While most kids walk into Dylan’s Candy Bar on Michigan Avenue (if you dare let them loose in this kids’ heaven) and see sugar, sugar and more sugar, adults may recognize that this is a phenomenal lifestyle brand transcending just candy. Founded by Dylan Lauren (Ralph’s daughter!) in 2001, the concepts and products are ingenious, evoking a sense of current pop culture mixed in with the nostalgic past.
If you go
Dylan’s Candy Bar
445 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago
Two stories of pure eye candy, the Chicago store is visually stunning with not only sweet treats, but also cool gifts, candy-themed sleepwear, stationery, toys and–let’s not leave out your pooch–pet-themed products.
One of the best aspects is the gifts for virtually every occasion. The Willy Wonka line and chocolates are big hits as are the Wizard of Oz items, consisting not only of sweets like the Tin Man and Scarecrow chocolate bars, but gorgeous hard-covered journals featuring the Wicked Witch and Dorothy.
Not to miss are the time-capsule buckets with famous candies from particular decades. Dylan’s also has sugar-free candy, kosher candy and pretty much any other category one might imagine.
And Dylan’s Candy Bar can host the ultimate kid’s birthday party: A celebration in Dylan’s bright, colorful party room with gumball tables, peppermint stools and lollipop chandeliers, supervised by the top-notch party staff. The downside? You won’t be able to top it the following year.