Visit the Good Ship Lollipop for Good Old Fashioned Candies
The first feeling you experience when entering the Good Ship Lollypop is that of a kid in a candy store. Awe, indulgence and where to start come next. After all, you are in a quintessential old-fashioned candy store. The
next sensation, for the young-at-heart, is that you can afford it all.
Located near the top of Circuit Avenue, visitors and locals alike frequently make the trek up the busy street to this Oak Bluffs treasure since 2003. A line of eager customers forms just ahead of the 11 a.m. opening time. And right up to the 6 p.m. close, a steady stream of enthusiastic patrons make their way in and out of the Good Ship Lollipop.
All leave with heaping bags full of sweets such as licorice pipes, Mary Janes, Necco wafers, Bit-o-Honey, Pixie Sticks and many, many more childhood confectionary favorites.
Kids tend to flock to the sour items, while adults gravitate toward things like the banana splits and mint juleps. Yet the store’s best seller is the homemade chocolate turtles.
Over 100 varieties of on-premise, handmade chocolates in every size and shape are offered. Dozens of organic, vegan, gluten free and sugar free varieties are also available. These come from an off-island chocolatier. All fly off the shelves.
Every nostalgic nook and cranny in this cozy store is jam packed with old school toys and games, as well as stuffed animals, puzzles, souvenirs and holiday decorations. And of course, there are lollipops.
Owner Marguerite Cook explains the store’s name was inspired by the iconic Shirley Temple movie. “I still watch the film (The Good Ship Lollipop) over and over again,” Marguerite shared. “I love the music, the singing and the dancing.” Marguerite also loves people, making irresistible chocolates and the Vineyard.
This island resident since 1968 explains that she opened the shop after a lengthy stint working for the city of Oak Bluffs. “It was on my bucket list of things to do. I have definitely found my calling and my passion.”
Hard pressed to name her favorites, Marguerite said she is partial to the orange slices, mint slices and licorice. But what really puts a smile on this woman you just want to hug and say thank you to is bringing joy to others. She says some people–a very few- may come in the store without a smile, but no one leaves without one—and a big bag of sweet treats.
“People tell me they stop here first when they arrive on the island. They come in even before they open up their homes and cottages and settle in.”
The only thing better than being in Martha’s Vineyard is being here with a bag full of candy from the Good Ship Lollipop.
MORE INFORMATION
61 Circuit Ave #845, Oak Bluffs
(508) 693-0326
