Rehoboth Foodie

There's just not that much really good candy out there. Sure, there's Mary See's from San Francisco, but you can only get it locally over the Christmas holidays (even then it's at Dover and Christiana Malls and King of Prussia Mall--not all that local). And of course, there are the creamily sublime caramels and dark chocolate-dipped apricots from Harbor Candy in Ogunquit, Maine, but you better not order them any other time than the dead of winter, or they'll melt faster than Ephalba in the suburbs of Oz. If you are in OC, there's Wockenfuss--also great caramels, but even greater marzipan and dark-chocolate-dipped orange peels. But driving to (or through) OC can be a bracing experience in itself.

Then there's Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in the Tanger Seaside Outlets (the original location on Second Street in Lewes is closed). Everything is made fresh there, and some of their specialties are not to be missed: in particular, the variety of clever and colorful caramel apples (they make their own caramel in big copper pots), the caramel-covered marshmallows and chocolate-covered pretzels.

One of the big values-added of RMCF is the custom goodies they will make just for you. Bring in a bottle of your favorite wine, and they will encase the bottle in smooth, creamy chocolate, adding seasonal decorations (all edible) as you wish. They also make chocolate discs custom printed in edible ink, great for parties, weddings, business meetings, etc., and little boxes of their specialty candies--and the boxes are made of chocolate. A great gift for that chocoholic you love so much.

Owner Chris Harmes [pictured above, strong-arming a 10 lb. block of pure chocolate just waiting to be melted and tempered] will do her best to accommodate your every sweet dream (at least as far as candy is concerned). RMCF has a long history here at the beach and you owe it to yourself to check it out. They're open every day, but if you want to call, feel free (302) 227-0422.