Friday, September 25, 2009
Nancy's Candy soothes cravings and gift needs
Lakeside Shop Manager Kathy Stevenson, Brittany Mollohan and Toria Brown stand ready to serve Nancy's Candy to customers. — Emily Paine Carter, special to So Salem
Emily Paine Carter is columnist So Salem. You can contact her at 981-3430 or via e-mail.
Emily Paine Carter
Recent columns from Salem, Glenvar and western Roanoke County
On a recent morning a friend stood outside Nancy's Candy at Lakeside, waiting for the doors to open.
Mind, this was well after the shop's grand opening, when queues were to be expected. This, just a basic Saturday morning of milling about with several customers -- all of whom happened to be women (imagine that!). "Like we were all pacing, jonesin' for chocolate!" she chortled.
The store stands ready seven-days-a-week for just such urgencies: it carries bars labeled "Emergency Chocolate." Plus "BoChox," etc.
"Nancy's" is a Meadows of Dan creation; you've probably seen her products such as fudge offered in various venues. The Lakeside shop is pretty darned spacious and well-stocked.
Aside from candy -- if I can wrench myself away from those visions of sugarplums -- are unexpected, fun, quirky items. Say, "I Love Lucy" -- and Dr Pepper, RC Cola, Moonpie-memorabilia and imprinted "useful" pieces (clocks, T-shirts, mugs, lunchboxes, etc.). Candy bar-scented candles and lip balms. And "Monopoly"-type board games with U. Va., Virginia Tech, N.C. State -- or chocolate! -- themes.
Plus "classic" chewing-gums: Clove, Teaberry, Black Jack. (The Vermont Country Store catalogue carries these at times, but to have 'em right here! Lo and behold!)
The staff seemed keen to please customers. Example: Manager Kathy Stevenson delayed even a brief photo-op until she was certain that every shopper had been tended to.
There's a handy form for holiday gift-baskets; a "specialist" promises to call within 48 hours with suggestions. Trust me: there are dozens of options -- also suitable for Santa's stocking-stuffing or for mailing to far-flung friends and family.
And -- to turn the proverbial treat-laden tables -- "Nancy" asks what you might like to receive, just in case a friend should so inquire. (We do want to mind our manners, of course: gifts surprise us -- or so we politely pretend.) So the shop offers a gift registry! You can compile a list of dream bonbons; it's like a bridal registry with none of the hassle and eventual heartbreak of actually getting married -- but I digress, and turn to my chocolates for comfort.
