Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1488721
SIGNATURE MONTANA | 25 Michelle DeGroot believes that close to 99% of her business comes from locals and people walking by the store. at's easy to understand as you come upon the shop along Hamilton's Main Street and the delectable aroma of cinnamon-glazed almonds and melting chocolate hits your nose. Michelle and her employees have been doing this for so long that they don't smell it anymore, but her customers sure do. Big Sky Candy, Inc. 319 W Main St, Hamilton, MT • (406) 363-0580 Linda greets customers with a smile and is eager to help make the perfect selection. Michelle makes special treats for the changing seasons, like pumpkin truffles and chocolate-dipped strawberries. Michelle and her husband, John, put a lot of work into expanding the once-small candy shop along Hamilton's Main Street since purchasing it in 2001. Five varieties of bear claws are made on-site, including huckleberry claws and white chocolate yeti claws. In addition to chocolate, Big Sky Candy offers a variety of old-fashioned treats like candy sticks, gumballs, and lemon drops. The delectable smell of roasting almonds and melting chocolate wafts from the kitchen and entices customers into Big Sky Candy. Michelle and her husband, John, purchased the shop back in 2001 with lile candy-making experience. "We did have a few recipes from the previous owner, but we've changed almost everything over time. We make it all by scratch." ose from-scratch items feature cool minty peppermint paies the size of drink coasters, crunchy blocks of toffee, and creamy truffles filled with lemon and cookie dough. Michelle says working with chocolate is a constant yet rewarding challenge. "I've been trying a new chocolate, and I've made three batches that are still not perfect enough to go out. So, we just have to eat them," she says with a grin.