What child (or adult) doesn’t like the lure of an old-fashioned candy shop?  With unique treats like Elvis Bark and chocolate-covered bacon, the Big Top Candy Shop in Austin, Texas is a fun treat for any age.

Located on Congress Avenue in downtown Austin, this candy shop is well-known by the locals for having candies from our childhood past, unique treats (candied grasshoppers?), and a soda fountain.  With bins filled with every gooey, sweet, and colorful candy imaginable – it’s a modern day Wonka-Shop!

Many of the candies can be bought in bulk, such as this scrumptious salt-water taffy bar.  There are bins in the back of the store filled with every candy you could ever want (and then some).

There is even some exotic treats – Sour Cream & Onion Grasshoppers anyone?

But we came for one thing – to try the Double Bacon Chocolate Bar. Surprisingly good, this bark sells out quick, so don’t expect any left if you are coming in the evening.

But our favorite was the Elvis Bark – am amazingly yummy mixture of milk chocolate, peanut butter and strawberry jelly, banana chips and bacon.  I know – it sounds disgusting – but the saltiness of the bacon really makes this treat unbelievable.  Again, another fast seller, so get here early to try it!

The Big Top Candy Shop is a fun treat for any age – bring the family for a treat after visiting some of the sites in downtown Austin – a trip to the State Capitol, the Bob Bullock Museum for some Texas history, or a fun ride on the Zilker Zephyr at the Zilker Park maybe? – it’s a great place for an afternoon snack!

Texas Travels Facts:
Location: 1706 South Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78704
Hours: Mon- Sun 11 am – 7 pm (open later on weekends, depending on foot traffic)
Good to Know: Relatively small shop, strollers not advised.  Don’t come hungry!
Website: http://bigtopcandyshop.tumblr.com/