Sweet as Candytopia
What if an eccentric chocolatier and a daredevil pop star had a whirlwind romance, got married while skydiving, and had a glamorous, glittering love child who grew up to rule a small nation? This was the question put to the people of Los Angeles and the answer was Candytopia, a place where-according to the website- “ it’s a colossal candyfloss constructions meld with a tantalizing taffy twistedness".
Sounds too sweet to be true?
Not even a little. Because this tasty description delivers on every level.
Candytopia is the lovechild of Hollywood Candy Queen Jackie Sorkin. She makes a stunning candy masterpiece doesn’t she?
You’ll see her in several rooms throughout the Santa Monica location, and as we were told she loves to drop in for visits! I’m willing to bet is she as sweet in person as she is in her portraits. Anyone who wants to bring joy through making Willy Wonka’s factory come to life has to be.
We don’t know for sure since we didn’t meet her during our visit. The children and I were too distracted by this Candyland brought to life and all the little treats peppered throughout every room to notice even if she were there. And admittedly I was snapping pictures every two feet as well. That’s not an exaggeration. Did I mention Candytopia is a photographer’s dream?
I could not get enough of the rooms, and the children had the best time, so good in fact they humored my shutterbug tendencies. That they were able to pick up pieces of candy as they went through each colorful wonderland just added to the pep in their steps. They really didn’t need the extra sugar, and thankfully they didn’t indulge until we were home, but we were all extra giddy in the confetti room. because who doesn’t love having tons of confetti thrown around them? It was like having your own personal party-though be warned, you’ll have quite a few uninvited confetti party guests going home with you (and you’ll be finding it around your home for days after).
It was a Sunday afternoon filled with frivolity and sweet nonsense, and as Willy Wonka said, "A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.” And relish we did. Well said, Mr. Wonka, and wonderfully executed Ms. Sorkin. Visit until July 4th, local friends, and feel guilt-free while indulging your sweet tooth at Candytopia.
