June is coming to a close and so is National Candy Month. I have a big sweet tooth and will look for any excuse to eat more candy. Most of the time the classics will do – Snickers, Reese’s Peanut ButterCups, or Jelly Bellies more than satisfy my sugar jones. But every now and then I want something a little bit more exotic; all it takes is a little trip to Friendship Heights to find the items I crave.

Rodman’s Gourmet Stores are filled with regular grocery items: produce, frozen food, dairy products, and alcohol. Take a closer look at their imported and international items before you leave, though. Hidden amongst all the ordinary food you’ll find gourmet American chocolate, imported chocolates from Europe, Italian hard candies, fruit-shaped marzipan, and a variety of Haribo gummis. Christmas, in particular, is a great time to visit with loads of imported tins and collections of various British chocolates. Christmas in June is just as good, though.

Cost Plus World Market in Mazza Gallerie also carries some of the same items as Rodman’s, as well as more novel items. Go more global with Katje’s German salted licorice, mini-packets of Nutella, and Australian Violet Crumble. This is also the place to go for unique packaging like small tins and plastic boxes.