Taty's Sweets & More: Handmade Desserts and Candy in Columbia
What Taty's Sweets & More offers
Taty's Sweets & More is a small dessert shop in Columbia that makes candy, fudge, and baked goods by hand. The owner, Taty, focuses on traditional recipes and custom orders, so what's available changes based on the season and what she's made that week. You'll find truffles, brittles, caramels, and seasonal items like peppermint bark in winter or chocolate-covered strawberries in spring.
The shop sits in a neighborhood location where you can watch Taty work through the window or step inside to see the display cases. Most items are made fresh, which means they taste noticeably different from mass-produced candy—the chocolate is richer, the fudge is denser, and the flavors are cleaner. If you have a specific craving or need desserts for an event, Taty takes custom orders with advance notice.
Key Takeaways
- Taty's makes all candy and desserts in-house using traditional methods, so flavors and textures differ from commercial brands.
- The shop sells seasonal items alongside year-round favorites like fudge and truffles, with inventory that changes weekly.
- Custom orders are available for weddings, parties, and gifts if you contact the shop ahead of time.
- The location is walkable and small enough that you can see the kitchen and talk directly with Taty about what she's made.
- Prices reflect handmade quality and are higher than grocery-store candy but lower than mail-order specialty shops.
What to expect when you visit
The shop is small and casual—no reservation needed for walk-ins. You order at the counter and can buy by the piece, by weight, or in pre-made boxes. Taty often has samples available, especially if she's made something new that week. If you're unsure what to try, ask her what she recommends; she knows which items are most popular and can suggest combinations based on your taste.
Hours vary seasonally and can shift around holidays, so check ahead before making a trip. The shop is busiest in the weeks before Valentine's Day, Easter, and Christmas, when custom orders pile up and walk-in traffic increases. If you're visiting during those times, expect a wait or consider ordering ahead.
Popular items and seasonal specials
Taty's fudge comes in flavors like chocolate, peanut butter, and maple, and regulars often buy it by the pound. Her truffles rotate through flavors—dark chocolate with sea salt, raspberry, coffee, and others depending on the season. Brittles and caramels are year-round staples, and she makes a salted caramel that's particularly popular.
In winter, look for peppermint bark, eggnog fudge, and holiday-themed items. Spring brings chocolate-covered strawberries and pastel-colored items for Easter. Summer often features lighter flavors like lemon and berry. Fall brings spiced items like pumpkin fudge and apple caramel. If you have a favorite flavor or texture, ask Taty if she can make it; she's willing to experiment for regular customers.
Ordering for events and gifts
Taty takes custom orders for weddings, corporate events, and large gifts. You'll need to contact her at least two to three weeks in advance, depending on the size of the order. She can create custom flavors, package items in specific boxes or wrapping, and work within most budgets. Bring a photo or description of what you're imagining, and she'll tell you what's possible.
For smaller gifts, the shop sells pre-made boxes and bags in various sizes. These make good hostess gifts, thank-you presents, or stocking stuffers. If you're ordering for someone with dietary restrictions—nut allergies, dairy-free preferences, or other needs—tell Taty when you order so she can either make something suitable or recommend what's already safe for them.
Price and payment
Handmade candy costs more than supermarket brands but is priced fairly for the quality and labor involved. Individual pieces typically run a few dollars each, and boxes or pound quantities are priced accordingly. Taty accepts cash and card, though it's worth calling ahead if you're planning a large order to discuss pricing and payment options.
If you're on a budget, buying by the piece lets you spend as little or as much as you want. Regular customers often develop favorites and buy the same items weekly. Some people buy a small box as a treat for themselves; others stock up before holidays to give as gifts.
Location and how to find it
Taty's Sweets & More is located in a neighborhood area of Columbia, not in a major shopping center. The storefront is small and easy to miss if you're not looking for it, so it helps to have the address before you go. Street parking is usually available nearby, and the shop is accessible by foot if you live or work in the neighborhood.
The best way to stay informed about hours, new flavors, and seasonal items is to call ahead or check if the shop has social media. Taty sometimes posts photos of what she's made that week, which can help you decide whether to make the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order online or by phone for pickup?
Call the shop to place an order for pickup. For large custom orders, Taty will want to discuss details by phone or in person. Same-day pickup may not always be possible, so ask when you call.
Do you have sugar-free or dairy-free options?
Ask Taty directly about dietary needs when you visit or call. She may have items that fit your restrictions or be willing to make something custom. Not all of her standard inventory is sugar-free or dairy-free, so it's best to confirm before you come in.
What's the shelf life of the candy?
Most items stay fresh for two to three weeks if stored in a cool, dry place. Taty can give you specific storage instructions based on what you buy. Fudge and truffles last longer than items with fresh ingredients like chocolate-covered strawberries.
Do you ship orders out of state?
Contact Taty to ask about shipping options. Shipping handmade candy can be tricky because heat and humidity affect it, so she may only ship during cooler months or with special packaging.
Can I watch you make the candy?
The shop has a window where you can see into the kitchen, and Taty is usually happy to chat about what she's working on. If you want a more detailed tour or demonstration, ask when you visit—she may be able to arrange something depending on how busy she is.