Between the concrete buildings of downtown is Jacksonville’s sweetest spot, Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop. Don’t let the name confuse you as the mansion is also home to more than just candy, including an ice cream parlor, soda shop, and full service restaurant, proving to be a one stop shop for breakfast, lunch, and dessert. The sugar rush will fuel you through all three floors of the 1903 mansion and all there is to see, smell, and of course, taste at Sweet Pete‘s. Offering glimpses into the factory, candy making classes, and event space, Sweet Pete’s has a treat for everyone, even those without a sweet tooth. The mansion is also known for its lavish seasonal decor, providing patrons a feast for multiple senses.
See, Smell, and Taste Your Way Through Sweet Pete’s
The first floor features Fizzies and Fare, serving savories and sweets from loaded waffle fries to flapjacks to monstrous milkshakes made from any of the 16 flavors in rotation. Try the Monkey Cakes, pancakes topped with bananas for a little nutritional value. Enjoy your meal outside on the porch in between games of big-block Jenga and Connect Four. Or, perched on the stools at the bar serving a sweeter concoction for adults. You can make reservations although it’s not required and depending on the time of day, wait times aren’t too long. Afterwards, head into one of many rooms of the mansion that offers just a few of the thousand candies made in-house.
Up the staircase, or elevator, to the second floor will bring you to Pete’s Parlor, providing patrons their choice of ice cream treats. The second floor is also home to endless flavors of fill your own bag of big brand candy options. For the young at heart, find retro favorites including Abba Zabba’s to Atomic Fireballs nestled between nostalgic arcade games. Don’t leave the second floor without taking a peek into where the magic happens: the factory! See and smell where the confections are created. While there, can you spot Pete the Cat standing guard over the candies? Private tours are also available for more insight into the action.
Party at Sweet Pete’s
Pete’s Parlor and the Sweet Spot Party Room offer confectionary-loving customers and private parties the chance to enjoy a scoop or two. Pete’s Parlor is suitable for parties of 30 or under and hosts can order food and beverages in-house or bring from outside the venue. Additionally, there are several activity add-on’s such as fill your own candy boxes, cards to cash in at the arcade, or even private candy making classes. There are also options for various themed party packages, such as unicorn, princess, or dinosaurs. This space is best for toddlers to teen parties. Party people can also host events in the Sky Parlor located on the third floor. This space houses a more neutral tone that is a great backdrop for more elegant events. The Sky Parlor also includes options for a dance floor and Pete’s Sky Balcony. This space can hold between 25 – 125 seated guests.
In addition to private party space, guests can also engage in events hosted by Sweet Pete’s where you can make chocolate bars, gummies, popcorn, and even an adults-only candy and cocktails class. Sweet Pete’s also holds a toddler time best suited for 2- 4 year olds looking to enjoy a story, craft, and of course, a sweet treat. Toddler time typically lasts under an hour giving plenty of time to explore the rest of the mansion while energy is high and before attention runs out.
Plan Your Tasty Trip
Other perks of Sweet Pete’s include that it is wheelchair accessible with ramps into the entrance and a lift to the second and third floors. Further, there is a large selection of allergy-friendly goodies. The associates are extremely knowledgeable about the ingredients and can provide information on dietary needs.
While there is parking on site located behind the mansion in a small lot, spots are limited and can fill up quickly. There are free spots and pay-to-park meters surrounding the area. With Sweet Pete’s proximity to James Weldon Johnson Park, it’s recommended to research events occurring ahead of your visit to gauge parking availability close to the mansion. Sweet Pete’s is sure to be a crowd (and appetite) pleaser for the whole family. Check out the event schedule to start planning your tasty trip.
Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop is located downtown at 400 N Hogan St Unit 1, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Callie is a Northern Virginia native, Sunshine Park regular, mom of a toddler and four-legged pre-teen, and golf wife to her husband who is the house favorite. They moved to Jacksonville from the DC area in December 2018 and trading the beltway for the beaches was the best decision of their dog’s life. She spends weekdays working in marketing and weekends working as the activity planner in search of the best nap-inducing events. This typically consists of beach in the morning, soccer and splash pad in the second morning, pool after lunch, Target, and golf carting to get Mayday in the evenings. During the moments to herself she’s listening to podcasts, watching Bravo, laughing at Tik Toks, or adding to cart. She prefers her Roundbird iced and my TacoLu “dilla” style. And if you ever want to discuss niche 90s and 2000s references or anything pop culture related, she’s your Jacksonville Beach Mom. Follow Callie for a mix of all the above!
