A Time Machine for the Sweet Tooth: Hollywood Candy

In the heart of Omaha’s historic Old Market, we found a place that felt less like a store and more like a portal to the past: Hollywood Candy. While we’ve been to plenty of gift shops on our road trips, nothing quite prepared us for the sensory overload of this retro wonderland.

More Than Just a Sugar Rush

Hollywood Candy is a massive, sprawling complex that combines a candy store, a soda fountain, a vintage pinball arcade, and a museum of pop culture. It’s famous for its "curiosity shop" vibe, where every corner is packed with life-sized movie character statues, Elvis memorabilia, and shelves of antiques. It truly is an experience to behold, you don't just shop there; you explore it.

Reminiscing in the Aisles

The highlight for us parents was the "Forgotten Candy" section. It was like a trip through our own childhoods. We spent a good chunk of time pointing out sweets we hadn't seen in years, everything from vintage wax lips and candy cigarettes to obscure regional sodas. It was the ultimate "Do you remember these?" moment, and it was so fun sharing those stories with the kids (even if they thought some of our old-school favorites were a little weird!).

Snap-Worthy Moments

The store is a goldmine for photo opportunities. We took pictures with some of the iconic Hollywood statues and among the neon-lit aisles of vintage candy. Between the classic movie posters and the glowing arcade machines, every turn offered a new backdrop. It’s the kind of place where you can spend an hour just looking around before you even pick up a basket.

A World of Variety

Of course, we didn't leave empty-handed. The thousands of different types of candy from all over the world. Whether it was the kids finding the newest trends or us grabbing a nostalgic treat from the 90s, everyone walked out with something special. Hollywood Candy provided a perfect break from the highway, giving us a chance to slow down, reminisce, and satisfy our sweet tooth all at once.