Priester's Pecans: Charming, Tasty, but Overpriced

A home-made candy shop developed out of a gas station in 1935, Priester's Pecans remains an excellent stop for pecan and candy lovers. Priester's is located about 35 miles outside of south Montgomery, Alabama, in the small stop-in-the-road known as Fort Deposit and can be easily spotted by tourists travelling on I-65. The Southern-loved candy company has also expanded to a location in Perry, Georgia, off of I-75. If you happen to not be travelling through the south, however, there are still plenty of ways to shop for Priester's Pecan's prized candies, jellies, sauces, dips, and more. Many products are available on their web site (http://www.priesters.com/) and through their free catalog (also available online).

For the true Priester's experience, though, it is necessary to visit their Fort Deposit location in Alabama. Here you can take a tour above their kitchen, watching the workers stretch candy and prepare the day's fresh goods. There's also a large gift shop filled with overpriced but tasteful ceramics, t-shirts, books, and various gifts. The Fort Deposit location even has a hot bar available from 11am to 2pm and a cold bar available from 11am to 3pm if you're looking for lunch on the road. However, I doubt anyone would stop just for the gift shop, the tour, or the lunch. In truth, almost every customer walking through the front door is headed to one location: the candy shop.

In the candy shop, you'll find your reason for pulling off of the interstate: free samples. From divinity to their trademarked pretzel, caramel, nut, and chocolate creation called fiddlesticks, if you've got a sweet tooth, you'll find something to satisfy it in the free sample bowls. Here you can taste the variety of candied pecans available, including key lime, cinnamon, rum, and orange flavors. Classics like caramel turtles, pralines, and fudge line the shelves. For those who don't care much for candy samples, there's usually a few delicious dip, salsa, and sauce samples near the cold bar.

Once you've tasted a few of the sweets, you'll probably want to make a purchase to take home and enjoy (or gift to your friends and family). The prices, unfortunately, are not as sweet as the goods. Home-made spells expensive at Priester's, so I suggest taking small steps. Purchase a few cheaper items, like a packet of two pieces of candy (like their soft divinity) or a small jar of sauce, instead of the tempting and steeply priced larger bags of flavored pecans. For those headed to get-togethers or events, you might be interested to know that Priester's sells cakes and pies within their shop.

I usually stop at Priester's on my way to the Gulf, and I find it a fun, but short-lived thrill to walk through the gift shop and sample the candies. If you've got the time, and you're travelling south of Montgomery, I suggest taking the family to Priester's Pecans. Or, if you're wanting to purchase gourmet style candies for the holidays, check out their online sales.

Fort Deposit Location

I-65 South

Exit 142

Alabama Hwy 185

For more info, call 334-227-8355

Open from 8am to 6pm every day of the week.

Perry Location

I-75 South

Exit 134

South Perry Parkway

For more info, call 478-987-6080

Open from 9am to 6pm every day of the week.

Visit their website or call Toll-Free (800) 277-3226.

Sources:

http://www.priesters.com/

Personal knowledge