Since moving to the region in 2009, I’ve compiled a list of favorite places to take family and friends who are visiting from out of town. At the top of that list is Schimpff’s Confectionery in downtown Jeffersonville. No matter how many times I’ve seen their free candy-making demonstration (well past a dozen at last count), I will never pass up a chance to banter with the owners and witness the magic of candy making the same way it has been done for more than 100 years.
Confirming what we already knew, our favorite candy shop was also just voted the #1 Candy Store in the country in the USA Today 10Best Reader's Choice Awards! Congratulations to this SoIN treasure! Keep reading for seven facts to keep that sweet tooth satisfied until your next visit to SoIN and Schimpff’s.
1. Schimpff’s has been family owned & operated for 134 years!
The Schimpff family has been in the candy-making business since the 1850s, first in Louisville, Kentucky before moving to Jeffersonville in 1871. The beloved sweet shop has been in its current location since 1891, established by Gustav Schimpff, Sr. and spanning six generations of the Schimpff family. Warren and Jill Schimpff are 4th generation owners, currently at the helm of the business. Steve Shepherd a.k.a. “Cousin Steve” will take over when Warren and Jill retire.
Louisa Weber Schimpff, Gus Jr. (son of Schimpff’s founder Gustav Schimpff, Sr.), and their youngest son Charles pose for a photo inside the shop. The picture was taken around 1917. Charles, who is thought to be around 2 in the picture, is Cousin Steve’s Grandfather. The man on the right is Johnny Kipper, an employee at the time.
2. Schimpff’s produces 20,000 pounds of Red Hots each year!
The cinnamon scent of Schimpff’s signature red hots often greets guests at the door. The shop produces 20,000 pounds of cinnamon red hot hard candies throughout the year, not to mention hand-made chocolates and all flavors of hard fish candy. Visit during different seasons and holidays for special red hot shapes, like hearts for Valentine’s Day and bunnies for Easter. Make time to stay for their free candy-making demonstrations offered a few times throughout the day. There’s nothing like a warm fresh-out-of-the-copper-kettle cinnamon red hot.
3. One of Schimpff’s specialties is named after a local actress.
What do you get when you cover a marshmallow in caramel? The Modjeska is a delightful regional treat made using just the two ingredients. The first Modjeskas were made by Busath’s Candies located just across the river from SoIN in Louisville, Kentucky. They were named after Polish actress Madam Helena Modjeska who was famous throughout the U.S. Pick up a few of these gooey treats on your next visit.
4. You can pose with Mr. Jelly Belly in front of the shop.
The owner of Jelly Belly Co. gifted the shop a bench featuring the Mr. Jelly Belly mascot in 2023. Schimpff’s has the only Mr. Jelly Belly bench in Indiana and one of only a few in the U.S.
5. Schimpff’s survived a flood that covered much of the shop!
Photo of Schimpff’s Confectionery taken shortly after the 1937 flood as waters began to recede. Look at the center of the 2nd story windows for a faint mud line left by flood water at its peak.
When you’re open for over a century, there are bound to be challenges. Schimpff’s and other businesses along the Ohio River were hit hard by the 1937 Flood. Damage from the once-in-a-lifetime flood destroyed homes and caused many businesses to permanently close. Thankfully, Schimpff’s was able to recover and reopen for business. When visiting, look for the painted red bricks at the middle of the 2nd story windows. They mark the high water line for the 1937 flood. Warren recalls stories of Grandmother Schimpff being evacuated from those 2nd story windows by a row boat!
The red bricks at the center of the shop’s 2nd story windows mark the high-water line for the 1937 flood. There are also marks carved into the limestone pillar at the left of the entry way that mark the height of two earlier floods - 1883 & 1884.
6. Schimpff’s is home to one of a few candy museums in the United States.
What started out as a hobby for current owners Warren & Jill Schimpff evolved into an extensive collection of candy artifacts and memorabilia. View thousands of pieces of candy history from across the country at your leisure or call ahead to book a guided tour of the museum and kitchen.
7. Schimpff’s has operated a soda fountain since 1921!
If you prefer your sweets in the form of soda, shakes, or ice cream sundaes, you’re in luck! Schimpff’s has featured a soda fountain since at least 1921, as noted on a telegram in the shop’s museum. They are also one of the oldest servers of Coca-Cola in Kentuckiana. Step up to the counter to order a traditional malt or an old-time, local favorite – a chocolate Coke – Coca-Cola with chocolate syrup!
Schimpff’s Named Best Candy Store in the Country!
Recently named a Top 3 small business in Indiana, Schimpff’s has now also been named the Best Candy Store in the country. They topped the list in USA Today’s 10Best Reader's Choice Awards. Thanks to everyone who took time to vote for this Southern Indiana treasure!
Plan a visit to SoIN and Schimpff’s today to learn more fun facts and see the candy-making magic firsthand! Follow Schimpff's on Facebook for frequent updates.
Explore more of Southern Indiana's nostalgia-inducing stops in our Timeless Treasures blog.
@gosoin Did you know? 💡 Schimpff’s Confectionery has been nominated for Best Candy Store in @USA TODAY’s 10Best list. You can help this beloved shop take the top spot by voting daily now through 11:59 a.m. on Monday, June 9. 🍭🍬🍫 Visit GoSoIN.com to read our “7 Sweet Facts about Schimpff’s Confectionery” blog and to cast your vote! 🔗 #creatorsearchinsights #fyp #candy #usatoday #vote ♬ Luxury and fun big band jazz(1324443) - Ponetto
