One of the stops we make when going to Columbia State Park , don't forget a real treat I'll get something for us but usally like to get something for someone else , friend or family , there is no going wrong with a gift from Nelson's Candy store. Service is always great, with the amount of people that come in it's nice to see the staff always with a smile and dressed for the occasion. If you don't know the store downtown where the state park is, all the stores / shops / vendors, and live musicians all wear clothing from the gold rush era. It's pretty cool. The store is welll worth the stop , but try to get there early it's a small shop and they get pretty crowded fast. read more

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Ahhhh the cuteness and charm of this little candy store! So many choices to pick from! Some chocolate bears! The California bear Pick up some treats for yourself or others read more

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The store has so much to see. I marveled at all the colorful creations. The staff was friendly and helpful; I appreciated the samples of black licorice and sea salt caramel encased in dark chocolate, which led to my purchase of black licorice and two handmade caramel bars. The one I tried was exquisite! read more

Sweet treats at their finest!!! And DAMN good chocolate and other goods!! Since there is SO many choices, my go to is usually their peanut butter cups but I do love their truffles! I didn't seem to see much sour candy which is a bummer because that's is my absolute favorite they had more sweet candy than tart. Just a note when you see the colorful candy pics! It's been a minute since I've been here. and when my friend and I went here we didn't go too crazy because it was a bit packed but the staff was very helpful and luckily for us they had lots of nice helpful ladies to package us what we wanted! All and all, delicious chocolate but there was a bit of a crowd and it was hot being summer. Again, that's not to say the employees weren't totally on top of it but my friend and I were in and out fairly quick but fortunately I did get some cool pics of their amazing yummy goodness!! We will definitely return on a day where it's a bit more calmed down read more

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I love everything about Nelson's!! The nostalgic warm and fuzzy feeling when you walk makes you feel like a kid in a candy store! (Pun intended) The candy quality and selection is fantastic! The chocolates are Devine and their Housemade hard candy is out of this world!! And they always have great seasonal indulgences to choose from! The service is great! The shop is clean and well kept and their selection is vast. Nelson's is an absolute must try!! read more

Nelson's Columbia Candy Kitchen is a must-visit! Walking into the shop feels like stepping back in time--in the best way possible. The old-fashioned candy counter, charming decor, and friendly staff give it that nostalgic, small-town magic that's hard to find these days. It was so nice to stop by during Cinco de Mayo! The handmade candies are out of this world. Their fudge is rich and creamy, with just the right amount of sweetness, and the peanut brittle has the perfect crunch. I also grabbed a few of their chocolate-dipped treats--each one was fresh and decadent. You can tell everything is made with care and tradition. Be warned though, it's a tad bit pricey for what you get!!!!! See my attached image. Don't leave Columbia without stopping here. Whether you're picking up gifts or just treating yourself, Nelson's is the sweetest part of any visit! read more

Nelson's Columbia Candy Kitchen - Expensive! Receipt - 5/3/25 - Candy Stores Near Me - Columbia, California

The candy is really delicious and fresh. I think it might even be better that the "gold standard" made by the old favorite in the black and white buildings. read more

WOW FACTOR? Beautiful, old-fashioned candy store. HAVE AGAIN: Best milk chocolate almond bark ever! $36/pound? So worth it. Best almond bark I've ever had, primarily because the almonds are perfectly roasted. read more

Nelson's makes great quality, amazing tasting treats. They take such pride in their product and it shows! There are very few candy companies left that still have the personal touch than Nelson's does. They do not cut corners to pump out as much as they can. They take the time and show their values in every piece available. It really sets them above the rest. I attended a benefit dinner recently for a cause that is near and dear to my heart in Nelson's back yard. When I arrived, I was delighted to see a familiar gold box with two of my favorite chocolates inside. Nelson's very generously donated chocolate for all the attendees! In this time we live in, with businesses who run the world without heart, who value profits over people - it was so nice to see a business that values their community and the people in it. I am so proud to see Nelson's making a quality product and an impact in their community! I would recommend their candies every day of the week!! read more

Service is always excellent. Especially on this day, barely a week before Christmas and there were a number of people waiting to be served. Everybody got the attention that they needed and were able to make the purchases they so greatly deserved. Because coming to Nelson's is always a treat as it has been for me Since the mid 1960s. read more

