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Some of the best work in a candy shop happens while the sign still says closed. In the historic village of Long Grove, Illinois, one small shop starts its day by dipping fresh strawberries in chocolate before the first customer arrives.
Families who came here as kids now bring their own kids, and many leave with a bag that holds far more than they planned to buy. Keep reading to learn where this sweet stop sits, what fans keep coming back for, and how to plan a visit that fits a family budget.
A Sweet Address in Historic Long Grove
Tucked into the heart of a village known for its old-time charm, Long Grove Confectionery Co – Village sits at 114 Old McHenry Rd, Long Grove, IL 60047, in the United States.
The shop is a candy store at its core. Yet it also carries baked goods tied to a longtime local favorite, the Apple Haus.
Historic downtown Long Grove is a walkable stretch of small shops. The confectionery fits right in with that character, and many people call it one of the highlights of a trip to town.
For Illinois families in the northwest suburbs, the drive is short enough for a spur-of-the-moment Saturday. That makes it an easy add-on to a stroll through the village.
The location also matters to people who have followed the shop for years. Longtime fans remember an earlier spot next to the Apple House, and many were thrilled when the treats reopened here.
So the address is new to some and familiar to others. Either way, it is where the morning dipping begins, and where this story picks up next.
Strawberries Dipped Before the Doors Swing Open
Chocolate covered strawberries are the headliner here, and they earn that spot early in the day.
The berries are fresh, and the chocolate coating is hand-applied. That work happens before customers start lining up, so the trays are ready when the doors open at 10 AM.
Fans describe them simply as fantastic. They come up again and again when people talk about the shop.
There is a practical reason to care about the timing. Fresh strawberries do not wait around, so dipping them in the morning gives shoppers the best shot at a batch made that day.
Availability can vary, though. At least one longtime customer noted not seeing strawberries during a visit, so arriving earlier in the day may help if berries are the main goal.
For a family, a few dipped strawberries make an easy shared treat. They also work as a small gift that feels thoughtful without costing a fortune.
Of course, the berries are only the opening act in a case full of surprises.
Roots That Run Back Decades
Ask around and you will hear stories that stretch back a generation.
One fan grew up coming here for a single peanut butter cup and still calls it a treat. Another has been loyal to the Apple Haus baked goods for 25 years.
That kind of loyalty does not happen overnight. It grows when a shop keeps its standards steady as kids turn into parents.
The move from the old location was a big moment for longtime customers. Some were sad to see the original shop near the Irish store close, then relieved to learn it had reopened.
Not everyone feels the same about the change. A few miss the charm of the old spot, which is a fair reminder that places shift over time.
Still, most people who stop by today leave happy. Grandparents who once bought candy here can now walk the grandkids through the same kind of treats they loved.
History is part of the appeal, but the shelves tell their own tale.
Fudge, Toffee and Truffles on Parade
Handcrafted chocolates fill the cases, and the variety is the first thing many shoppers mention.
Fresh fudge is a regular pick. Truffles come in different styles, and English toffee bark has fans who admit a half pound can vanish in one day.
Other standouts include turtles made with pecans or cashews. Dark chocolate covered orange peels and homemade caramel covered marshmallows also get plenty of love.
There are smaller grab-and-go options too. Dark chocolate covered coffee beans and raisins sit alongside chocolate pretzel rods.
Kids tend to gravitate toward the peanut butter cups. Some grown-ups have been chasing that same cup since childhood.
A tip for families on a budget is to set a small limit per person. With this many choices, everyone gets to pick a favorite without the total climbing too high.
Then again, the candy counter is only half of the shop’s split personality.
The Apple Haus Connection
Here is the twist that surprises first-timers: some of the most talked-about items are not candy at all.
Apple Haus baked goods share the spotlight. Apple cider donuts are made daily and sold by the half dozen.
The apple pie draws serious devotion. One fan joked about rating it a 20 out of 10 and buying two for a Thanksgiving gathering.
The Brown Bag Apple Pie is a named favorite. Apple bread and apple fritters round out the lineup.
Prices change, so plan with some flexibility. The apple pie was noted at $25 a couple of years ago.
Other pies show up as well, including strawberry rhubarb. Families often say their relatives beg them to bring donuts, bread and pie home after a visit.
That makes the shop a handy stop before a holiday dinner. One bag can cover dessert for the whole table.
Taffy Apples Worth the Hype
Few treats say fall in Illinois quite like a taffy apple, and this shop has a strong reputation for them.
Fans call them the best they have ever had. One even described them as addicting.
They are a natural fit for a family outing. Each person can hold their own, which beats splitting a box five ways.
Taffy apples also connect nicely to the apple baked goods across the shop. A visit can turn into a full apple-themed afternoon without leaving the building.
