Gardners Candies & Ice Cream/The Gardners Candies Museum

- 2600 Adams Ave P.O. Box E, Tyrone, PA 16686

For generations of Pennsylvanians, particularly those in the central region, Gardners Candies is a name synonymous with quality, tradition, and the unmistakable taste of chocolate perfection. More than a simple candy store, the flagship location in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, is a true destination: Gardners Candies & Ice Cream, which incorporates The Gardners Candies Museum. This establishment is a sweet cornerstone of the state's confectionery industry, tracing its heritage back to 1897 when sixteen-year-old James “Pike” Gardner opened his doors in downtown Tyrone.

The journey of Gardners Candies—from a horse-drawn wagon selling peanuts and popcorn to becoming one of the largest producers of chocolate in the United States—is a rich part of Pennsylvania's business history. The company's stellar reputation is built on a foundation of quality products offered at affordable prices, a philosophy established by Pike Gardner himself, who believed in constantly striving to "make the best even better." Today, this commitment is evident in every piece of chocolate, but most famously in their signature creation: the Original Peanut Butter Meltaway®.

The Original Peanut Butter Meltaway®, a velvety smooth, rich peanut butter blend dipped in premium chocolate, was perfected in the early 1960s with assistance from the Penn State University Food Science Department. It quickly became an iconic Pennsylvania treat, and its popularity launched a successful fundraising program that has supported countless organizations across the state. This single product alone is reason enough for any Pennsylvania resident to visit the source, but the Tyrone location offers much more than just the famous candy.

The facility is designed to be an immersive experience. Stepping inside, visitors are immediately greeted by the vast array of hand-crafted chocolates and bulk candies. Beyond the retail store lies the unique Candy Museum, a fascinating retrospective showcasing the company’s history, antique candy-making equipment, and the evolution of products like the iconic heart-shaped box—an innovation pioneered by Pike Gardner and a local cigar-box maker. To complete the experience, an old-fashioned Ice Cream Parlor offers a nostalgic spot to indulge in classic sundaes, milkshakes, and delicious scoops.

The flagship location of Gardners Candies, the Ice Cream Parlor, and the Museum offers a convenient stop for travelers and local residents in Central Pennsylvania.

The primary address is:

2600 Adams Ave P.O. Box E, Tyrone, PA 16686, USA

The location is situated in Tyrone, a key town in Blair County, making it a highly recognizable and easily accessible destination near major central Pennsylvania routes. Recognizing the importance of a welcoming environment for all Pennsylvania visitors, the facility offers excellent accessibility features. It provides a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring that every guest can enjoy the full experience, from browsing the sweets to exploring the museum and enjoying a treat in the ice cream parlor. Furthermore, the store accepts major credit cards, providing easy payment options for all patrons.

Gardners Candies & Ice Cream/The Gardners Candies Museum provides a multi-faceted offering, making it a complete destination for gifts, treats, and historical exploration:

• Premium Chocolate Retail: Sales of a vast selection of handcrafted chocolates, including the famous Original Peanut Butter Meltaway®, assorted creams, caramels, truffles, and specialty barks.
• Custom Box Creation: The ability for customers to personally select and assemble an assortment of their favorite chocolates, including cordials, jellies, and nuts, in various box sizes.
• Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor: A retro-themed parlor serving a variety of premium ice cream flavors in classic sundaes, milkshakes, floats, and hand-dipped cones.
• Candy Museum Access: Free entry to a unique museum showcasing the 125+ year history of Gardners Candies, featuring antique equipment, vintage packaging, and a video presentation about the production facility.
• Gift and Custom Gifting Programs: Services offering elegant candy-filled trays, baskets, and collector tins, often with customization opportunities for business gifting or special events.
• Fundraising Program Support: Continuation of the renowned fundraising program, which allows schools, clubs, and non-profits across Pennsylvania to raise funds by selling Gardners Candies products.

The Tyrone flagship location stands out in Central Pennsylvania for several distinctive features:

• The Original Peanut Butter Meltaway®: The unparalleled signature product, a creamy, chocolate-dipped sensation that is an undisputed Pennsylvania classic and a must-try for any visitor.
• Over 125 Years of Heritage: A deep historical connection to Pennsylvania, having been founded in Tyrone in 1897 and maintained its commitment to quality for over a century.
• Integrated Candy Museum: A truly unique feature that allows customers to not only buy treats but also to explore the rich history of the brand and the evolution of the candy-making process.
• Destination Experience: Combining a candy superstore, a historical museum, and a nostalgic ice cream parlor all under one roof, making it an engaging stop for all ages.
• Iconic Innovations: The birthplace of the heart-shaped candy box, which has become a globally recognized symbol of Valentine's Day.
• Community and Business Focus: Strong engagement through the successful statewide fundraising program and specialized business/custom gifting services.

For Pennsylvania residents seeking to plan a visit, place a large order, or inquire about the unique offerings at the Tyrone location, the following contact details are provided:

Address: 2600 Adams Ave P.O. Box E, Tyrone, PA 16686, USA

Toll-Free Phone: (800) 242-2639

Mobile Phone: +1 800-242-2639

For a Pennsylvania user, choosing to visit the Gardners Candies flagship store in Tyrone is choosing a genuine piece of local history and a high-quality product. It is worth the trip because it offers a triple-threat experience that transcends a typical retail transaction. You get to satisfy your sweet tooth with world-class chocolate, like the creamy, inimitable Original Peanut Butter Meltaway®, enjoy a classic treat in an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, and immerse yourself in the fascinating story of how a small-town Pennsylvania entrepreneur created a national confectionery legend.

The dedication to quality, which is rooted in Pike Gardner’s philosophy of "making the best even better," ensures that the product you buy is not mass-produced, but crafted to uphold a 125-year legacy. This commitment is what makes Gardners a superior choice over other candy retailers. Furthermore, the combination of the candy store, the museum with its vintage candy molds and equipment, and the ice cream parlor makes it an ideal family-friendly destination in Central Pennsylvania—a fun stop for anyone from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh. When you choose Gardners Candies, you are choosing to support a beloved, long-standing Pennsylvania business while indulging in the state's most famous and beloved peanut butter confection.

Gardners Candies & Ice Cream/The Gardners Candies Museum

2600 Adams Ave P.O. Box E, Tyrone, PA 16686, USA