Sweet Pete’s: The Largest Candy Shop in the Southeastern US

Sweet Pete’s is a kid (and grown-ups!) dream come true! It is the largest candy store in the southeastern United States. Sweet Pete’s is located in the center of historic downtown Jacksonville in a 22,000 foot historic mansion.

The candy shop features 3 whimsical levels of sweet treats. The shop has an endless variety of candies ranging from sea salt caramels, toffee, lollipops, decadent chocolates and lots of classic candies.

On the first floor you’ll find the chocolates and a restaurant with a bar.

The second floor is home to classic candies and an observation area where you can watch the candymakers work their magic. There’s also a remarkable ice cream shop.

The third floor typically is used to host birthday parties but may also be used for classes.

Each day, Sweet Pete’s offers candy classes and is available for field trips or parties. Each of these offers kids an opportunity to learn how to make candy.

We’ve taken several classes at Sweet Pete’s and have loved every one. Booking a class is a great way to enhance your visit. We taken classes on how to make lollipops, chocolate bars, and gummies. Smiley went on a field trip to Sweet Pete’s and made an amazingly delicious chocolate and caramel covered apple.

One of the coolest things about this massive candy shop is the decor. Each holiday the shop knocks it out of the park with their bright, colorful, and whimsical decor. There is something to see in every square inch of the building!

There are several different ways to purchase candy at Sweet Pete’s. The first floor has individually packaged chocolates and sweet treats. There is also a display where you can select goodies for them to box up for you.

On the upper floor(s), you’ll find small containers that you can scoop a mixture of different candies into. The price is per container- so you can fill it as full as possible.

Pro-Tip: After we fill our containers with our favorite candies, we top it off with something small (like rock candy or chocolate pebbles). Then, we give the container a little shake and the smaller candies fill in the void.

Our kids love the second floor because they can fill their boxes with all kinds of different candies. There are (what seems like) 50,000 different shapes of gummies (mermaids, unicorns, dinosaurs, trucks, animals, you name it!), taffies, and all kinds of other candies.

My favorite goodies, however, are found on the first floor.

Table of Contents

Our Sweet Pete's Treat Recommendations

Sea Salt Caramels
Chocolate Covered Oreos
Chocolate Covered Popcorn
Chocolate Bar Your Way
Caramel Chocolate Apples
Caramel Pecan Clusters
Ice Cream

Fizzies & Fare

Fizzies and Fare is the restaurant located on the first floor of Sweet Pete’s. The restaurant offers “light bites” such as burgers, sandwiches, chicken tenders, and salads.

The restaurant is most known for their outrageous milkshakes and whimsical cocktails. They offer sever beer and wine.

We suggest grabbing a drink (whether it’s a milkshake or a cocktail), and enjoying it out on the luxurious porch.

The Ice Cream Shop

On the second floor, there is a charming little ice cream shop. The ice cream is killer and the shop offers all kinds of kid-friendly flavors. Although it may not be as over-the-top as the milkshakes downstairs, the ice cream definitely hits the spot.