Remember that pure joy of unwrapping a lollipop as a kid? That anticipation as you peeled back the wrapper, the first sweet taste hitting your tongue? Well, guess what – you don’t have to be seven years old to feel that excitement again!
National Lollipop Day is coming up on July 20th, and we’ve got the perfect excuse to indulge that inner child (and maybe bring the actual kids along for the ride).
From Cave People to Candy Shops – The Sweet History You Never Knew
Here’s a fun fact that’ll blow your mind: lollipops have been around since basically forever! Those clever cavemen were already onto something when they dipped sticks in honey from beehives – creating the world’s first lollipops. Talk about being ahead of their time!
But the real game-changer came in 1908 when George Smith decided to put hard candy on a stick and eventually trademarked the word “lollipop” in 1931. And get this – the name comes from Northern England where “lolly” means tongue and “pop” means slap. So basically, every lollipop is a friendly tongue slap!
The industrious folks in Wisconsin weren’t messing around either. They built a machine that could pump out 2,400 lollipops per hour! That’s some serious candy production power right there.
Houston’s Sweet Secret: Where Candy Dreams Come True
Now here’s where it gets really exciting for us Houston folks. While you could grab a lollipop from any old store, why not experience something absolutely magical instead?
Meet Papabubble Houston – where the art of candy making comes alive right before your eyes!
Located at 927 Studewood Street in Houston’s trendy Heights neighborhood, this isn’t your typical candy shop. They make custom, handmade candies right in front of customers, creating hard candies, lollipops, gummies, marshmallows, and caramels – and trust me, watching the process is just as sweet as eating the results!
What makes Papabubble special?
Born in Barcelona in 2004, Papabubble was created out of a passion for reviving and building upon the ancient artisanal process of candy making. Now millions of people worldwide have experienced their unique approach to confectionery magic.
The Experience:
- Watch the magic happen: See every piece of delicious candy made right in the store
- Learn the craft: They host classes every month where you learn about the art of candy making and enjoy a night of sweet entertainment
- Keep what you make: Plus take home some extras!
- Custom creations: They offer custom products for special gifts that won’t soon be forgotten
Follow the sweetness:
- Instagram: @papabubble_htx with 13K followers sharing behind-the-scenes candy magic
- Facebook: Papabubblehtx with 1,269 likes and regular updates
- Classes & Events: Check their Eventbrite page for upcoming candy-making workshops
More Sweet Spots Across Texas Worth the Drive
If you’re road-tripping around the Lone Star State, here are some other candy havens to hit:
Austin’s Legendary Spot: Lammes Candies has been making legendary Texan confections since 1885, home of the famous Texas Chewie Pecan Praline
San Antonio’s Candy Paradise: Alamo Candy Company offers a wide assortment of candy from different cultures plus sweet concoctions they create right in the shop
For the Health-Conscious Sweet Tooth: Sticky crafts handmade treats that are gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and free of high-fructose corn syrup
Make National Lollipop Day Extra Special
Whether you call them lollipops, suckers, lollies, or sticky pops, July 20th is your day to celebrate without guilt! Here’s how to make it memorable:
For Families: Pack up the kids and head to Papabubble for a candy-making class. It’s educational, delicious, and creates memories that’ll last way longer than the sugar rush.
For Date Night: Those monthly candy-making classes aren’t just for kids – they’re perfect for couples looking for something unique and fun to do together.
For the Grandparents: Remember what it felt like to be amazed by simple pleasures? Take your grandkids to watch candy being made by hand – it’s like magic for all ages.
For the Adventurous: Try flavors you’ve never heard of or commission a custom lollipop design that’s totally you.
The Bottom Line
National Lollipop Day isn’t just about the sugar – it’s about recapturing that sense of wonder and joy that comes from simple pleasures. And in a world that’s moving at lightning speed, there’s something deeply satisfying about watching candy being made the old-fashioned way, by hand, with love.
So mark your calendar for July 20th, gather your favorite people, and head to Houston’s Heights for a sweet adventure that’ll remind you why some of the best things in life really are the simplest.
Your inner child is waiting – and so is that perfect lollipop!
