hike required.
Grandparents can share candy memories from their own childhood. Downstairs makes that especially fun.
Road trippers heading east across Washington get a natural break. Several longtime visitors stop every time they cross the mountains.
Gift shoppers will find plenty too. Leavenworth souvenirs like magnets, keychains, and tote bags share space with the treats.
Foodies will enjoy the sauces, seasonings, and condiments. Spice fans can hunt for jalapeño everything.
Teens might love the wild sodas most. Few things beat daring a sibling to try buffalo soda.
Budget-minded families can keep it simple. Spending stays flexible, since a small bag of taffy counts as a win.
Some visitors found certain items pricey. Setting a little candy budget before you go helps everyone stay happy.
The shop has been described as fun for adults and kids alike. That’s exactly what makes it a strong family stop.
Hours, Address, And Tips Before You Go
Good news for early birds. The shop opens at 9 AM every day of the week.
Monday through Thursday, it closes at 7 PM. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, it stays open until 8 PM.
You’ll find The Alps Fudge/Candy at 13901 US-2, Leavenworth, WA 98826. It’s a short scenic drive up the highway from downtown Leavenworth.
Plan for parking right at the shop. The lot doubles as your viewpoint.
One important tip for families involves restrooms. A past visitor noted the shop didn’t have one, so plan a stop beforehand.
Hours can shift around holidays, so double-check before a special trip. That keeps the outing frustration-free.
Bring a cooler bag on hot days if you’re buying chocolate or fudge. Melted treats are a sad souvenir.
Families with food allergies should ask staff about ingredients. It’s a quick conversation that saves trouble later.
Give yourself at least a little browsing time. Two floors of sweets and sauces deserve more than a rushed sprint.
Finally, pair the stop with a Leavenworth visit. It makes a sweet bookend to a day in the mountains.
Why This Sweet Stop Earns A Spot On Your Next Drive
Sugar, scenery, and a little silliness. That’s a pretty great formula for a family afternoon.
The Alps Fudge/Candy packs a lot into two floors. House-made fudge, huge taffy bins, odd sodas, and retro candy cover every age.
The pantry side adds even more reasons to stop. Relish, mustard, jams, and sauces turn a candy run into a grocery adventure.
It’s also easy. No tickets, no reservations, and no special skills needed.
You can spend a little or a lot. A single fudge square still counts as a perfectly good souvenir.
The mountain views come free, which feels like a bonus. Kids get a break, and adults get a moment to breathe.
Not every recent change has pleased every longtime fan. Still, that 4.7-star rating suggests most people leave smiling.
I love the idea of a stop that spans generations. Grandparents remember the candy, parents remember the trips, and kids make fresh memories.
So next time you’re heading toward Leavenworth, Washington, save room. And maybe let someone try the ranch soda, just for the story.
