Vintage candy at Rocket Fizz

On the checkout counter there stands a large jug of water, in which patrons can toss in a quarter, in hopes of landing it in just the right spot and winning a free soda. Photo by Erika Siebring.

Candy stores aren’t just for kids. Despite its cartoonish logo, Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Shop is a colorful, homey den of sugary deliciousness that caters to every demographic. With a stack of large wooden buckets available for patrons, Rocket Fizz hits every essential category with a vintage flair: candy, soda, posters and gifts.

Behind a cardboard cutout of Audrey Hepburn and a neon sign reading “Candy” are several displays stacked to the brim with candy. Whether it’s a tin of mints with the red Pac-Man ghost on it or a Mega candy necklace, each section brings forth the essence of childhood, right down to the five-pound gummy bear. An entire section of the eastern wall is dedicated to soda, boasting not only its own brand of unique flavors -- including pineapple, watermelon and green apple jalapeno -- but also bottles with labels featuring Marilyn Monroe, KISS and King Kong.

While not eatable, the emporium also boasts hundreds of personable posters from bands, comics and movies; The Beatles and Aerosmith are just a few rows down from John Wayne, “The Wizard of Oz” and “Tweety Pie.” Similarly, patrons can laugh at a package of Squirrel Underpants and a Whoopee Cushion, right after taking home a Rubber Band Paddle Boat and a train whistle.

With the Parker Days festival right around the corner, this candy story is great for a laugh and a sweet tooth. Rocket Fizz is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and until 9 p.m. on weekends.