THERE’S A CERTAIN CHARM to the signage and art at Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store. Folksy, down-to-earth, eye-catching and endearing, the art connects to shoppers on a personal level. Like an old-time shopkeeper parceling penny candy into a brown paper bag.
Local artist and Jordan High School art teacher Jessica Barnd creates the art, adding a rural roots visual authenticity to this business, officially Jim’s Apple Farm.
This family-owned attraction along US Highway 169 in Jordan is more about candy than apples.
And it’s about successful marketing, primarily through the can’t-miss signature yellow building and picket fence and Jessica’s art.
Jim’s doesn’t rely on a website—there’s none—and only recently went online with a Facebook page. And only cash or checks are accepted; no credit or debit cards. Says so on end-of-the-building signage near th gravel parking lot.
For me, the experience of visiting Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store focused as much on the merchandise as on the visual artistry. But then I tend to see my world through the lens of my Canon DSLR.
Peanut logs are made on-site as are apple pies.
This place provides a unique canvas to promote a business in a nostalgic way that takes us back to the mercantile. To the old-fashioned candy counter. To simpler days when a piece of penny candy was enough.
Except at Jim’s, candy counters extend through a lengthy building and the candy supply seems endless.
BONUS ART PHOTOS:
Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store also boasts the World’s Largest Soda Selection. You will find flavors here that you would never even consider for pop (the Minnesota word for soda).
In the new addition to the building, Jessica painted clouds for the ceiling, where hot air balloons are suspended. They glide up and down.
The basket of a hot air balloon.
On the exterior pathway to the candy store entrance, this sign alerts customers to the availability of homemade pies.
Some of the pumpkins for sale are painted. This was a favorite since it reminds me of Tufts University, my son’s alma mater. Tufts’ mascot is Jumbo the elephant, its school colors blue and brown.
Another surprise: Lots and lots and lots of puzzles for sale, as advertised on the business signage.
FYI: Please check back as I show you more of Jim’s Apple Farm. Click here to read my first post in this series.
© Copyright 2016 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I love this place. I always make it a point to stop there when I go visit Minnesota and make the drive from Minneapolis to Mankato!
I’m hearing that from many readers that this candy store is a regular stop. Thanks for commenting, Jamie.
You cannot miss the YELLOW bldg! I so want a homemade peanut roll now – YUM. Happy Day – Enjoy 🙂
My husband wanted a peanut log also. But…they were sold out on the day we were there.
I just have to say, thanks for writing about all these out of the way places.
You are most welcome, Greg.
Just out of curiosity, how close is the nearest dentist office?
I love your humor. I bet there are several dentists in Jordan, right there in the area.
What a COOoooOOOL place.
If I ever drive past it, I shall shout–“Audrey was THERE!” x x
You are making me laugh. I need laughter.
Great sleuthing to find out how did the signage. How did you discover that angle? And you are correct about lack of social media advertising but they still they do so well. Amazing!
Google is a great research tool. One can uncover a lot there.
HI Audrey! Thanks for the shout-out in your article. Hope you are able to stop in this summer and check out the details of the new addition-you can’t miss it.
You are welcome, Jessica. I love what your art brings to the candy store.