While I was in Philadelphia for the weekend already for the No Kings Day, Sunday was spent visiting a few favorite spots in the city while I was there. How could I pass up a chance at Easter then to not visit Shane's Confectionery? What can be said about this little jewel of the city, in the heart of Old Town? It is very charming and like a step back in time when candy was a luxury treat to get in a candy shop. The shop had all kinds of Easter confections from hundreds of Easter bunnies, jellybeans, clear toy candies, chocolate and sugar eggs and other sweet treats. I could hear my pants expand just looking at the cases of sweets. The store itself is charming and unchanged for years, with wrought iron cases and chandeliers that gas once lit, now electric. Still the shop looks like last century. And this isn't the Candy Shop your thinking!!! Shane's Confectionery is the oldest, continuously running confectionery in the US, established in 1862 I believe. The Shane family took over the business in 1911 till 2010 when the Berley Brothers who own the Franklin Fountain and Ice Cream shop took over. Candies and house specialties are still highly guarded and made right on site, with emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. I got a few things for the Easter basket. If you get to Philly put this place on your list!
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Those photographs are stunning, a good camera or a good cell phone camera, the clarity is so true. I love seeing and reading your blog; it gives me a sense of being in Philly. I only visited Philadelphia once, in 2005, to audit the PDOC. I flew home to face Hurricane Katrina.
ReplyDeleteCome back anytime! I'd meet you and show you what you'd like to see.
DeleteWhat a wonderful shoppe! When you purchase a business that old, it should remain as true to the original as possible.
ReplyDeleteThey Berley Brothers have done a wonderful job preserving the place and the traditions Shane's had. Their own fountain and ice cream shop is it's own time capsule experience.
DeleteJust as well I don't live anywhere near Shane's Confectionary or I'd weigh at least 20 stone.
ReplyDeleteI looked up what a stone is. I am now kind of depressed.
DeleteDon't be Duchess Deedles! You will always be my favorite little pebble.
DeleteThose are wonderful pictures. I usually don't partake in the holiday, but this year I just might.
ReplyDeleteGo for it!!!! At least some jelly beans!
DeleteWhat caught my eye in the confectionary shop was the Liberty Bell cookie, crack and all! And oh yes, what an absolutely fantastic final photo!
ReplyDeleteThey also make a chocolate Liberty Bell, and all sorts of Philly themed items for around July Fourth.
DeleteOMG Mads.
ReplyDeleteLove everything here (especially that ACLU donation they make!). Fabulous sweets and a conscience???
Sign me up!
Now I want candy.
XOXO
I have just the sucker for you.
DeleteOh, it all looks enchanting, but the blue chocolate bunnies take the biscuit! I don't think I'd eat one, though - I'd just look at it.
ReplyDeleteLove Shane’s and your pix !
ReplyDeleteWhat history Shane’s has.
It is always a treat to go there and look at the goodies, and to buy some goodies :) My grandmother loved to take me there during Easter, the holidays or while window shopping. I’m fortunate to live near historic Philadelphia, and the turnout was great for No Kings. :)
Pan in Wynnewood
Yeah it was!!!!! The city was packed! Don't you just love Philly and just seeped in history. I love Shane's and their hot chocolate is to die for. I love it there, my wallet? Not so much, but it will get over it. Have you tried the Franklin Fountain and Soda Shop yet??? Never been yet.
DeleteFranklin’s yes !
DeleteTheir caramelized banana ice cream flavored with rum is to die for ! Think of banana foster in a cone. As are their unique lavender and rose flavored sodas. :)
Pan in Wynnewood
Oh yummy!!!! I will have to try that when back next.
DeleteWhat a fabulous shop -- love the Wedgwood-like counters, beautiful displays, the big hen-on-eggs in the window and of course, all the bunnies! I've seen chocolatiers use strawberry or matcha green on TV, but I've never even heard of blue chocolate... does it taste like white chocolate? In any event, I wouldn't have to sample any of those goodies as I'd gain weight just looking at them in situ, LOL!
ReplyDeleteNext time there, I'll have to pick up a few nibbles and send to you! And yes, I think the colored chocolate tastes pretty much like white chocolate. But like Mr. DeVice said, they are so pretty I'd hate to eat it.