We visit Columbia several times a year and this place never fails to disappoint. My favorite is their house made rocky road and the chocolate dipped apricots. Such a fun experience for the kids to see an old fashioned candy shop! read more

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We travel past Columbia at least once a year so we try to stop by Columbia each time. I stop here and try a different type of black licorice and I can't wait to go back to get some more next time. The atmosphere is amazing and makes you feel like you went back in time. The employees are super friendly and will walk you around the store answering any questions you may have. From what I understand they make a lot of their chocolate here but the candy comes in from different places. This is the busiest I have ever seen it and we were still helped really fast. read more

Nelson's Columbia Candy Kitchen - Candy Stores Near Me - Columbia, California

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It's that time again friends. The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: The Good: It's always fun to visit Columbia. This place has the sights, sounds and definitely the smells of an old time sweet shop. The chocolate is really good. There's something about chocolate that's been treated by hand that puts the machines to shame. The Bad: I went in the first time with a group of 4th grades on a field trip. They were well behaved. The lady who helped us was kind and happy to help. I returned a few hours later with my family after the field trip was over and the man wasn't so nice. You could tell he was trying, but he needs to be making candy and leaving front of the house to his coworker. Want so pleasant when you feel you're being scowled at. The Ugly: Pricing was... wow. $4.30 for a1/4lb. That's roughly a small handful of candy. I understand it's a tourist shop but it's not a place I'd buy from for a while at least till I win the lotto. Everyone wants to be rich, but there's no race to get there people. We will always visit Columbia annually and maybe a few trips in between for the grandkids school field trips. But the cost of things are really starting to keep us close to home. See you next year? read more

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First time here and it was such a great experience. They limited the store to eight people at a time which was great because the inside is rather small, but we were quick to get in. They had so many options and the prices were not unreasonable. We left with a bag of goodies and didn't make it too far before we had to stop and taste some lol. read more

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Absolute horrible customer service! As I waited in line they waited on everyone but me. A girl came to me said she's wait on me in a minute but decided to wait on everyone else, including people who came in after me. Be prepared to wait for a extensionally long time if you want anything here. read more

Absolutely loved visiting this place! So many varieties of candy and the girls helping were sweet. The toffee was delicious and my kids loved all the gummy candies. My only regret is not buying more candy! Must visit if in the area. read more

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I'll never forget my trip to Nelson's. My boyfriend and I stumbled on Columbia after being reccomended by a waiter in Murphy's (a town about 25 minutes east). Stepping into Nelson's felt like stepping into a place forgotten by time and untouched by the modern world. The staff were so friendly and even answered my nosy questions about life in such a small town. I got the brown sugar caramels and some gummies. I hope to be back one day! read more

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Nice selection of candy. Majority of the candies (including the hard) are made in the store. Customer service is a little awkward, but then again this is a small mountain town. Tried the dark chocolate and milk chocolate turtles they were delicious. read more

Nelson's Columbia Candy Kitchen makes the best candy we have ever had. I love getting special treats and gifts to share with family and friends. read more

I have been coming to Nelsons Candy kitchen for many years now. I use to take my boys so they could watch them make the candy canes, but I still go with my girlfriend and order special candy canes. I love the Candy there you can watch them hand dip all the candy. The shop is so cute and will remind you of an Old Fashion Candy Store. You just can't help but fall in love with this place. I really love the chewy peppermints. The selection is great, there is something for everybody here. Take the time, and take the kids or grandkids to go watch them make candy canes they will love it. The entire little town here is so cute. I wish I could have lived here in this time........ read more

This old time candy shop makes their own treats and is family run. It's a great place to visit any time of year. Great hospitality! Christmas is especially wonderful, since the whole town gets into the holiday spirit. Santa and Mrs. Claus are often out in the streets. Perhaps they're loading up with goodies to share from Nelson's Candy Kitchen! Yum!Nelson's makes their own candy canes the old fashioned way, by hand, in their gleaming antique kitchen and you can watch them through the big windows, or if you're lucky, get chosen to make your own!!! Call them to find out more. It's is nestled in Columbia State Historic Park, a living, breathing relic of the California Gold Rush. Much of the year there are historians, reenactors in authentic garb who are happy to chat with you and the family, stage coach rides, demonstrations, displays, shops and even a chance to pan for gold, yourself! Eureka! The area is beautiful with rugged boulders, ponderosa and Coulter pines, manzanita, etc. As a teacher, I loved to take groups of students there to give them a peek into our rich past. As a photographer, I love the unique chance to capture the natural and historic beauty of the area. You can also order by phone or at their web site. I sent great treats to family this year and it was so easy! read more

