Big Bear Candy Adventure: A Sweet Escape at The Village Sweet Shoppe

I took a spontaneous day trip to Big Bear on a beautiful early spring day. Snow still blanketed the ground, but the sun was shining, and the air was crisp. It seemed like half of California had the same idea, but that only added to the lively mountain-town charm. Little did I know, my day in the mountains would become a Big Bear candy adventure!

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Like always, I found myself daydreaming about owning a cozy log cabin by the lake. My husband, Gary, and I spent the morning driving around Big Bear, admiring the picturesque homes in the pines. I imagined family gatherings on spacious decks, hiking trails just steps away, paddleboarding in the summer, and skiing in the winter. But, as is often the case, my cabin dreams far exceeded our budget. So, instead of making an offer, we made our way into Big Bear Village for some lunch and window shopping.

Our food stop of choice? Even though we really like the Oakside, this time we went to The Bone Yard. (Stay tuned for that review!) After an amazing, filling meal, we took a leisurely stroll through town, peeking into shops and soaking up the mountain vibes. It wasn’t long before my husband’s internal sugar radar kicked in, leading us straight to a place that would turn our afternoon into a sugar-fueled adventure. The Village Sweet Shoppe!

Stepping Into Candy Wonderland

Even before we walked inside, The Village Sweet Shoppe made its presence known. A bright purple awning draped over the entrance, inviting us into a world of pure sugary joy. The moment I stepped through the door, I was met with a sight that could make even the most disciplined eater crumble. Barrels upon barrels of colorful candies stretched before me like a confectionery treasure.

I consider myself more of a cookie kind of girl, but something about the atmosphere pulled me in. The place was buzzing with excitement. People of all ages roamed the aisles, eyes wide, hands reaching for taffy, gummies, and hard candies like they had just discovered a long-lost childhood dream.

A Feast for the Senses

While Gary zeroed in on the licorice section (his happy place), I wandered through the store, admiring the charming decor. Giant rainbow-colored lollipops dangled from the ceiling. Themed candy sections catered to every taste, including a Star Wars display that would delight any fan. There was an entire room dedicated to soda pop, offering unique and nostalgic flavors I hadn’t seen in years. From classic taffy to sour gummies, from rich chocolates to brittle that made my mouth water, The Village Sweet Shoppe had it all.

Somehow, despite not being a candy fanatic, I got swept up in the moment. Handfuls of chewy treats found their way into my bag. Meanwhile, Gary loaded up on an impressive variety of licorice, grinning like a kid on Halloween.

A Sweet Ending to a Sweet Day

With our candy haul secured, we stepped back outside into the fresh mountain air, feeling like we had just spent time in an amusement park. The sugar rush set in quickly, making our drive down the mountain all the more enjoyable. Even though we didn’t find our dream vacation cabin, our spirits were high (and so were our blood sugar levels).

Big Bear had once again provided the perfect escape. From log cabin dreaming to a delicious lunch and a candy shop straight out of a fantasy, it was an unforgettable day. One thing’s for sure—our Big Bear candy adventure at The Village Sweet Shoppe will be a hard one to top.

Until next time, Big Bear. I’ll be back, probably searching for another cabin... and definitely stopping by for more licorice.

Where is it?

The Village Sweet Shoppe is located at 40736 Village Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315. Click here to find directions.

Where to Stay:

We only went for the day on this trip, but if you’re planning to stay overnight in Big Bear, I recommend these options:

• The Robinhood Resort - this quaint hotel is right in the village, and you can walk to restaurants, bars, The Sweet Shoppe and many attractions. It is centrally located and easy to find.

  
  

• We often choose to stay in one of the many VRBOs available in the Big Bear area. This way, I get to choose a place that matches my vibe. Log cabin living, slope side ski haven, or quaint village neighborhood. VRBOs are a lot less than buying my own mountain cabin (or at least that is what my husband keeps telling me).

  
  

CLICK HERE TO FIND YOUR PERFECT BIG BEAR VACATION CABIN

Don’t forget to pack these for your mountain getaway:

Sunscreen - Big Bear is at an elevation over 6700 feet! Those bright sunny days can do a number on your skin in that thin air. Plan ahead - sunscreen is a must.

Overnight Bag - You don’t want one that’s too big, but also need to fit a couple outfits, an extra pair of shoes, and room for fun Big Bear souvenirs (and candy). This is an overnight bag I like, because it can expand, if you need a bit more room on your way

home.

Hat - actually, you need two! One hat with a visor to shade out the bright mountain sun, and another because it gets chilly at night in the mountains. A beanie is always a good (and inexpensive) hat to take on any trip.

Car Emergency Kit - You can never be too prepared. Mountain roads can be a little sketchy. I like to have this in my trunk, just in case. I like how it includes the warning triangles you can place behind your disabled car, to let people know to slow down (I’ve never had to use the kit, but it’s nice to know I’m ready).

More Adventures around Big Bear: