When I spied the old fashioned sign for Bayard’s Chocolate House swinging in the brisk breeze I could not help but be swayed off of busy Route 130 and into their packed parking lot in Cinnaminson NJ.
Bayard’s has been providing the Cinnaminson and Cherry Hill area with Valentines day chocolates and candies since 1939, and being the weekend before Valentine’s day, the place was abustle with activity when I entered the Colonial inspired candy house.
Though the place was busy I enjoyed taking in the old fashioned candy house decor. Somehow I always thought that New England had a stronghold on the whole Colonial theme, but here it was, on the wonderful vintage wallpaper and curtains. Each room has a different pattern from bicentennial to nautical, all working well together. While I’m not a huge fan personally of this decorative style (having grown up surrounded by it) I can’t help but feel like I’ve stepped back in time whenever I see it.
I totally dug the display tables for the chocolates – many of them colonial style dining tables with glass shelves held up with brass candlesticks. This gave 2 levels – one for the quickly emptying chocolate trays below and the other for pre-packaged candy boxes and gifts above. Once I was there for a few minutes and decided what I wanted, I realized I needed to get a number to ensure I would be waited on in a timely manner.
(I’m not sure if the “TakACheck” is used all the time but just in case, look for it near the entrance – I walked right past this groovy old machine. I LOVED the satisfying KA-CHUNK it made when I pressed the red bar for my ticket!)
Once my number was called I was delighted when I was told I could buy an empty box and have them fill it with whatever I wanted. As they would say in the record biz, “All killer, no filler! It being 2 days before V-Day they had a wide assortment of heart shaped boxes just waiting to be filled with sweets, for sweethearts everywhere.
The candies at Bayard’s are all made using fresh ingredients and ran the gamut from creams to jellies to crunchy centeres, all milk or dark covered. The chocolate covered pretzels appeared to be a big hit, and I was sorely tempted by their chocolate covered marshmallows. Knowing what RetroRoadhusband likes, however, I made sure to get plenty of chocolate nonpariels.
(And, knowing that I’d most likely help him polish off that box of candies, I made sure some of my faves were in there too. 
Service was efficient and friendly despite the crowds, and I was pleased to see folks lining the walls of this local confectionary waiting their turn, instead of buying a pre-made, Lord-knows-how-old box of candies at a chain store. Trust me guys, your Valentine will spot the difference a mile away!
Don’t worry about missing your Valentine treats here this year…Easter is on April 24. Can’t wait to stop by and check out their chocolate bunnies!
Bayard’s Chocolate House
904 Route 130 N
Cinnaminson, NJ 08077-3318
(856) 829-5195
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And the coconut cream filled eggs are not be missed either! I love Bayard’s.
Amy- now I have an excuse to go there for Easter – thanks!
How much more “retro” can you get than “Colonial”?
Well, in this country I believe Colonial is where it started, so yep! Pretty far back!
I totally want to go there for the “TakACheck” machine alone!
Those nonpariels look fantastic too.
So yeah, the TAKACHEK machine reminded me of something from a Dr. Who episode, it was great!
RetroRoadhusband’s fave candies are dark chocolate nonpariels and I have to say, these ones were the absolute best I’ve had in a long time! In forever almost. He let me have a bite of one before he polished off the rest (as I made headway into the other candies in the box) and the dark chocolate was wonderfully flavorful. I’ll load up on them next time for sure!
Oh, wow, what fun! The TakOMatic looks fabulous…I know what you mean about the “satisfying” kaCHUNK noise. Stuff like that was just built better and sounds more fun, too.
I’ll have to keep this in mind should we ever be in the area! It looks delightful and sounds, well, tasty…
It is quite a piece of equipment for sure – they don’t make ‘em to last like that anymore – reminds me of another piece of machinery that I saw that same day, that measures fabric- I’ll be sharing that one soon too! Jen I bet you have plenty of cool places like this near you too!
Back when I lived with my parents (near Princeton) and worked in Pennsauken, I’d pass this place on my way to and from work on 130 everyday. I never stopped in, though. I remember around Easter time, they had someone dressed in a bunny suit sitting on the bench/swing out front waving at all the cars going by.
Vicki – that totally makes sense as there’s a swing right next to the sign out front. I can’t see anyone using it in this weather, but dressed in a bunny suit in spring I imagine it isn’t that bad!
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