Joy and sugar fuel the acclaimed Pendleton Candy Company
South Carolina’s top candy store just turned two years old, but this wildly creative, family-run shop hit a sweet spot right here in the Upstate from day one.
“We have 18 kinds of fudge and incredible truffles, all kinds of specialty candy, giant s’mores and peanut butter cups,” says owner Kimberly Blackwell, who teaches during the day at Clemson University before staying up past midnight baking and making sweets from scratch. “We have homemade peanut brittle, dark chocolate orange peels, tiger paws . . . and of course, jelly beans, saltwater taffy, cotton-candy machines, and snow-cone machines—all of the nostalgic stuff. We even have a Ring Pop that weighs two pounds! It’s just fun to see the kids come in and be totally in awe.”
After opening in a 400-square-foot storefront in downtown Pendleton with a line out the door, Kimberly quickly outgrew the space and expanded. You can’t miss the magical shop, recognizable by the larger-than-life lollipops and the giant pink duck mascot out front. “When we first opened, for some reason I got an accidental delivery of 600 pink rubber ducks in the mail,” laughs the owner, who ended up giving them away to customers who then carried them all across the world, snapping pictures to share on social media. The ducks now represent the store’s jubilant spirit—and even inspired a local sculptor to carve the 600-pound pink duck that presides over the storefront, waiting for selfies.
Pendleton Candy Company’s Magic Kingdom
“Our customers are what make the store so special,” says Claire Blackwell, Kimberly’s daughter. “We love to make it feel like Disney World when they come in.” Claire and her best friend, Camille, are known and loved for their warm, bubbly hospitality, and make customer service a joy to experience.
“I love decorating for every season, and seeing faces light up when people come in and everything is new,” adds Camille. “Both the kids and the parents, who turn into kids again when they come in. It really puts a smile on our faces and makes us feel happy when they’re happy.” Seasonal themes take over the entire space, from 92 jack o’ lanterns all lit up for Halloween to the current theme of Willy Wonka—complete with house-made Wonka bars and a golden ticket.
“Even after someone has paid, we’ll offer them a fudge sample for the road. My daughter makes balloon animals, and her friend does magic tricks,” Kimberly says with a smile. “So even if you’re having a terrible day and you don’t have any money, just stop by and get a fudge sample or a balloon animal or watch a magic trick. People always feel happier when they leave. We just want to make people’s lives better, and it’s a lot of fun to do, too.”
119 N. Mechanic St., Pendleton. Follow them on Instagram: @pendletoncandycompany
No. 1 in their first year
Prepare to be impressed: The Pendleton Candy Company was voted the No. 1 candy store by Southern Living magazine and the South Carolina Guide to Travel and Tourism its first year in business.
Top 3 Bestsellers
- Juicy pear-flavored Jelly Belly Beans
- Homemade salted caramel fudge
- Homemade caramel praline cake
