Rocket Fizz, Lincoln, Nebraska

Rocket Fizz is a candy and soda store with two locations in Lincoln, Nebraska. The store has a retro theme, and tin signs and old concert poster reproductions line the walls. Rocket Fizz is one of my family's favorite treats, and my kids love being able to go there and pick out their favorite candies.

One of the best things about Rocket Fizz is that they offer candies from around the world, and ones that are extremely hard to find. They have an enormous selection of salt water taffy, with flavors ranging from the standard cinnamon to the more exotic popcorn flavor. Some of the candies are classic favorites, such as Choward's violet candies and Clove gum. Some of the others are modern favorites, such as M&Ms in several different varieties. And some are ones that you never heard of, such as a Yorkie candy bar, which says "It's not for girls."

One of the best things about Rocket Fizz is their soda selection. Lining the bottom of every display, and in two large coolers, there is every kind of cola imaginable. You can get Dublin Dr. Pepper in a glass bottle, Coca Cola with real cane sugar (again in a glass bottle), a chai tea flavored soda, chocolate soda, and even Leninade- a communist themed lemonade. Because their pricing allows you to mix and match, I have gone in there several times and bought a six pack of various soda pops, and then picked out a few candies to give as a gift.

Rocket Fizz is not the cheapest candy. You can get much better deals at the grocery store, and if the candy is a modern favorite such as Twix, it's best to skip Rocket Fizz in favor of Wal-Mart. But if you're looking for a great selection of salt water taffy, or there's a Japanese candy you've wanted to try, you can't beat Rocket Fizz, simply because of the selection. And although they aren't the cheapest, their prices aren't awful. I have taken my kids and allowed them to spend $10 each, and each one walked away with a bag full of candy, none of which they could have gotten at the grocery store. The sodas are mix and match, and the more you buy, the more you save. Plus, they will often have a spare cardboard 6 pack container, often with a unique soda type, which not only allows you to easily carry your drinks, but also adds to the retro feel of the place.

It's a great little store, and definitely one of my favorite places in Lincoln. I always like stopping in for a small bag of candy or soda, and my kids will not let me pass by it without asking, "Mom, can we stop at Rocket Fizz today?"