VIENNA, Va., Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Scenic and sweet, and just in time to trick-or-treat, the National Confectioners Association (NCA) announces America's Top 10 Sweet Spots for Halloween. Based on new consumer data from NCA's annual Halloween poll, and an abundance of local candy manufacturers and attractions, NCA selected premier candy destinations for bewitching Halloween travels.
"From Wrigley Field to Hersheypark, to Ghirardelli Square and even the world's largest Pez dispenser, we asked Americans to weigh in on the most mouthwatering candy attractions and pinpointed the most delicious destinations to satisfy trick-or-treaters this Halloween," said NCA Spokesperson Susan Fussell. "Making it feel like candy time, any time, the top 10 cities provide a real sweet treat for travelers."
Each top 10 city tempts trick-or-treaters' taste buds with a sweet trip they won't soon forget:
1. Hershey, Pa. -- Living up to its nickname, "The Sweetest Place on
Earth," Hershey, Pa. ranked number one with a 59 percent consumer
rating. Trick-or-treaters of all ages can delight in free samples on a
free tour ride at Hershey's Chocolate World; dare to ride the more
than 60 exhilarating rides at Hersheypark; and indulge in a chocolate
treatment at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey. Both Hersheypark and
Hershey's Chocolate World will host trick-or-treaters the last two
weekends in October.
2. New York, N.Y. -- Fifty-four percent of Americans want a sweet bite of
the Big Apple. Home to landmarks like the imaginative and interactive
M&M's World, 16-story tall Hershey's Time Square store, Jacques Torres
Chocolate cafe and Dylan's Candy Bar, it doesn't need to be Halloween
in New York City to find treats on every corner!
3. Orlando, Fla. -- Ranking third, 53 percent of Americans agree that
sunshine and sweets can't be beat. This Halloween, indulge in the
sweet treats at Downtown Disney's whimsical candy, ice cream and soda
shops, including a replica of San Francisco's Ghirardelli Square!
4. San Francisco, Calif. -- Fifty-two percent of Americans say they want
to go to Frisco for main attractions that include Ghirardelli Square
and renowned Scharffen Berger chocolate factory. Also nearby, explore
the fruity and fun Jelly Belly factory or see the world's largest Pez
dispenser (yes, it really works!).
5. Chicago, Ill. -- Home to more than 100 premier candy manufacturers and
attractions, Chi-town offers a taste for every trick-or-treater. Crack
open a box of Cracker Jacks at landmark Wrigley Field, or take an
evening stroll down Michigan Ave. for a glimpse of the illuminated
Wrigley Building. For indulgent delights, visit one of five Ethel's
Chocolate Lounges, and don't miss the free treats on The Chicago
Chocolate Tour.
6. Los Angeles, Calif. -- Nearly half (48 percent) of adults say they'd
like to get the star treatment at Disneyland's Candy Palace, with an
extensive assortment of retro candies. And trick-or-treaters won't
want to miss nearby Godiva Chocolatier, Rocky Mountain Chocolate
Factory and the famous See's Candies factory.
7. Boston, Mass. -- Forty-seven percent of Americans want a taste of
Beantown and its rich candy history. Crowned the 2006 U.S.
Trick-or-Treat Capital, Boston is known for "Americanizing" Halloween
by launching popular traditions like carving pumpkins, wearing
costumes and trick-or-treating. Discover the treats of Halloween's
birthplace at the city's popular Sugar Heaven candy shop, or dip into
The Chocolate Dipper for handmade chocolates packaged in unique Boston
themed assortments like "lobster" and "clam chowder."
8. New Orleans, La. -- At Halloween, everything goes down easy in the Big
Easy -- like the classic pralines of the French Quarter and
confections from local favorites, including Evans Creole Candy
Factory, Laura's Candy Shop and Aunt Sally's Praline Shop.
9. Las Vegas, Nev. -- Cash in your chips and enjoy the sweet side of
Vegas. Candy lovers can check out a replica of the M&M's sponsored #38
NASCAR race car and catch a 3-D movie at M&M's World, or enjoy fondue
for two at landmark Ethel's Chocolate Lounge. This Halloween, treat
yourself to Vegas Image's chocolate poker chips as you learn the
tricks of the poker trade.
10. Kansas City, Mo. -- Kansas City entices more than a third (34 percent)
of Americans with Russell Stover headquarters and Andre's Confiserie
Suisse's elegant Andre's Tearoom. This Halloween, don't miss the
creative artisan chocolates costumed in handcrafted designs by world-
famous confectionery chef Christopher Elbow.
Getting from "point A" to "point Boo"
Whether traveling to a premier candy destination or trick-or-treating around their hometown this Halloween, Americans favor the fantasy of traveling in magical or paranormal ways. Revealed by NCA's Halloween survey, when it comes to a frightfully fun alternative to airplanes, trains or cars, most Americans wish they could appear and disappear like a ghost (23 percent). Flying in style like a superhero ranked second (22 percent), followed by riding in a magical carriage like a princess (18 percent) and by broomstick like a witch or wizard (13 percent).
Whether traveling to doorsteps by broomstick, carriage or foot this Halloween, an overwhelming 80 percent of Americans report they will give out chocolate candy as 'souvenirs' to visiting trick-or-treaters this year.
For tips to preserve the trick-or-treat loot, along with resources for
enjoying a happy and healthy Halloween -- including NCA's resource for
parents, "Treat Smarts: A Guide to Nutrition and Activity" -- visit
http://www.candyusa.org/.
About the National Confectioners Association (NCA): Founded in 1884 in Chicago by representatives of 69 confectionery manufacturing firms, the National Confectioners Association is one of the oldest, most respected trade associations in the world. Today NCA has more than 600 members and is the major association representing the entire confectionery industry, offering education and leadership in manufacturing, technical research, public relations, retailing practices, government relations and statistical analyses. NCA fosters industry growth by advancing and promoting the interests of the confectionery industry, its customers and its consumers.
National Confectioners Association (NCA)
