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Gammy’s Country Cottage in Wellington is one-stop chocolate shop, owner says

Gammy’s Country Cottage, 106 W. Herrick Ave. in Wellington, is a locally owned and operated chocolate and candy shop with a nostalgic feel.

With homemade sweets and treats, Gammy’s covers all the bases when it comes to a one-stop chocolate shop, according to owner Debbie Vandergriff.

Most products are made from Vandergriff’s homemade chocolate.

“I try to make everything myself,” she said. “That’s why I’m trying to keep the (nostalgic) feel.”

According to Vandergriff, items made with the homemade chocolate include chocolate-covered pretzels, strawberries and Oreo cookies, and other sweets like dipped caramel apples, pies and cookies.

“Every time I think of something, I think, would I buy that? Would I want that for my grandkids? Would I give that to my friend?” she asked.

According to Vandergriff, one of her best-selling items is the candy bouquets, which feature an arrangement of different candies and chocolates, some even come with flowers.

“The candy bouquets are probably what I sell the most of,” she said. “They sell like crazy.”

Vandergriff said vendors in her shop usually are close friends or family, and items they offer all are homemade as well.

“Everything here is homemade — even the crafts are homemade,” she said.

After closing the bakery she owned two decades ago, also called Gammy’s, Vandergriff said she decided to open a new shop with a focus on chocolate, since that is what she took the most interest in throughout her career.

“I really missed it and I wanted to open just a chocolate shop because that’s what I loved doing the most,” she said. “Since I’m older, I’m just going to do what I love.”

With the help of her daughter, Shannon Trembly, Vandergriff said they make everything.

The artwork on the walls is because of Trembly’s hand for art, the mom said.

“She did all the artwork; she did all the characters on the windows,” Vandergriff said. “She’s very creative.”

As a small business in a small town, Vandergriff said reception from the community has been positive, especially with the help of Main Street Wellington’s Support Local Saturdays.

The event helps local businesses and organizations spread word of their goods and services or special upcoming event.

“It’s awesome; everyone is just so friendly, welcoming and supportive,” Vandergriff said. “They’re (Main Street Wellington) really great about keeping the small businesses going, so they always have something going on that you can get involved in.”

With her experience and techniques, Vandergriff said she helps keep the spirit of an old candy shop alive through her creations and often spends time at home researching new recipes and ideas.

“I never get bored; I could stay here all day and make chocolate,” she said. “There is a lot more I want to do.”

For store hours and more information, call 440-420-5907, visit gammyscandy.com or Gammy’s Country Cottage on Facebook.