In the summer of 1974 the first batches of Downeast fudge were made in a tiny cottage on the Townsend Gut, packaged in ½ pound boxes, and sold to gift shops in the area.

The following summer, having outgrown the tiny cottage, production was moved to a location on Route 27 where we also added homemade ice cream. Then the building on the By-way became available and saltwater taffy was added. Over the years Downeast Candies has had stores in Bar Harbor, Old Orchard Beach, Waterville, Sugarloaf, and even Florida, but Boothbay Harbor is and will always be home.

The founder, David Carmolli, has passed but his co-founder Pat, son Rick and grandchildren Ethan and Ava continue to make that wicked good fudge and saltwater taffy in the little shop on the By-way. To celebrate this year we will be adding new taffy flavors and new confectionery treats. So we invite everyone to stop in to help us celebrate 50 amazing years!