While planning our Philadelphia trip, I wanted to work in a visit to Franklin Fountain, which I first visited with my kids in 2011, after seeing them on Food Network.
Then I wanted to find out where their candy shop was located, which I only knew as somewhere around the corner.
TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY
In the process of grabbing addresses, I learned that this weekend was the 20th anniversary for Franklin Fountain.
For the event, they encouraged everyone to dress up in 1900-1910 clothes for free ice cream.
Although that sounded like fun, I also wanted to dress in 1824 clothes for the Lafayette event that morning.
Well, life has been so crazy, I just dressed as modern me.
BERLEY BROTHERS
When we arrived, I saw the Berley Brothers who own Franklin Fountain and Shane Confectionery.
SHANE CONFECTIONERY TOUR
Wanting to first take a tour of the Shane Confectionery, we learned the tours were free that day, due to the big anniversary of their sister shop.
Established in 1863, Shane Confectionery is the oldest continuously run candy shop around!
How to choose? On the tour we got free samples which helped me choose what to decide one for souvenirs.
That means I bought the most intriguing types that I thought my kids would like to help sample at home…because everything was great!
Original 19th century chocolate molds!
Much of the building is original, like the floor, but other parts are restored.
We went in back to see where the chocolate is made.
Then upstairs we saw their very old-fashioned equipment and very old elevator that safely brings the freshly made candy downstairs.
We were so full from candy samples, we didn’t have room for ice cream.
Next time.
