The original article for Rumson-Fair Haven Patch by Kristin Adochio can be found here.
Lollie's looks like Santa's pantry in the North Pole. Buddy the Elf must have dropped off the goodies on his way through the Swirly Twirly Gumdrop Forrest into our dimension. The walls are lined with sweet dispensers and the shelves are stocked with retro candy and innovative chocolate bars.
Lollie's is tucked away on River Road between Java Hut and Skye Blue & Charlotte Children's Clothes. On a nice day you can sit on the candy dots bench surrounded by bushes sprouting nothing else but lollie pops.
Laura Balestro opened Lollie's just this past August and it's her first shop. She has had a passion for candy since she was young and she has passed that passion onto her 3 "candy monsters" at home. Laura owns and operates her shop with the help of a childhood friend, Allison.
"People come in here looking for something unique and we try to help them out," Allison said.
The shop is stocked full of classics like Razzles, Pop Rocks, Nerds, Rock Candy, Wax Lips and Jelly Belly Beans. The most unique things about this shop is its many non-candy items in stock. Looking for a cute hostess gift or something for your kid's wishlist? Then try out something like an M&M boom box or French Fries Soap. There are also treats like Candy Scented Nail Polish for the candy lovin' girlie girl or Candy Scented Candy Bands for the smelly candy lover.
Although the store has only been open a few months, business is booming and only 5 minutes after 11 a.m. (that's when the shop opens) 3 customers have already come in and shared a laugh with Laura and Allison.
"We like introducing people to yummy sweets. Laura likes to give out a lot of samples," Allison laughed.
Lollie's offers amazing and different treats all year around, but during the holiday's it carries some adorable gifts. There are molded chocolate Santa boots stuffed with chocolate covered Cheerio's as well as a stocking stuffer cart in the middle of the store. Chocolate covered malt balls come in all sorts of holiday flavors like peppermint and gingersnap and the chocolate filled candy canes hang from the ceiling.
Candy may not seem like a serious business but a lot of thought and research goes into the candy choosing process. Laura brings her passion for candy to the front lines with her choices from retro and handmade chocolates to trendy treats. She carries some pieces from Jacque Torres, Mr. Chocolate himself, and interestingly packaged bottles of Chocolate Crisis Center candy, for the chocolate impaired.
Lollie's is the place to be if you need anything from a sweet fix to an interesting gift at your next party. Laura makes the shop as jolly as the candy itself.
For the holiday season, I've picked my 5 top favorites from Lollie's Candy Co.
1. The Stocking Stuffer Center
2. Molded Chocolate Santa Boot with Chocolate Covered Cheerio's
3. Chocolate Crisis Center "Nut Case"
4. Lollie's Candy Scented Soaps (Comes in Swedish Fish, Sea Salt Caramel, White Chocolate and Rock Candy)
5. Gummy Bear Nightlite
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