Timing may matter for this one. Apple treats tend to feel most at home in autumn, so a fall trip pairs well with a stroll through the village.
Freshness gets mentioned a lot too. Shoppers note that everything feels super fresh, which is exactly what you want from a caramel-coated apple.
It is a simple pleasure, and sometimes simple wins the day.
Holiday Candy for Every Calendar Page
Holidays seem to arrive early on these shelves.
The seasonal candy selection gets high marks for Easter, Halloween, Christmas and more. Some shoppers say it is the best seasonal assortment they have seen anywhere.
The pieces are cute and well suited to gift baskets. They also make classroom treats or stocking stuffers feel special.
Honest talk about cost helps here. Some seasonal candies are on the pricier side, so it can pay to pick a few showpieces and fill in with simpler items.
Local events add extra fun. During Strawberry Fest, the shop has offered strawberry donuts, and earlier visitors to a chocolate festival in town came away impressed.
Planning a trip around a village festival can stretch the value of the outing. Kids get the event, and parents get a candy stop on the same walk.
The staff, meanwhile, keep the whole thing running with a smile.
Old-Fashioned Gums and Nostalgic Candies
Grandparents, this section is for you.
The shop carries vintage and old-fashioned gums and hard candies. Many shoppers love browsing them as much as buying them.
These classic picks spark easy conversations across generations. A grandparent can point to a brand from childhood, and a grandchild gets to try it for the first time.
That shared moment costs very little. A small retro candy often runs far less than a movie ticket, though prices can change.
The nostalgic feel extends to the shop itself. People describe it as charming and well matched to the character of historic Long Grove.
It is a good place to slow down rather than rush. Letting kids wander and pick one item can be half the fun of the trip.
Beyond candy, a few surprises sit on the shelves for grown-up cooks too.
Gifts, Sauces and Thoughtful Labels
Not every souvenir needs to be sweet.
The shop also sells items like a competition bourbon-style BBQ sauce, plus nuts that some shoppers stock up on for Thanksgiving. It works as a quick spot for hostess gifts.
Here is a detail many families will appreciate. Ingredients are clearly marked on products, which helps those who eat gluten-free choose safely.
That transparency makes group shopping easier. A parent can check a label in seconds instead of guessing.
Gift buyers like the range. A small box of truffles, a bag of toffee or a pie can each fit different budgets.
Shoppers often call the shop their favorite stop for treats and gifts. It is easy to see why when one visit can handle several errands.
Still, the real secret ingredient might be the people behind the counter.
Friendly Faces Behind the Counter
Friendly staff is the single most mentioned topic about this shop, coming up more than twenty times.
Team members are described as welcoming, helpful and happy to guide choices. Some shoppers single out staff by first name for excellent care.
The staff also know the town. They can share what is happening in busy Long Grove and a bit of its history.
That local knowledge helps visiting families plan the rest of the day. A quick question at checkout can point you toward another stop in the village.
The owners stay engaged too. Their replies to customers are warm and playful, including a note about the elves keeping them busy during the holidays.
For kids, a kind greeting turns a candy run into a memory. Many grown-ups who return today remember being treated well when they were small.
Good people make a place feel like home, and this one clearly does.
Hours, Budgets and Smart Timing
Plan around Monday, because that is the one day the shop stays closed.
Hours run from 10 AM to 5 PM Tuesday through Sunday. Hours can change, so checking the official website before a trip is a smart move.
Arriving near opening gives the best chance at freshly dipped strawberries and daily donuts. Weekends in the village can get busy.
On cost, opinions are balanced. Many call the candy reasonably priced and a great value, while others note some items are not cheap.
A simple budget plan helps. Let each child choose one treat, then add a shared item like a half dozen donuts for the car ride.
Shoppers often say to stock up enough to last until the next trip. That can save an extra drive later.
The shop has a 4.6-star reputation built over more than a hundred experiences, which says a lot about consistency.
Why the Trip Is Worth a Saturday
Some outings need tickets and long drives, while this one needs little more than a free afternoon.
The mix is what makes it work. Hand-dipped strawberries, fudge and toffee sit next to apple pies, cider donuts and taffy apples.
Families get a place where grandparents can share old favorites. Kids get to choose their own treat, which never gets old.
The setting adds value at no cost. Wandering historic Long Grove before or after a stop is a free bonus.
No shop is perfect, and longtime fans have mixed feelings about the move. Most, though, call it a must-visit and a highlight of any trip to town.
Bring a small budget, arrive early and keep Monday off the plan. With a bag of sweets in hand, the drive home tends to feel shorter.
It is the kind of stop worth adding to your next family weekend, and maybe sharing with a friend who loves chocolate as much as you do.
