Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1488721
e first thing you notice when visiting e Sweets Barn in Lolo is owner Heather McDonald's sense of whimsy when it comes to the many candies she creates. Like cowboy hat lollipops, a variety of chocolate bars in the shape of moose and Bigfoot, and bright pink cherry-flavored brile that bursts into a delightful fizzle in your mouth 24 | SIGNATURE MONTANA Sweets Barn 11380 US-93 S, Lolo, MT • (406) 926-1269 The In addition to chocolate, the Sweets Barn offers novelty candies, Wilcoxson's ice cream, and a variety of loose-leaf teas blended by hand in the shop. Heather McDonald is a trained chef and received her culinary degree at the Art Institute in Denver. Over 200 bulk candies line the shop shelves. Huck the buffalo greets customers cruising down Highway 93 in Lolo. It's important to Heather that her chocolates are pleasing to both the palate and the eyes. Heather and her two employees make all the goodies found in the cases by hand. Heather describes the recipes she uses as old-fashioned with a modern flare. "You have to keep up with the trends but not go too wacky," she says. Her truffles feature recognizable flavors like orange and peanut buer with some quirky offshoots like chili and ginger. Heather treasures her local customers and loves visiting with them. "We have so many great candy stores in Montana, and I'd like to see more people go to them," she says. "at's good for all of us. It can be a lile more expensive, but the candy is fresh and made with really good stuff."

