Annette & Wynn Conrad photograph by Dhanraj Emanuel
On Main Street in Lexington, a 135-year-old hardware building deals not in tools but in sweet whimsy. In 1978, Robert Ebelein, a second-generation candymaker who owned Piedmont Candy Company with his wife, Frances, opened a small retail shop on the company’s grounds. There, the Ebeleins sold Robert’s homemade fudge and peanut brittle, along with Piedmont’s signature sugar stick candies and peppermint puffs. Just one year later, they expanded to the 1890 Lexington Hardware building downtown. Today, its creaky wood floors continue to provide a nostalgic soundtrack for wandering the aisles of The Candy Factory, where Wynn and Annette Conrad carry on the Ebeleins’ tradition. They fill barrels and jars with cherry sours, chocolate-covered raisins, rock candy, and, of course, Piedmont’s Red Bird Peppermint Puffs. Every confection carries a taste of the city’s history, generations of care, and the timeless joy found in a sugar rush.
“When you walk in, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll hear somebody say, ‘I remember this from my childhood’ or ‘My grandmother had this in the candy dish,” Annette Conrad says. “It’s a trip down memory lane.”
From fudge to barbecue, Lexington has treats for every craving this February. Turn your getaway into a delicious adventure by adding these must-try establishments to your itinerary. Sweet or savory, you’re guaranteed love at first bite.
The Candy Factory photograph by Dhanraj Emanuel
The cool melt of a peppermint puff; the first sticky sweetness of a Bit-O-Honey; the gentle snap of a Necco Wafer: At The Candy Factory, every visit is a journey through time and taste. Encounter hard-to-find classics like Clove Chewing Gum, Zagnut bars, and taffy in nearly 30 flavors alongside more modern treats like Jelly Belly Jelly Beans and Peelerz. “We tell people, take one lap first, then grab a basket” Annette says. “You’re going to see more than you expect.”
In the back, Wynn Conrad stirs fudge in a large kettle, crafting batches that are as indulgent as they are gorgeous. This time of year, “We sell a lot of our gourmet truffles,” Annette says. “They present nicely, but they’re also extremely decadent and taste really good.”
Around the store, antiques tell the story of Lexington’s past — vintage Cheerwine and Coble Dairy signs, Robert Ebelein’s player piano, and candy boxes that date back nearly a century. But for the Conrads, running this decades-old business isn’t simply about sweets: “When the door closes behind you, we want you to forget whatever kind of day you had,” Annette says. “Just come in, take a breath, and be a kid again.”
When husband-and-wife beekeepers Angie and Rob Bell opened HoneyBell’s Old Country Store in June 2022, they wanted to create a place where people could slow down, sample local flavors, and enjoy a community atmosphere. Today, their shop on U.S. Highway 64 is a honey lover’s delight, with jars from their own hives and other local beekeepers lined up for sampling. “We love talking to people about honey,” Angie says. “Right now, we have more than 10 varieties.”
As you walk through the shop, you’ll pass hand-dipped ice cream —available in honey waffle cones made fresh by Rob — and shelves of pimento cheese, chicken salad, and breads from local makers. Come February, heart-shaped fudges and chocolate-dipped Oreos usher in the Valentine’s spirit. “A lot of the fudges are a big deal,” Angie says. “We do chocolate fudges, as well as peanut butter fudge, and mold them in the shape of a heart with hand painting and bead work,” she says. Sampling is encouraged, and visitors often leave with both treats and a smile. “If we can make you smile, we can make a difference for everybody who walks in that door,” Angie says.
Red Donut Shop Photography courtesy of Lexington Tourism Authority
Roses are red, donuts are sweet. At Red Donut Shop, they’re made fresh, by hand daily, and impossible to resist. In a downtown Lexington building, brothers David and Saro Vay opened this sweet establishment in 2017. Today, the crimson, blue, and white-walled shop is a community favorite, where mornings begin with trays of classic donuts and pastries that keep visitors coming back for more. From custard- and cream-filled to chocolate-frosted favorites, the donuts are as much about the experience as the flavor —light, fluffy, and made with care. Grab an assorted box to share with friends, family, or that special someone, and take a little taste of Lexington home with you.
Once your taste buds have danced with sweets, it’s time to share something savory. Barbecue enthusiasts from across the state — and the country — flock to this self-identified “Barbecue Capital of the World.” One must-visit establishment? Lexington Barbecue. In 1962, Wayne Monk opened his roadside restaurant after learning the craft under barbecue pioneer Warner Stamey. After Wayne’s retirement, his son Rick took over day-to-day operations, working alongside family members who’ve become part of the restaurants enduring legacy. Each day, pork shoulder is slow-cooked over oak and hickory coals, with careful attention to ensure perfect flavor. “We don’t take any short cuts,” says Rick’s son, Nathan.
Plates are served chopped or sliced, with a thin, ketchup-based vinegar sauce or “dip” on the side. “It’s not real vinegary, but not real sweet,” Nathan says. “It’s kind of in the middle and meant to complement the meat rather than cover it up with a real sweet or tangy flavor.”
Less than five miles away, another beloved spot holds its own in the local barbecue scene. The Barbecue Center’s roots stretch back to 1955, when it began as an ice cream shop. When winter months slowed ice cream sales, the family tried something new: slow-cooking pork shoulder. More than half a century later, this curb service and dine-in favorite draws crowds with smoky aromas and a packed parking lot off Main Street.
Visiting in February? Slip into one of the fire-engine red booths and enjoy a hearty plate of pulled pork or barbecue chicken. Pair it with a side of crispy fried okra, then save room for a scoop of the hand-dipped ice cream that harkens back to the shop’s ice cream parlor days.
Spend some quality time with your loved ones at Missions Pottery and More, where guests are invited to relax, create, and make something meaningful together. What started as a stress-relieving hobby for Tommy Davis soon blossomed into a passion, and in 2010, he and his wife, Joyce, opened the shop. Since then, it has become a local treasure, famous for its handcrafted pottery and its commitment to supporting Christian missions worldwide. Sign up for a class and craft a handmade gift for a loved one — whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced potter, Tommy and his team of local artists will guide you through the process. Spots fill up quickly, so be sure to reserve ahead.
Conventionally located next door, Perfect Blend Coffee Co. is owned by the Davises’ daughter, Madison Prevatte, and her husband Tyler Prevatte. Grab a freshly brewed cup of coffee, pastries like muffins or croissants, or indulge in a fan favorite: a chocolate chip blondie. “It’s fantastic,” Tyler says, “and we sell out every week.”
For a dose of fresh air, paddle a section of the Daniel Boone Heritage Canoe Trail along the Yadkin River. The winding riverside route showcases winter landscapes, making it an ideal spot to share an adventurous outing with friends, family, or anyone close to your heart.
As your February foodie adventure winds down, the tastes linger — sweet confections, smoky barbecue, and other local bites that make Lexington feel like home. Beyond filling your stomach, exploring the city’s flavors leaves lasting reminders of the small pleasures and rich traditions found around every corner of the city.
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