By Linda Elissalde
Satin Hamilton shared a delightful tale of taking her grandchildren to CRYSTAL BEACH CANDY CO. The grandchildren loved this new beach establishment. They discovered so many sweet selections; The place was beautiful; Satin’s grandchildren learned the delights of sharing. What exactly is Crystal Beach Candy Co? I passed it several times. Based on Satin’s recommendations, I decided to pay it a visit even though my childhood is long time passed. (Some folk refer to people my age as, well, elderly.)

CRYSTAL BEACH CANDY CO. is located at 2570 HWY 87. I parked my car in front of the charming blue, pink and yellow establishment. After walking upstairs, I followed directions above the doorknob, turned said knob, and opened the door. WOW! What to my wandering eyes should appear? Candy! Candy! Candy! Walls covered with brightly colored candy dispensers! A beautiful counter in the center! There were also balloons, T-shirts, ice cream, but the stars are CANDY! Grown ups gleefully wandering from one display to another. Colored candies, wrapped candies, old flavors and newly created delectables everywhere. People shouting, “I loved these when I was a child.” Others called friends over to show what they had discovered.

Lovely manager Acqueita Arrieta welcomed all who entered and helped people find whatever goodies they wanted. The Bridges family, Ambia Baker, Christy Strevey and son Ryder along with others declared. “What fun!” “I love this place!” “I came back because I had eaten all my candy in the car.” Ryder’s favorite is jawbreakers. Genevia carried her toy dog to help hunt for the perfect choice. Some selections are sugar free. Who created this sweets emporium?

That honor belongs to Contessa and Davy Essary along with daughter-in-law Taylir and husband Russell (Rusty) Essary. The Essary family love Crystal Beach. Contessa and Davy own a house here. They like Crystal Beach’s feel of community with its hometown vibe. In the past family members had enjoyed summers at Port Aransas and reminisced about its wonderful candy store. Taylir and Rusty wanted their two children, and other youngsters, to enjoy that same experience. Bolivar Peninsula seemed the perfect home for just such a store. They fulfilled that dream.

Victor Herbert produced a successful 1903 musical, BABES IN TOYLAND. One of the songs tells of a mystic merry place – a childhood joy land. “Once you leave its borders, you can ne’er return again.” The Essarys’ candy store proves them wrong. Whether you are 8 or 80, you become young the moment you enter our mystic merry CRYSTAL BEACH CANDY CO.

[LCE: Aug-15-2023]