My family have been coming to this wonderful candy store over 35 years, we love it! It has a large selection of hand dipped chocolates, fudge, peanut brittle and more. My favorite is the licorice coins a little salty lovely taste. The grand kids love to go to buy the frogs, sharks, and gummy worms! My husband was very fond of the Nelson family and the Easter egg dying, this was a yearly activity for our grand children. Thank you Nelson's for the memories you have made for my family. read more

Nelson's Columbia Candy Kitchen - Black licorice coins - Candy Stores Near Me - Columbia, California

I love rock candy and coca cola bottle gummies. Man oh man, some things are always wonderful and delicious no matter how old you get. Other fantastic candies to try include their turtles (pecans, carmel, chocolate) and their mint chocolate (these are sort of like the Andes brand mints only much, much better with a layer of fresh chocolate on top of the green mint layer). The kids will be quiet for a while if you buy them a lollypop or their hard candy sticks. You can't really go wrong here, it's candy. At some point in the year they have a greased pole climbing contest. My brother competed in this at some point in our childhood and his reward was a solid chocolate figure of something. I don't remember what this thing was in the shape of, but what I do remember was that this thing was SOLID delicious chocolate. I would definitely recommend going here when you visit Columbia. It's a memorable highlight. In half of the store, which you can see through windows in the front of the building, they make the candy. In the other half of the store they sell the candy. read more

Christmas is coming, and I cannot wait to order some of Nelson's homemade giant candy canes for the kids!! Plan to go right after Thanksgiving so you can see them making them in the front window!! read more

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OMG, their candy is amazing and all homemade. Caramels were amazing. Jelly candies are definitely homemade, and they are soft and flavorful, best I've ever had. This was the only store in Columbia that had a line to get in, only 5 at a time for covid safety, and totally worth it. read more

My family and I took a little detour when we were on our way from Sonora to Murphy's. In Columbia Historical Park is this great little candy shop. The shop has a bit of something for everyone who has a sweet tooth big or small. My favorite was that dark chocolate dipped honey comb. It will definitely become a pit stop for future wine tasting trip in gold country. read more

It doesn't get much better than this. Great chocolate goodies and old fashioned holiday treats are a must! Love Nelson's!

The best place to buy jawbreakers that will literally break your jaw because of how huge they are.

So much good candy to choose from! My husband got the Kokoburra Red licorice and I got English toffee. We both wished we had bought more because it was so delicious. Staff was very friendly and knowledgeable about all the candy. read more

And don't forget the salt chocolates: tiny caramels, covered with chocolate and then sprinkled with large crystal Kosher salt. They are to DIE for and are a big hit as a house-gift! People in Europe, where you'd think they would have everything chocolate, just beg for these. read more

I will make a special trip to Nelson's Candy Kitchen for their whipping cream fudge! It is the best fudge I have ever had. So creamy and such a wonderful chocolate flavor - I wish I had some right now!! read more

I have lived in this community for over 25 years and still love the Candy Kitchen. Their Rocky Road is to die for! I can always count on them for a quick gift that is wrapped nicely. They also ship.They make molded suckers etc for all the holidays using antique candy molds. They carry almost anything you could want including about 10 different forms of licorice. Jarred candy, hand-dipped, divinity, fudge, peanut brittle, honeycomb and wonderful handmade fruit gels and don't forget the biggest jaw breakers known to man. They also carry hard to find rock candy that I used to get as a kid at Knotts Berry Farm. At Christmas they make handmade candy canes on antique hooks by old fashioned pulling. They are the best you will ever taste. On all the Saturdays in Dec in Columbia they make them so you can watch and get samples. It is a fun outing for December. The store in Columbia has all the antique cooling tables and equipment. They have separate stores in Murphys and East Sonora. They do a great job decorating for each holiday. Very festive. An overall wonderful old fashioned candy store experience for the whole family. Don't miss this if you are visting the area. read more