Skip to content

Seaside Stories

Sweets in Seaside

September 16, 2012 | by Nate Burke

“Whoever said ‘it’s easier than taking candy from a baby’ has never actually tried taking candy from a baby.”
-Unknown

It’s rather embarrassing to admit, but when I was young boy, I had a problem with sharing. Particularly when it came to candy. Don’t get me wrong, I had no problem sharing what I didn’t want (broccoli, chores, blame) but when it came to sweets, it brought out a shrewd guardian impulse. Our family vacations to the Oregon Coast invariably brought us to Seaside, and the abundant candy shops on Broadway seemed like a new frontier for my sweet tooth.  Walking into Phillips Candies was how I would imagine an art historian would feel when walking into the Louvre.  There was a festival of choices and aromas: warm caramel corn cooling in the big glass container, the slightly buttery vanilla scent of saltwater taffy.

My mom would tell me I could “choose just one”. The definition of “just one” was kind of flexible: “just one” singular gummy bear or “just one” piece of saltwater taffy? That would be cruel and ludicrous. Could the definition be pushed to “just one . . . BAG” of gummy bears or saltwater taffy? Most of the time it could. After agonizing over the decision over what to choose, I would exit as a very satisfied customer.

I remember strolling down Broadway, my sister and her friend caught up to us from wherever older sisters and their friends ran off too. “Whad’ya get?” they asked, inspecting my small bag of taffy. This seemed like a sinister inquiry and I did not like where this line of questioning was headed.

“Uh, nothing much” I replied.

“Can we try some?” Rather than addressing me, the rightful owner of the candy, my sister spoke over my head to my mom. Against my will, I was made to share. When my sister and her friend plunged their hands into my taffy bag (it seemed they were almost elbow deep) they pulled their hands out brimming with huge, ungainly portions.

Panicked, I’d protest: “Wait, wait, wait, wait!” They would laugh and sprint off towards the beach and my heart would sink. My taffy bag felt woefully deflated. After many instances of being forced to share, I finally learned a loophole in sharing sweets: there were certain types that simply did not lend themselves to division among family members. From then on I would discipline myself in only choosing giant jaw breakers.

I was not a shining example of generosity, but it definitely taught me a lesson in strategic planning. The other day I wandered into Schwietert’s Cones & Candy in downtown Seaside and chose a brimming bag of dark chocolate covered blueberries. I’m happy to report that I shared with everyone in my group. Though to be honest, there was still a shrewd little kid voice in my head that was hoping they wouldn’t take too much.

Do you have any memories surrounding the candy shops in Seaside?  We would love to hear them!

Nate Burke is an information specialist for the City of Seaside Visitors Bureau happy to share all that’s great about Seaside. Just be cautious when asking him for candy!

Leave a Reply

and so much more!

Living with Cooler Temperatures

Analyzing the weather in Seaside

Learn More
Seaside Holiday Spirit

Seaside holiday spirit is more than evident around town beginning in early November. Ushered in by lights and decorations going up...

Learn More
Northwest Travel Magazine: Best Eats on Oregon’s North Coast

Article on Best Eats on Oregon's North Coast

Learn More
Top Things to Do With Teens

Traveling with too-cool-for-school teens? I feel you. I have two teenagers myself. But be assured, you’ll find plenty of totally...

Learn More
Promenade Meandering

Strolling on the promenade in Seaside is a time-honored tradition on the Oregon Coast

Learn More
Postcards from the Past

Ancient postcards from Seaside's distant past

Learn More
Your Guide to the Perfect Summer Getaway in Seaside

Summertime means it’s time to load the kids and pups into the car for a long weekend or weeklong vacation in Oregon’s original...

Learn More
The Pull of Progress – Seaside in 1921

Postwar Seaside saw a boom in growth and development.

Learn More
Episode Two: the Lewis & Clark Salt Works

Join us on an audio walking tour of the Lewis & Clark Salt Works in Seaside, Oregon.

Learn More
Seaside Skatepark

The Seaside Skatepark (also called the PTR “Hometown Park”) has a unique history. It was opened in June of 2007, and was built by Placed to Ride. The owner of Placed to Ride, Stefan Hauser, lives here in Seaside.

Learn More
Beach Books is an independent book store in Seaside, Oregon.
Where to Shop for Souvenirs in Seaside

Hunting for bargains? Searching for Seaside souvenirs? Seeking one-of-a-kind gifts? You’ve come to the right place. To your deli...

Learn More
Seaside Promenade

I walked along the Prom last weekend on a beautifully bright and sunny day and found myself surrounded by walkers, runners, people on all sorts of wheels, strollers, couples holding hands, and dogs of all sizes leading their people around. I also heard all sorts of accents and languages-and saw plenty of cameras.

Learn More
All About Independence Day 2020 in Seaside

Let’s be clear: July 4th is going to look a little different in Seaside this year. While many of your favorite events had to...

Learn More
Ben Holladay’s Seaside House

Ben Holladay's Seaside House was a beautiful Italian villa style resort that was the namesake for the city.

Learn More
Seaside Lifeguards: A Fond Seasonal Farewell

Can you believe it’s almost Labor Day Weekend? Don’t fret!  We’re still probably in for some dynamic weather throughout Sep...

Learn More
The Best of Times News: The Beach at the End of the Trail

Travel writer for the fabulous 50-and-over set, Andrea Gross, spent some time on Oregon’s North Coast in the summer of 2014....

Learn More
Top Holiday Gifts in Seaside

Seaside is famous for its beaches, clam chowder and craft beer — but it’s also a great place to browse locally owned shops for...

Learn More