Gardners Candies

- 30 W 10th St, Tyrone, PA 16686

For over 125 years, Gardners Candies has been a cherished institution in Pennsylvania, representing a deep and sweet slice of local history. Founded in 1897 by sixteen-year-old James "Pike" Gardner in Tyrone, this beloved candy store and chocolate shop has grown from a small downtown operation to a regional powerhouse known for its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. The flagship location on West 10th Street in Tyrone is more than just a retail store; it's a nostalgic destination that cleverly combines a massive candy selection with an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and a charming small historical museum dedicated to the company's legacy.

Gardners Candies built its stellar reputation on one truly iconic Pennsylvania creation: the Original Peanut Butter Meltaway®. Developed in the early 1960s with the assistance of the Penn State University Food Science Department, this creamy, smooth peanut butter confection dipped in rich chocolate is a signature treat that many have tried, but none can duplicate. The company’s product line, however, extends far beyond their famous Meltaways, encompassing a vast selection of premium chocolates, including assorted creams, truffles, various nuts and chews, coconut clusters, and specialty items like chocolate-covered pretzels and potato chips.

Visiting the Tyrone location offers a comprehensive, family-friendly experience that celebrates the art of confectionery. Customers consistently praise the quality of the sweets and the generous portions of ice cream, making it an essential quick visit for anyone traveling through the Central Pennsylvania area. From everyday indulgences to sophisticated corporate gifts, Gardners Candies upholds its founder's philosophy of providing rich quality products and striving to make the best even better, all from its historic home base in Tyrone.

The flagship Gardners Candies location is perfectly situated in the heart of the community at 30 W 10th St, Tyrone, PA 16686, USA. This central location makes it a prominent and easily reachable spot for locals and visitors alike. The store is part of the original tradition of Gardners Candies, which began as a small downtown shop and remains a fixture of Tyrone’s business district.

The company has made dedicated efforts to ensure that the experience is accessible to everyone. The facility offers a wheelchair accessible entrance, allowing for smooth entry for customers with mobility needs, as well as a designated wheelchair accessible parking lot for convenient access from the moment of arrival. This commitment to accessibility means that everyone in the family can enjoy exploring the candy store, the museum, and the ice cream parlor without issue.

For efficiency and convenience, the shop facilitates a Quick visit, which is ideal for those stopping by while traveling along nearby routes. Payment is made simple, with the shop accepting major Credit cards and Debit cards, ensuring a fast and smooth transaction whether you are purchasing a single scoop of ice cream or a large box of the Original Peanut Butter Meltaways®.

Gardners Candies in Tyrone offers a comprehensive sweet experience, backed by a range of services tailored to meet both individual and corporate needs:

• In-store shopping: A traditional retail experience with a wide, taste-tempting display of all Gardners products, including boxed assortments, bulk candy, and novelty sweets.
• In-store pickup: Convenient service for customers who have placed orders ahead of time, ensuring a swift collection.
• Onsite services: Friendly staff are always available to assist with selecting the perfect assortment, recommending unique gift items, and answering questions about the company’s extensive history.
• Dessert shop/Ice Cream Parlor: Featuring an old-fashioned parlor serving generous portions of hand-dipped ice cream, sundaes, and milkshakes, as noted by enthusiastic customer reviews.
• Corporate gift supplier services: Offering a professional business gifting program with customization options, multi-address shipping, and volume discounts to impress clients and appreciate employees.
• Fundraising programs: Gardners is well-known for its successful fundraising programs, allowing local organizations to raise money by selling popular items like the Peanut Butter Meltaway® bars.

The Tyrone location of Gardners Candies is unique in that it bundles multiple delightful experiences under one roof, providing compelling reasons for a visit:

• The Original Peanut Butter Meltaway®: This is the home base of this famous, uniquely creamy Pennsylvania confection, and the best place to find all varieties, from bars to cups.
• The Candy Museum: Located between the candy store and the ice cream parlor, this is a charming historical museum that showcases the 125+ year journey of Gardners Candies, complete with vintage packaging, antique candy-making equipment, old scales, and a historical coke machine. Customers describe this feature as "so cute" and "definitely worth a visit."
• Generous Ice Cream Portions: The on-site ice cream parlor is highly praised for its large portion size and fair price, offering a fantastic value and a perfect way to cool off or enjoy a dessert.
• Vast Candy Selection: The candy shop side is large, stocking a vast selection ranging from premium chocolate assortments to nostalgic "2 cent candies," gummies, chocolate-covered chips, and bulk sweets.
• Historical Significance: Gardners is also credited with developing the heart-shaped box for chocolates in the early 1900s, adding an extra layer of historical importance to its legacy.
• Gift-Ready Products: The store excels in creating beautifully decorated, taste-tempting gift trays, baskets, and collector tins for elegant presentation, and often offers free gift-wrapping services.

For quick reference or to plan a visit, here is the official contact information for the historic Tyrone location of Gardners Candies:

• Address: 30 W 10th St, Tyrone, PA 16686, USA
• Phone: (814) 684-0857
• Mobile Phone: +1 814-684-0857

For anyone in Pennsylvania, Gardners Candies in Tyrone is worth choosing because it offers an unrivaled combination of premium product quality, incredible value, and local historical charm. You can fulfill virtually any sweet-tooth craving here, whether you're stocking up on the signature Original Peanut Butter Meltaways® or seeking a sophisticated gift tier. The added value of the on-site Candy Museum provides a memorable, educational break from shopping, turning a simple errand into an engaging experience that is both "fantastic" and "delicious." The ice cream parlor's reputation for large portions at a fair price seals the deal, confirming the company’s long-standing philosophy of delivering quality and excellent service to the community. By visiting, you are engaging with and supporting one of the most enduring and beloved confectionery companies in the entire state of Pennsylvania.

Gardners Candies

30 W 10th St, Tyrone, PA 16686, USA