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Santa Claus, Indiana: Santa’s Candy Castle is Full of Surprises

Jessica Nunemaker — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 22:16:30 +0000

Santa at Santa's Candy Castle in Santa Claus, Indiana

Santa Claus, Indiana has an awesome history and one that I will delve into eventually but for now, you we’ll focus on Santa’s Candy Castle.

This was the first themed attraction in the United States and in a small Indiana town no less. Now–it’s back!

Santa’s Candy Castle in Santa Claus, Indiana

The candy castle opened in 1935 but everything changed during World War I when peoples’ focus shifted. By 1950 the man behind the Castle (who was still trying to keep it going), Milton Harris, passed away.

Santa’s Candy Castle changed hands a few times until 1970 when it sat vacant and once even used as a home until it’s grand re-opening in 2006!

Here’s a bit of advice for you: if the parking lot is full of cars–don’t go! Instead, come back later when it’s not so busy. Trust me. There’s so much to do in the area it’s easy to fit it in (and it’s a great place for snacks)!

People seem to come in droves so if you time it right, you will have easy browsing, no fighting over computers, and maybe even catch a little one on one time with Santa (he’ll read a book to your child). We went, left, and returned later. Much better!

Inside Santa’s Candy Castle

Santa's Candy Castle in Santa Claus, Indiana

I was picturing wall to wall candy and began preparing for battle with the kid but it’s not! Shelves lined with books hug the circular walls at Santa’s Candy Castle except for one–which is reserved for Santa’s comfy chair.

In the center of the main circular room is a table with computers. For several bucks (nothing outrageous, I promise) you can let your kid chat directly to Santa.

There’s a little quiz for your child to answer that pertains to his good behavior or lack thereof. Yes, our son lied on all of them, but at least we know that he knows what he is supposed to do!

They get the satisfaction of knowing that they are on The Good List and receive The Good List Certificate. At the candy counter where you check out (which the owner happened to be manning) they even announce your child’s achievement. Kid #1 thought he was pretty big stuff.

Snack’s at Santa’s Candy Castle

Candy! Santa's Candy Castle in Santa Claus, Indiana

There is a lot of plain packaged yummy things at the counter! Kid #1 wanted the white chocolate covered pretzels (which were delicious), hubs wanted hot chocolate, and I ordered what they are known for: Frozen Hot Chocolate.

If you can drink 64 ounces in an hour your name goes on the wall.

If I had tasted it before we got in the car I so could have won! It is probably one of the best drinks I have ever had. Absolutely fantastic–even on a cold, snowy day.

See more Santa’s Candy Castle images and other pictures in Santa Claus, Indiana on my Flickr photostream.

Santa’s Candy Castle
15499 North State Road 245
Santa Claus, Indiana 47579
812.544.3900

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Wakarusa, Indiana: Wakarusa Dime Store for The Kid in You

Jessica Nunemaker — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:30:00 +0000

Wakarusa, Indiana holds quite a fun surprise: The Wakarusa Dimestore. In businesses since 1907, I dare you to try not to run up and down the candy-filled aisles grabbing every shiny, colorful, candy-containing package in sight!

Wakarusa Dime Store

You’ll find row after row of old favorites in this small Indiana town. We saw Apple Heads and Candy Necklaces, Candy Buttons and Big League Chew Bubble Gum.

Wakarusa, Indiana: Jumbo Jelly Beans at Wakarusa Dimestore

There’s the whole gummy gambit from cheeseburgers to rats (gross), as well as some things I hadn’t seen before.

It will make anyone with a sweet tooth revert back to an 8 year old with free reign and a couple of bucks in his pocket.

Jumbo Jelly Beans

Wakarusa Dimestore boasts quite the claim to fame: The Jumbo Jelly Bean.

While I am normally not that big a fan of jelly beans, turning them into these Goliaths has made me a believer–and an addict! There’s a lot of fun flavors at the Wakarusa Dimestore!

Can you say “variety?” Sure, there’s the old favorites like Cherry and Lemon and Orange, but then there’s all sorts of fun ones like Chocolate Covered Cherry, Root Beer, and (the really pretty) Jellystones.

