ARTICLE
Henry's Sweet Retreat also doubles as a dessert bar. (Sophie Zeigler) Henry's Sweet Retreat “It’s okay to crave,” the bright sign in Henry’s Sweet Retreat announces, a rainbow of yellow, blue, pink and orange letters splashed across a white wall. The more implicit permission: It’s okay to indulge. The Bethesda candy market, which opened in 2016, doubles as a dessert bar. In addition to more than 100 varieties of candy sold by the pound, there’s ice cream, fudge, fine chocolate, an assortment of pastries — and, for those seeking a healthy palate cleanser, acai bowls. “Our original vision was to do a traditional candy store with more of a modern feel,” owner Patty Craver says. “And I loved going to shops that had a whole bunch of nostalgic candy, so we have a ton that’s from different eras.” For example: long-forgotten loves such as Razzles, ZotZ, Bottle Caps, Ice Cube Chocolates, Jujubes, Dots, Sugar Babies and Sugar Daddies. (Craver particularly enjoys reminiscing over Razzles’ star turn in the 2004 Jennifer Garner movie “13 Going on 30.”) If you’re more of a melt-in-your-mouth person, the selection of chocolate bars impresses — expect every variety of chocolate, including unexpected flavors like bacon. 4823 St. Elmo Ave., Bethesda.
“It’s okay to crave,” the bright sign in Henry’s Sweet Retreat announces, a rainbow of yellow, blue, pink and orange letters splashed across a white wall. The more implicit permission: It’s okay to indulge.
The Bethesda candy market, which opened in 2016, doubles as a dessert bar. In addition to more than 100 varieties of candy sold by the pound, there’s ice cream, fudge, fine chocolate, an assortment of pastries — and, for those seeking a healthy palate cleanser, acai bowls.
“Our original vision was to do a traditional candy store with more of a modern feel,” owner Patty Craver says. “And I loved going to shops that had a whole bunch of nostalgic candy, so we have a ton that’s from different eras.” For example: long-forgotten loves such as Razzles, ZotZ, Bottle Caps, Ice Cube Chocolates, Jujubes, Dots, Sugar Babies and Sugar Daddies. (Craver particularly enjoys reminiscing over Razzles’ star turn in the 2004 Jennifer Garner movie “13 Going on 30.”) If you’re more of a melt-in-your-mouth person, the selection of chocolate bars impresses — expect every variety of chocolate, including unexpected flavors like bacon. 4823 St. Elmo Ave., Bethesda.