Gardners Candies

- 206 Falon Lane, Altoona, PA 16602

For residents of Pennsylvania, the name Gardners Candies carries the weight of a century-old tradition and the promise of exceptional sweetness. Established in 1897 by sixteen-year-old James “Pike” Gardner in Tyrone, PA, this local institution has grown from a humble storefront and horse-drawn wagon operation into a competitive producer of some of the finest chocolate treats in the United States. The Altoona location, situated conveniently on Falon Lane, serves as a local flagship where customers can immerse themselves in the "fabulous chocolate and other candy" that has defined the brand for over 125 years.

While the store offers a wide variety of confectionery delights, including an engaging "old school candy section," the absolute main pull remains their freshly made chocolate. Gardners Candies is nationally famous for pioneering one unique and delicious creation: the Original Peanut Butter Meltaway®. This signature treat combines a rich, sweet chocolate coating with a creamy, smooth peanut butter center perfected in partnership with Penn State University's Food Science Department. The result is an unbeatable, melt-in-your-mouth experience that is often imitated but never truly replicated.

The Altoona store on Falon Lane is designed for a delightful shopping experience, often described by patrons as a "cool store" that is "definitely worth the stop." Beyond the chocolate, customers will find seasonal items, gifts, and even some non-candy merchandise, such as plush toys, though the handcrafted, top-rate chocolate is always the central focus. The business maintains a philosophy inherited from its founder: striving to make the best even better while offering rich quality products and excellent customer service.

The Gardners Candies store in Altoona, PA, provides a welcoming and easily reachable destination for all local candy lovers. The store is located at: 206 Falon Lane, Altoona, PA 16602, USA.

Positioned conveniently within the Altoona area, the Falon Lane location is designed to facilitate ease of visit, especially for those who need a Quick visit. Accessibility is a key feature, as the premises are fully equipped to accommodate everyone in the community. Shoppers will find a Wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring a smooth entry for those using mobility aids. Furthermore, a dedicated Wheelchair accessible parking lot is available, providing accessible parking spaces close to the store entrance for maximum convenience.

Whether you are stopping by quickly to pick up a box of your favorite Meltaways or planning to spend more time browsing the chocolate creations, the location's thoughtful planning ensures a pleasant and stress-free experience from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave with your goodies. The availability of multiple service options, as detailed below, further enhances the accessibility of the store's fantastic products.

Gardners Candies in Altoona provides a comprehensive suite of convenient services tailored to meet modern customer needs, from quick grabs to large special orders:

• Full In-Store Shopping: Patrons are invited to browse the beautifully decorated store, which showcases a stunning array of fresh chocolates, seasonal specialties, boxed assortments, and old-school candies.
• Curbside Pickup: For maximum convenience and speed, customers can utilize the Curbside pickup option, allowing for the retrieval of online or phone orders without needing to leave their vehicle.
• In-Store Pickup: Advance orders can also be collected efficiently using the In-store pickup service, making holiday and bulk ordering seamless.
• Onsite Services: The store offers Onsite services to enhance the immediate shopping experience, including complimentary gift wrapping for most items, a tradition established by the company's founder.
• Fundraising Programs: Gardners Candies has a successful and long-running fundraising program, offering organizations like schools and charities the opportunity to raise funds by selling their popular products, including the Original Peanut Butter Meltaway® bars and chocolate-covered pretzel rods.
• Business & Custom Gifting: The company specializes in business and custom gifting, providing elegant candy-filled trays, baskets, and tins for corporate events, client appreciation, or holiday gifts. They can also provide items for wedding cakes and party favors.
• Payment Flexibility: Transactions are made easy with the acceptance of major Credit cards and Debit cards.

The Altoona Gardners Candies store offers several unique features that distinguish it as a premier destination for confectionery in Central Pennsylvania:

• The Original Peanut Butter Meltaway®: This proprietary, legendary product is the store's centerpiece, known for its unique creamy texture and perfect blend of peanut butter and sweet chocolate—a truly world-class candy creation. It is offered in many forms, including bars, cups, and seasonal shapes like the Meltaway Santa.
• Rich Pennsylvania Heritage: Dating back to 1897, Gardners Candies is a historical local gem. While its roots are in nearby Tyrone, the Altoona location carries forward a legacy of quality and community service that spans over 125 years.
• Artistic Chocolate Creations: Customers love the variety of specialty, freshly made chocolates, particularly the unique chocolate figures and molds. The reviews highlight molded chocolate items shaped like everything from tractors to roses, making them perfect, creative gifts.
• The Frequent Shopper Program: The store encourages customer loyalty by offering a frequent shopper program. Signing up for this program allows patrons to receive valuable discounts and perks, making every visit even sweeter.
• Old-School Candy Section: In addition to the gourmet chocolate, the store maintains an inviting selection of "old school candy," appealing to nostalgia and offering a wide range of treats at various price points.
• Exceptional Quality and Variety: The candy, including assorted meltaways (Cashew, Toasted Coconut, etc.), caramels, creams, chocolate-covered pretzels, and nut assortments, is consistently described as "absolutely fabulous" and "top rate," reflecting the company's commitment to fine ingredients and craftsmanship.

For directions, placing an order for pickup, or general inquiries regarding products and services at the Altoona location, please use the following contact information:

• Address: 206 Falon Lane, Altoona, PA 16602, USA
• Phone: (814) 942-1700 (Also listed as +1 814-942-1700)

Gardners Candies is absolutely worth choosing for anyone in the Pennsylvania region seeking superior quality and a taste of local history. You are not just buying candy; you are investing in over a century of confectionery mastery. The core reason to visit is, without question, the Original Peanut Butter Meltaway®—a unique local flavor and a truly unmatched treat that has garnered nationwide recognition and keeps locals coming back year after year. As one customer noted, the chocolate is "absolutely fabulous" and "always top rate."

Beyond the famous meltaway, the store stands out as a reliable source for gifting. Whether you need an impressive Custom Assortment for a loved one, a festive chocolate shape, or a large order for a business event, their product line is diverse, high-quality, and beautifully packaged. The convenience of Curbside pickup and the financial reward of their frequent shopper program further enhance the value. For anyone who appreciates the rich taste of freshly made chocolate and a customer-first approach, Gardners Candies on Falon Lane offers a delightful, accessible, and historically rich shopping experience that ensures it remains Altoona’s sweetest local destination.

Gardners Candies

206 Falon Lane, Altoona, PA 16602, USA