Sharp’s Candies

This is the site of Lexington’s real life gingerbread house. I’ve driven by this place hundreds of times. It’s been years since I’ve been inside. While I was on a quest to find local places to buy Valentine’s Day candy, I decided to make this my first stop.
As I walked in, I was consumed by the aroma of the sugary goodness brewing in the back. Everything lined the walls and Valentine themed candy and boxes were on the tables in the middle. Nothing really tickled my fancy. I did ask about the chocolate covered grapes and the young lady told me that they were in the back. Never offering a sampling or any pricing details. Then I over heard someone checking out and being offered free samples. I guess that you have to purchase to sample. Weird business call if you ask me.
I have had their candies before and I don’t remember being blown away. This time I left empty handed and headed to Old Kentucky Chocolates, which was only about a mile away. There at Old Kentucky Chocolates, the candy was less expensive and they offered free samples. There at Old Kentucky Chocolates, I didn’t leave empty handed.

Normally when you see a place that looks like a gingerbread house out of Hansel and Gretel, you may wonder if it is safe to go inside. However, sitting right off of Southland Dr. there is a small gem of a candy store that makes any thoughts about evil witches eating small children quickly fade. Surprisingly, I had never heard of Sharp’s Candies until I noticed the multicolored, candy land decorated building one day.
When you step inside there is an amazing selection of handmade candies that will dazzle even the most die-​hard chocoholic. The selection of Bourbon-​laced cremes and cherries caught my attention immediately. Then there were rows and rows of truffles, caramel and nut creations, and flavored cremes in both dark and milk chocolate. Throw in the fudges, chocolate covered dried fruits, various brittles, and more.
These are premium candies and the price reflects that fact. However they also offer what they call «seconds» at a deep discount. When we asked why the girl at the counter said that they didn’t loo perfect so they are sold as seconds. Well I have to tell you they looked pretty close to perfect to me.
On the day they were there you could get chocolate covered strawberries by the pound. We ordered four and the counter girl wrapped them for us in a pretty red box. We also selected two bourbon cremes, two dark chocolate turtles, and two orange cremes. It was all amazing. Another great feature is that you can get custom printed boxes for special events filled with your choice of treats.
If it had not been 103 degrees outside I may have spent my entire monthly salary that day. I love gourmet candy and have tasted some of the best in the country. This place is one of Lexington’s best kept secrets and they have been in business for 30 years. The best part was after we paid for our treats and they pulled out a tray with a full range of samples and let you take a piece. We sampled the bourbon filled cherry cordials and I promise we will be back for more.