Haven’s, in Portland, Maine, has been making people say “yum” since 1915. Back then,
residents with a sweet tooth satisfied their confectionary hankerings by visiting Haven’s
Candy Kitchen, which Herbert Haven ran out of his Portland home.
Today, a Haven’s store
stands at 542 Forest Avenue, only a block from the original site. Fans of the sweets life,
however, should go directly to the source, the factory on Congress Street (State Route 22)
in Westbrook, to watch the candies being made. It’s free to gawk through the window; $2.50
for a 25-minute, factory-floor group tour, Tuesday through Thursday by appointment. Free
tours are offered during the Columbus Day Open House (this October 13). No matter when they
visit, however, sugar aficionados can purchase an array of chocolates that would make Willy
Wonka envious, including nut-filled turtles, old-fashioned fudge, nonpareils and the
obligatory chocolate Maine lobsters.
For more details: (800) 639-6309, havenscandies.com.