Crabtree’s Candies is not just a candy shop. It is the kind of place where your sweet tooth gets a standing ovation and your cravings get a round of applause. Sitting right at 30 North Main Street in Stanton, Kentucky, this shop has been making life a little sweeter for more than four decades. If you are looking for a reason to smile, you will find it here, wrapped in chocolate and tied with a ribbon.
A Family Story That Tastes Like Home
Brenda Crabtree is the heart and soul behind Crabtree’s Candies. She has run the shop for 24 of its 42 years, but her connection goes back even further. Brenda started out working in the store when her relatives owned it. When they retired, she picked up the torch—well, the candy thermometer—and kept the tradition alive.
What makes Crabtree’s special? Everything is made right there in the shop. Brenda and her family do not just sell candy—they create it, batch by batch, with recipes passed down through the years. Her grandfather even bakes cakes for the shop, and Fridays are famous for mini pies. Each week brings a new flavor, so there is always a reason to pop in and see what is fresh.
The Candy Counter: A Parade of Temptation
Let’s talk about the stars of the show. Peanut butter rolls are a classic here, with a swirl of creamy peanut butter wrapped in sweet, melt-in-your-mouth candy. The pulled cream candy is another favorite, soft and buttery with just the right touch of sweetness. If you are a fudge fan, you will find plenty to love—there are 14 or 15 kinds on offer, so you might need to come back a few times to try them all.
Of course, no Kentucky candy shop would be complete without bourbon balls. Crabtree’s version is rich, smooth, and just a little bit grown-up. These treats are perfect for gifts, but no one will blame you if you keep them for yourself.
More Than Just Candy
Crabtree’s Candies is not just about what is behind the glass counter. The shop is a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. On Fridays, the mini pies draw a crowd. Some folks come for the cakes, others for the fudge, but everyone leaves with a little more cheer than when they arrived.
You will often find Brenda herself working behind the counter, ready with a smile and a story. She knows her regulars by name and remembers their favorites. If you are new, you will feel like an old friend by your second visit.
Why Stanton Loves Crabtree’s
There is something about a place where everything is made from scratch. Maybe it is the smell of fresh fudge as you walk in, or the way the candy melts on your tongue. Maybe it is the feeling that you are part of a tradition that goes back generations.
Crabtree’s Candies is a local favorite for a reason. The shop is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Whether you are grabbing a quick treat or picking out a box of goodies for a special occasion, you will find something to love.
The Perfect Stop After a Day of Adventure
Stanton is the gateway to the Red River Gorge, a playground for hikers, climbers, and anyone who loves the outdoors. After a day on the trails, nothing hits the spot like a piece of homemade fudge or a slice of cake from Crabtree’s. The shop is easy to find, right in the heart of town, and there is always something new to try.
A Sweet Gift for Any Occasion
Looking for a unique gift? Crabtree’s Candies has you covered. Their treats are perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because. The shop can put together a box of your favorites, or you can choose a little bit of everything. If you want to impress someone, show up with a box of bourbon balls or a selection of mini pies. You will be the hero of the party.
The Secret Ingredient: Real People, Real Recipes
There is no assembly line here. Every batch is made by hand, with real butter, real cream, and a lot of care. Brenda and her family take pride in their work, and it shows in every bite. You can taste the difference. This is not just candy—it is a piece of Stanton’s story, wrapped up and ready to share.
Plan Your Visit
Crabtree’s Candies is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The shop is easy to find at 30 North Main Street in Stanton. If you have questions or want to place an order, give them a call at 606-663-4792.
If you are in Stanton, do yourself a favor and stop by. If you are just passing through, make a detour. Your taste buds will thank you, and you will leave with a little more joy than you came in with. That is the magic of Crabtree’s Candies.
Sources: kentuckyliving.com, Crabtree’s Candies Facebook Page
Header Image Source: Luis Aguila on Unsplash