Fit for The President

Random fact: Jumbo Jelly Beans were once enjoyed by Ronald Reagan as a way to kick his smoking habit. He really made jelly beans gain popularity for any time of year!

If you are in the area you have got to check out the Wakarusa Dimestore. It’s so much fun to wander around and just look! But even more fun? To wander around and try to many samples of Jumbo Jelly Beans.

See more Wakarusa, Indiana images and other pictures in Indiana on my Flickr photostream.

Wakarusa Dimestore
103 E. Waterford St.
Wakarusa, Indiana 46573
877.715.9821
Weekdays: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4 PM

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Try NOT To Lick the Screen, M’kay? Chocolate Shop in DeMotte, Indiana

Jessica Nunemaker — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 14:30:27 +0000

Demotte, Indiana: Chocolate Shop

Demotte, Indiana is growing like crazy! Everywhere you look there seems to be construction going on or the grand opening of one business or another.

The Chocolate Shop in DeMotte, Indiana

There were plenty of food options for such a small town: Greek, American, Chinese, Mexican. But what had little Indiana really excited was The Chocolate Shop!

It felt like stepping into a scene from Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory with the fun decorations hanging from the ceiling.

Vibrant colors and tons of candy choices everywhere made the place feel festive.It’s really fun in there!

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for…

But the best part of this Indiana town ice cream parlor and candy store? They actually have Blue Moon Ice Cream (my absolute favorite). Hooray!

Hubs had an Iced Mocha (boooring!) and the kid had Cake and Ice Cream flavored ice cream of which he gave me a little taste.

It was pretty good stuff. Not my Blue Moon Ice Cream, but good, nonetheless.

Candy, Candy, Candy

Demotte, Indiana: The Chocolate Shop

This would be a great place to pick up something snacky for the ride home, that’s for sure (it’s not called a Candy Store for nothing!).

From chocolate to all that packaged stuff you loved as a kid (okay, and maybe even now)…well, it looked like they had it!

Tip: The Gummy Bears are great, and from the looks of it, quite popular!

Oh, and those on a restricted diet can indulge because they even have a super selection of Sugar Free candy, too!

See more The Chocolate Shop images and other pictures in DeMotte, Indiana on my Flickr photostream.

The Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Candy and Ice Creamery Shop
808 15th St SE
DeMotte, Indiana 46310
This Business is Now Closed 1/16/2012.
219.987.7550

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DeMotte, Indiana: Bursting with Hometown Pride

Jessica Nunemaker — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:30:29 +0000

DeMotte, Indiana is surprisingly bustling. Well, every day but Sunday. On Sundays, DeMotte basically closes its doors and takes a little break from the rest of the world. That’s okay, though. There was just enough here to make it a worthwhile pass through.

DeMotte, Indiana

DeMotte, Indiana Downtown

Expect to drive around DeMotte, parking as needed, to hit the various clusters of shopping centers that all span outward from what is a tidy but very small downtown.

Strangely enough, this is also the only part of this Indiana town with any architectural interest. Other than that, navigating is easy enough because everything is located on the main drag, Halleck Street.

While downtown, make sure to hit the Sell-It-Again Shop. It’s like rummaging through Grandma’s attic. So much fun!

There are actually quite a few thrift shops here holding the usual assortment. Unfortunately, I didn’t see any antique-specific stores. Bummer.

Demotte Festivals and Events

DeMotte, Indiana Downtown

To really see DeMotte hopping, head out for the big event: The Town and Country Day Festival, sometimes referred to as Touch of Dutch.

Traditionally held the second Saturday in August, the festivities begin with what I’ve heard is a terrific 5K walk or run, a giant parade with oodles of candy throwing floats (which I know from experience), arts and crafts booths, and fair-type food booths. It overflows from behind DeMotte Elementary School to Freedom Park across the street.

There was something pretty exciting in DeMotte, particularly for an ice cream addict like me: The Chocolate Shop, a fantabulous ice cream parlor and candy store!

Small Town Fun

Add it all up and, as you can see, I can almost guarantee a good time and sugar high for all.

Anyone else remember the days of the giant tissue paper flowers on sticks you could buy at the Town and Country Day Festival? What are some of your favorite DeMotte, Indiana memories?

DeMotte, Indiana in Jasper County

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