Hey you. Person with a sweet tooth. This list was carefully crafted with you in mind. And with Valentine's Day right around the corner, who needs a dozen roses when you have these 12 spectacular sugar shops to call on right here in Wisconsin?
1. Baraboo Candy Company (Baraboo)
Known as the home of the Original Cow Pie, the Baraboo Candy Co. has been producing a wide variety of chocolates, fudges, caramels and toffees, all from scratch using only the finest ingredients from around the region since 1981.
While you're in Baraboo: Visit Circus World Museum, go hiking at Devil's Lake State Park, pop in at Mr. Marvels' Wondertorium.
2. End of the Trail Candy Shoppe (Waupun)
They're third-generation candy makers with a world-class reputation for homemade chocolates. End of the Trail Candy Shoppe makes each delicious treat with Wisconsin's very own fresh dairy products.
While you're in Waupun: Order a drink at Thirsty Marlins, go ice-skating at the Waupun Community Center, test out the snowmobile trails.
3. Becky's Blissful Bakery (Pewaukee)
Stop by for handmade, gourmet soft caramels made with the finest 100 percent organic and gluten-free ingredients.
While you're in Pewaukee: Test your climbing skills at Adventure Rock, grab a swig at Two Brothers Wine, get wet "n' wild at The Spring Water Park.
4. Sherwood's Fabulous Fudge (Racine)
Fudge fans, take note: This place offers 28 flavors of the best fudge ever. Of course, it's locally made and homemade fresh.
While you're in Racine: Visit Wind Point Lighthouse, get artsy at Hot Shop Glass, take a tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed SC Johnson global headquarters.
5. Confections for Any Occasion (Theresa)
Joel Bernhard, owner of Confections for Any Occasion, uses Wisconsin butter and cream to craft his decadent chocolate, truffles and Berry Bogs. And that's reason enough to love this old-fashioned candy store.
While you're in Theresa: Explore Horicon Marsh, check out Honey Acres Museum, go horseback riding along Wild Goose State Trail.
6. Powers Gourmet (Lyndon Station)
About 10 miles northwest of Wisconsin Dells is a gem of a place called Powers Gourmet. From hand-dipped candies, assorted fudge, barbecue sauces, cranberry goods and more, the only problem you'll face is choosing which treats to indulge in. (Good luck to you.)
While you're in Lyndon Station: Spend the weekend at Wilderness Resort, go skiing at Christmas Mountain Village, zipline over the highest castellated mountain in the world with Vertical Illusions.
7. Roots Chocolates (Various locations)
These farm-crafted chocolates and confections use local ingredients including fruits, herbs and honey from the Roots Chocolates farmstead in Wisconsin Dells. Craving some delicious Roots' sweets? Find them at local purveyors, farmers markets or special events. Check 'em out online for locations, events and flavors.
8. Sunny Caramels (Iola)
If you're like me and have a serious weakness for caramel-flavored anything, you're going to love this one: Sunny Caramels in Iola makes cashew, pecan, walnut, hazelnut coffee, turtle and original caramels.
While you're in Iola: Walk along the Crystal River, order lunch at Crystal Café and indulge in gelato at The Millstone of Iola Mills.
9. Sweet P's Pantry (Oconomowoc)
Every Sweet P's Pantry treat is made with natural, high-quality ingredients to create the most delicious toffee, chocolate bark and spiced nuts.
While you're in Oconomowoc: Enjoy a show at Theatre on Main, discover Lac La Belle, have a martini (or two) at Splash Martini Bar.
10. Tillie's Toffee (Brookfield)
Tillie's Toffee is delicious English toffee made with real butter, almonds and sugar and topped with delectable Ambrosia Chocolate.
While you're in Brookfield: Do a little shopping at Brookfield Fashion Center, grab some 'za at Blaze Fast-Fire'd Pizza, take in a flick at Marcus Majestic Theatre.
11. Wisconsin Dairyland Fudge Company (Wisconsin Dells)
Wisconsin Dairyland Fudge Company has been making fudge and other homemade candy since 1962 and the proof is in the pudding-err fudge. Try the Peanut Butter Marble Fudge or Salt-Water Taffy.
While you're in Wisconsin Dells: Squeeze in a history lesson at H. H. Bennett Studio, get pampered at Sundara Inn and Spa.
12. Xseedingly Satisfying (Various Locations)
Delectable and nutritious? Yes, please. Waukesha-based Xseedingly Satisfying produces artisan all-natural mixes of seeds, nuts and dried fruits that are lightly roasted with maple syrup or coconut sugar and spices. Need two more reasons to love this Wisconsin shop? 1. Think Door County cherries and 2. Wisconsin maple syrup.
- Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." Her column is published Tuesday on Life page in the Times.
1. Baraboo Candy Company (Baraboo)
Known as the home of the Original Cow Pie, the Baraboo Candy Co. has been producing a wide variety of chocolates, fudges, caramels and toffees, all from scratch using only the finest ingredients from around the region since 1981.
While you're in Baraboo: Visit Circus World Museum, go hiking at Devil's Lake State Park, pop in at Mr. Marvels' Wondertorium.
2. End of the Trail Candy Shoppe (Waupun)
They're third-generation candy makers with a world-class reputation for homemade chocolates. End of the Trail Candy Shoppe makes each delicious treat with Wisconsin's very own fresh dairy products.
While you're in Waupun: Order a drink at Thirsty Marlins, go ice-skating at the Waupun Community Center, test out the snowmobile trails.
3. Becky's Blissful Bakery (Pewaukee)
Stop by for handmade, gourmet soft caramels made with the finest 100 percent organic and gluten-free ingredients.
While you're in Pewaukee: Test your climbing skills at Adventure Rock, grab a swig at Two Brothers Wine, get wet "n' wild at The Spring Water Park.
4. Sherwood's Fabulous Fudge (Racine)
Fudge fans, take note: This place offers 28 flavors of the best fudge ever. Of course, it's locally made and homemade fresh.
While you're in Racine: Visit Wind Point Lighthouse, get artsy at Hot Shop Glass, take a tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed SC Johnson global headquarters.
5. Confections for Any Occasion (Theresa)
Joel Bernhard, owner of Confections for Any Occasion, uses Wisconsin butter and cream to craft his decadent chocolate, truffles and Berry Bogs. And that's reason enough to love this old-fashioned candy store.
While you're in Theresa: Explore Horicon Marsh, check out Honey Acres Museum, go horseback riding along Wild Goose State Trail.
6. Powers Gourmet (Lyndon Station)
About 10 miles northwest of Wisconsin Dells is a gem of a place called Powers Gourmet. From hand-dipped candies, assorted fudge, barbecue sauces, cranberry goods and more, the only problem you'll face is choosing which treats to indulge in. (Good luck to you.)
While you're in Lyndon Station: Spend the weekend at Wilderness Resort, go skiing at Christmas Mountain Village, zipline over the highest castellated mountain in the world with Vertical Illusions.
7. Roots Chocolates (Various locations)
These farm-crafted chocolates and confections use local ingredients including fruits, herbs and honey from the Roots Chocolates farmstead in Wisconsin Dells. Craving some delicious Roots' sweets? Find them at local purveyors, farmers markets or special events. Check 'em out online for locations, events and flavors.
8. Sunny Caramels (Iola)
If you're like me and have a serious weakness for caramel-flavored anything, you're going to love this one: Sunny Caramels in Iola makes cashew, pecan, walnut, hazelnut coffee, turtle and original caramels.
While you're in Iola: Walk along the Crystal River, order lunch at Crystal Café and indulge in gelato at The Millstone of Iola Mills.
9. Sweet P's Pantry (Oconomowoc)
Every Sweet P's Pantry treat is made with natural, high-quality ingredients to create the most delicious toffee, chocolate bark and spiced nuts.
While you're in Oconomowoc: Enjoy a show at Theatre on Main, discover Lac La Belle, have a martini (or two) at Splash Martini Bar.
10. Tillie's Toffee (Brookfield)
Tillie's Toffee is delicious English toffee made with real butter, almonds and sugar and topped with delectable Ambrosia Chocolate.
While you're in Brookfield: Do a little shopping at Brookfield Fashion Center, grab some 'za at Blaze Fast-Fire'd Pizza, take in a flick at Marcus Majestic Theatre.
11. Wisconsin Dairyland Fudge Company (Wisconsin Dells)
Wisconsin Dairyland Fudge Company has been making fudge and other homemade candy since 1962 and the proof is in the pudding-err fudge. Try the Peanut Butter Marble Fudge or Salt-Water Taffy.
While you're in Wisconsin Dells: Squeeze in a history lesson at H. H. Bennett Studio, get pampered at Sundara Inn and Spa.
12. Xseedingly Satisfying (Various Locations)
Delectable and nutritious? Yes, please. Waukesha-based Xseedingly Satisfying produces artisan all-natural mixes of seeds, nuts and dried fruits that are lightly roasted with maple syrup or coconut sugar and spices. Need two more reasons to love this Wisconsin shop? 1. Think Door County cherries and 2. Wisconsin maple syrup.
- Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." Her column is published Tuesday on Life page in the Times.