The Treat Land
“Relive a part of your childhood”
If you’ve stood in line at a grocery store or gas station in the last 40 years, you’ve probably noticed that penny candies, 35-cent Wrigley’s gum, and $1 ice cream cones are long gone. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still relive a part of your childhood.
The Treat Land in Osoyoos may not have “five-and-dime” prices, but it’s the closest thing you’ll find to a Willy Wonka-level selection. I had just finished lunch up at Sweet Grass (one of my previous Food Adventures with Sheldon) and was in need of something sweet. As I crossed the bridge in Osoyoos, I saw The Treat Land sign. Having never been inside, I wandered in to see if anything would satisfy my sweet tooth.
As soon as I stepped in, my inner child came out. Candy on the left, chocolate on the right, ice cream in front — everything a kid dreams of, all within arm’s reach.
I spoke to the two young women working, Tamanna and Hareena Dhaliwal, who run the store with their family. Their family took over the business last year from the previous owners and have been delivering sugar rushes and smiles ever since — one piece of candy at a time.
Both girls were happy to be working in a candy store — it’s every kid’s dream, after all — although they admitted it can be slightly frustrating being surrounded by sweets they aren’t allowed to eat. Still, they said, it’s a lot of fun.
I asked what the most popular candies were. “Sours,” they said. Hareena’s personal favourite? “Sour Patch Kids.”
Beyond every kind of candy you can imagine — and even some you can’t — they also stock gourmet Asher’s Chocolates, a brand that’s been around since 1892.
Looking to cool down? The Treat Land has that covered too, with ice cream, handmade milkshakes, soft-serve cones, and screamers (a slurpee mixed with soft-serve). Tamanna said the most popular flavour is Cookies and Cream — although that may soon drop to second place. After a lot of effort, they managed to get real pistachio ice cream, and it’s flying out of the freezer.
As someone who’s had pistachio ice cream before, I can tell you: if you like pistachios and haven’t tried it in ice cream form, you’re missing out. It’s made in smaller batches and costs more to produce, which makes it harder to find — but worth it.
By the end of my visit, I had two bags full of treats — including Sour Turtles, Gummi Tarantulas, S’mores graham cracker chocolates, and my personal favorite: Cow Tales. These chewy caramels with a creamy centre brought a small part of my childhood rushing back. Sometimes, all it takes is one bite of candy to put a smile on your face.
So, the next time you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, take a trip down memory lane. Whether you’re indulging in your own favorite childhood treat or earning the title of “Best Grandma/Grandpa Ever” by letting the grandkids choose their own, make a quick stop at The Treat Land. And don’t forget to tell Tamanna and Hareena that Sheldon sent you.
The Treat Land is located at 8111 Main Street, Osoyoos, and is open 7 days a week from 11am to 8pm.
Sheldon Herman is the author of the multi award-winning, international best-selling book The Tortured Traveller: How I Survived the Worst Vacation Ever, and has eaten his way through over 60 countries. This review was written independently and without compensation. Have a restaurant you’d like featured? Email [email protected].
