Halloween is known for having way too much candy, but let’s be honest – much of it isn’t really the true indulgence we crave. Today we’re shining a light on our stress-relieving, serotonin-inducing sweet treats and their makers, homemade locally by our very own Appalachian friends and neighbors. The links in this post will take you directly to the item available for purchase or come see us in person to shop for your loved ones (or yourself – we won’t tell)!
Our Visitors Center is proud to sell Towns Toffee, a regional small business that spreads joy throughout the year with seasonal and classic house toffee recipes. We carry decadent white chocolate pecan, original milk chocolate, dark chocolate sea salt, rocky top, and whiskey toffee. With such a variety of flavors, there’s sure to be a toffee for every taste!
We also offer hand-crafted bean-to-bar chocolate made right here in Knoxville by Lirio Chocolate Company. The unique, bold flavors are harnessed using ethically sourced beans into single-origin chocolate. Be sure to pay attention to the tasting notes listed on the chocolate bars’ artsy labels. Each bar details its cacao bean origin and Lirio’s chocolate-making process accentuates the bean’s natural flavors.
If toffee and chocolate aren’t your cup of tea, then maybe famous Willa’s Shortbread cookies are. At least, they sure are delicious to pair with a cup of tea! Willa’s traditional Southern recipe uses only three ingredients to create an unforgettable buttery, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Pick up your Willa’s Shortbread in two beautifully packaged sizes, a four-ounce box or an eight-ounce tin. And if you really are looking for tea to go with it, visit Tonya Rea’s Teas & Remedies in North Knoxville for custom blended teas.
Lastly, for a blast from the past you can’t go wrong with Tennessee Taffy, made by Smoky Mountain Candy Makers. This one-pound box is chock-full of assorted flavors like apple, cotton candy, peanut butter, and sassafras. There really aren’t enough opportunities in life to use the word “sassafras,” so that’s reason enough to buy this box of sticky sweet goodness.
These treats are sure to elevate your Halloween or make fun snail mail surprises. They're perfect for stocking stuffers, as a thank-you, and are simply a great way to enjoy the edible accoutrements of the South!