DeleteI absolutely love that last picture! As a diabetic with a huge sweet tooth and no self-control to speak of, I'm not going to dwell on the sweet temptations.
ReplyDeleteJust you stick with my Candy Shop toots....it's less fattening and won't hurt your diabetes. Though, you might risk having an eye poked out!!!! Bwhahahahaha. But shit, you'd probably look cute as buttons with an eye patch I bet!!!!!
DeleteOh, honey, no! I'd look like a cross between Jack Sparrow and Moms Mabley! I may have to invest in a fainting divan.
DeleteTIIMMMMMMBER!!!!!!
DeleteHow beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWe have "Bettys" in Harrogate, north Yorkshire. Artisan cakes, breads and Easter eggs. I may have purchased some goodies!
MAY HAVE??????? I smell chocolate on your breath.......
DeleteAn institution since 1863 on Confectionery Row that sweet shop is :)
ReplyDeleteAnd the oldest candy shoppe in the USA.
So lucky to have the Berley family continue the traditions of Shane’s.
Mother always bought sweets there for special occasions and gifts. A special treat is a cup of their hot chocolate !
Love the images that capture what Shane’s is like for folks who don’t live here.
And the images of our beautiful City Hall and our great art museum, folks come and visit a spell if you can ! :)
An old Philadelphian
YES!!!!!! I buy two tins of their hot chocolate when I'm there for the winter months...Some of the best I've had, and your right my friend, the Berley family has done Shane's and the city proud. And they are just so friendly there too.
DeleteI'd never be able to get Carlos out of that sweet shop!!
ReplyDeleteYou and I could find a pub and sit and judge everyone......
DeleteDelightful shop, and yummy stuff on offer - but blue chocolate (or indeed any food)?! Nope. Looks too much like soap to be appetising... Jx
ReplyDeleteTry it dear under your arms and report back to us.
DeleteIt a good thing you get a lot of exercise in more than one way...otherwise you may be 300lbs!
ReplyDeleteOmg!!!!I need to be there this instant! It's a beautiful place. How could I have never been there? Excellent picture of City Hall!!!! The city should buy that image from you.
ReplyDeleteThis almost comes as close to your Saturday post for me...but you know I like my meat over candy! Nice shop though. Even I'd have to at least get a chocolate bunny. The eye candy looking at candy! LOL!
ReplyDeleteDid he fit in your bag?
Shane Confectionary is a dying breed of a store that has been around for over 100 years. It is still housed in the same building where these high-quality candies are handmade and boxed. The inside of the store is like a jewel box, and the candies are so well displayed. It is hard to make a decision when you shop there. But boy is IT GOOD!
ReplyDeleteLike the Mistress and other fellow Philadelphians said...This is definitely worth a stop if you are in Philadelphia Old Towne. Especially at Easter!
ReplyDeleteSuperb place! I have long used Shanes when I lived on the Main Line. A trip back in time indeed. A stunning shop, historic and beautiful. Superb staff And the offerings!! The aroma of the chocolates is beyond enticing. And the clear toy candies are easily the finest made and always find a way into my grandkids Easter's baskets. Great selection of favorite old-fashioned candies and treats. Home-made candies! Fine packaging. A true Philadelphia treasure!!!!!
ReplyDeleteFab shop! I'd like to try making my own Easter Eggs, like my mum did - maybe next year?!
ReplyDeleteI like the last picture with all the colourful tulips - so pretty.
Sx
Stunning photos. If I had walked inside that candy shop, I would have thought and died and was in heaven. Talk about a diabetic coma!
ReplyDeleteEvery time I was in Philadelphia when I lived in the states, I always visited Shane Confectionery. I loved the shops retro decor and is filled with delicious bite sized fine chocolates. The price is fair. The service was very friendly, courteous, and professional. The chocolates are worth the trip.
ReplyDeleteYou will need an extra large basket for tall and handsome, but if he can squat like that I am sure you will find a place for him.
ReplyDeleteMarvelous!
ReplyDeleteThey would never get me out of Shane Confectionery! They'd have to drag me out while I'm clutching the biggest chocolate egg in the store. It's Easter Heaven. Jon
ReplyDeleteJuste à temps pour Pâques :)
ReplyDeleteUne charmante confiserie, comme un petit coin de Paris à Philadelphie.
-Beau Mec à Deauville