🍬 A Sweet Return to Hammond’s CandiesRevisiting a childhood memory in a new season of life

Created by Tod Fox 🦊🐾
Feb 16
2 min read

Today I came back to Hammond’s Candies — a place I first visited back in 2004 when I was in elementary school, then again in 2024, and now once more on February 16, 2026.

It’s nice how a place filled with sugar and color can also hold quiet memories. The smell of peppermint, the shine of the candy machines, the way the workers move with care — it all reminded me of something deeper: how much has changed, and how much still feels the same as 2000s.

🕰️ Why This Visit Felt Different

This year, something is shifting.

People are talking about returning to analog life — stepping away from screens, slowing down, reconnecting.

And Hammond’s feels like part of that.

It’s not just a candy shop. It’s a place where time slows down.

Where you can watch something being made by hand.

Where you can talk to someone face to face.

Where you remember what it felt like to be a kid.

🙋‍♂️ For Anyone Who’s Been Here — Men and Women

Whether you’ve visited once or many times:

What do you recommend I try next time I come back?

Is there a tour moment I missed?

A conversation you remember from your visit?

🤝 Can Men Be Friends with Women?

I ask this gently.

Sometimes I want to reach out to women I meet in places like this — not for romance, but for friendship, for support, for shared purpose.

Can men and women be friends in a respectful, community-based way?

I believe yes.

Especially when the intention is clear and the cause is good.

📱 Asking for Help on Instagram — With Respect

I use Instagram to share my writing, my advocacy, and my journey.

It’s part of my future education and career.

But asking for help is hard.

I don’t want to be misunderstood just like past from 2024.

I don’t want people to think I’m bothering them.

So I ask:

How can I ask for help as a friend — especially when it’s for a good cause like joining environmental efforts or building community?

Are you on Instagram?

Do you follow pages that support places like Hammond’s or local outings?

💬 Text Me Your Thoughts

If you’ve been to Hammond’s — or if you’re planning to go — I’d love to hear from you.

You can text me at 📱 720‑461‑5891 and answer any of these questions:

1. What’s your favorite memory from Hammond’s Candies?

2. What should I try next time I visit?

3. Are you on Instagram?

4. How do you ask for help respectfully online?

5. Do you think men and women can be friends in community spaces like this?