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Five real-life Willy Wonka shops in Louisville

If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it.

Store front of a candy store with class windows and red sign.

Muth’s Candies isn’t just home to the modjeska, but gummy worm tombstones, too.

Photo by LOUtoday

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So much time and so little to read.... Wait a minute — strike that, reverse it.

The new Wonka movie hits theaters tomorrow, and it’s got us in the mood for an Everlasting Gobstopper or a Whizzdoodle, so we decided to round up a list of Derby City confectioners sure to satisfy that sweet tooth.

Consider this list your golden ticket to Derby City candy.

Muth’s Candies, 630 E. Market St.

This NuLu shop has been around since the neighborhood was OldLu — Muth’s was founded in 1921, and the family’s third and fourth generations are now in charge. It’s home to the famous Modjeska — a Louisville-favorite caramel-covered marshmallow treat — but that’s not the only handmade confection you’ll find in the glass cases here. Muth’s regularly rolls out seasonal goodies along with candy shop standards, like a classic box of chocolate + malted milk balls.

Whelpdale Chocolates, multiple locations

Founded by Gary Whelpdale, who hails from the Northeast of England, this Louisville-based chocolate producer creates vegan friendly bars in a variety of flavors, like bourbon smoked sea salt, caffe mocha, and mint julep. You can grab one at several local stores, including Work the Metal, Full Stop Shop, and Oldtown Liquors.

Full Stop Louisville

It looks like a gas station, but Full Stop is a place to fuel yourself, not your car.

Photo by LOUtoday

Art Eatables, multiple locations

Candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker. The small-batch bourbon truffles on offer here pack a punch — after just a few, you might find yourself with whiskey breath. Art Eatables’ truffles feature bourbon from Old Forester, Buffalo Trace, Wild Turkey, and several other Kentucky distilleries, and make a great gift for the whiskey aficionado in your life.

The Sweet Spot Candy Shoppe & Dundee Candy, 1583 Bardstown Rd.

The kiddos will go running into this Highlands shop like it’s the entrance to Wonka’s factory. The Sweet Spot is as much a treat for the eyes as the tongue, with colorful features throughout the store. It’s a one-stop-shop, offering bulk candy, hard-to-find items, and gourmet sodas. Plus, in 2018, this shop purchased local candy shop Dundee Candy, which has been producing handmade treats since the 1940s.

Froggy’s Popcorn, 974 Barret Ave.

What better snack to have by your side as you watch, “Wonka” than popcorn? Froggy’s pops an assortment of flavored corns, including birthday cake + candy cane options.

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