Any time of the year can have us craving sweet treats and lots of sugar. From summer trips to harbor candy stores to when visions of sugar plums are dancing in our heads how can you blame us? Whether it’s the holiday season that brings out your sweet tooth or if it’s more of a year-round affliction, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of places in Maine, to satisfy that craving. We particularly love the many chocolate shops that can be found here. To enjoy them, we suggest making a day of it by hopping in the car and road-tripping to some of the best! For a complete map and driving directions from your own starting point, check out our customizable map to get started and get ready to experience some of the best chocolate in Maine.

1. Yummies Candy & Nuts, Kittery

In operation since 1986, this southern Maine favorite started out selling simple candy. Now, they make their own fudge and chocolates including truly unique concoctions such as "Lobster on the Rocks." There is nothing quite like this store around and when you want to buy in bulk you have found the right place. Check them out at: 384 US Route 1, Kittery / 207- 439-5649.

For more information please visit the Yummies Candy & Nuts website.

2. Harbor Candy, Ogunquit

This little coastal candy shop is decked out in elegance and beauty. There is no doubt this place is not your typical candy store, but you are stepping into a piece of history. Every inch of this place is covered in splendor and we're not complaining! They've been around since 1956 so you can trust that their homemade goodies are the real deal. You can find them at: Please visit the Harbor Candy Website for more information. 248 Main St, Ogunquit, ME 03907 / (207) 646-8078. Check out this video to hear the fascinating story behind Harbor Candy:

3. Len Libby, Scarborough

We just couldn't bear to only show the outside of this shop. Not when inside there's a lifesize chocolate moose! He's made of 1,700 pounds of milk chocolate. The shop is worth the stop even to just see the moose but inside you will also find a plethora of delicious candies. If you're looking for holiday treats or anytime of the year sweets, this has been the place to go since 1949. Find them at: 419 US Route 1, Scarborough / 207-883-4897. Before you go make sure to visit the Len Libby website for any more information.

4. Haven's Candies, Westbrook

The chocolate here comes from a heritage that is over 100 years old. The store got it's start in 1915 by Herbert Haven, who used traditional methods for his wonderful chocolate. Today, the tradition continues through others and it's wonderful. Check them out at: 87 County Rd., Westbrook / 207-772-1557. You can also stop by their Portland location as well: 448 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04101. Make sure to head on over to the Haven's Candies website for all the information you need.

5. Old Port Candy Co., Portland

This brightly colored little shop in Portland's Old Port neighborhood is brimming with cheer. They make their own fudge, which comes in tons of different and unique flavors. And, they change often. Check out their other candy as well - from gummies to the classics. They're located at: 422 Fore St, Portland / 207-772-0600. For any more information please visit the Old Port Candy Co. website.

6. Wilbur’s of Maine Chocolate Confections, Freeport

Found in a regular looking house (don't miss it!) this chocolate shop has been making their beloved confections since 1983. Check out the chocolate-covered blueberries and the best New England Needhams. If you're not convinced, consider that DownEast Magazine's Reader’s Choice awards have named them Maine's "Best Chocolate" and "Best Candy Shop" seven times! They're located at 174 Lower Main St., Freeport / 207-865-4071. They also have a location in Downtown Freeport: 13 Bow St, Freeport, ME 04032. Please visit the Wilbur’s of Maine Chocolate Confections website for any more information.

7. Black Dinah Chocolatiers, Westbrook

The name may have changed by the same amazing products are sold. Formerly known as Black Dinah Chocolatiers the name change was made to pay homage to our beautiful coastlines and way of life in Maine. To do a little good when you eat your chocolate, head to Ragged Coast Chocolates where the chocolate is organic and fairly-traded. Plus, they use things like fresh cream. Find them at: 869 Main St., Westbrook / 207-887-9763. Be sure to visit the Rugged Coastline Chocolatiers website for any more information.

8. Specialty Sweets, Bangor

Editor's note: Unfortunately this location is now closed.

Locally founded and family run, this little shop has been a Bangor favorite since the 80s. They've got tons of homemade goodies, plus gelato. And the candy variety is huge! Check them out at: 36 Springer Dr., Bangor / 207-990-0778.

9. Monica’s Chocolates, Lubec

Editor's Note: This is a seasonal chocolate shop so you will have to visit from April to January.

Owner Monica Elliot uses Peruvian ingredients for her wonderful creations. Get uniquely shaped confections, including salmon, moose and bears along with lots of fun gift packages. This is the further chocolate shop on this list (depending on where you've started) but it's so worth the extra journey. Visit them at: 100 County Rd., Lubec / 207-733-4500. For any more information please visit the Monica's Chocolates website.

What did you think of these spots? We think they have some of the best chocolate in Maine. Let us know your favorite place down in the comments.

Keep that sweet tooth journey going by learning a little more about this fun shop. If you spent time in southern Maine as a kid there's a very good chance this place was an important part of every summer.