Great Escape: Have a Sweet Tooth? This Escape is for you.

We all know where Gilman Boulevard is in nearby Issaquah, as many of us travel it almost daily to hit the restaurants, stores and of course, Target.

But head the opposite direction on Gilman, away from the stores, and you will reach an Issaquah landmark tucked away at the end of the road. Boehms Candies is an Edelweiss Chalet that makes over 150 types of European and American chocolates by hand. In addition, Boehms offers tours of its factory from May 1 through September. On weekends, the beautiful chalet can even be reserved for weddings.

Boehms has a rich history in Issaquah (think Julius Boehm pool and you will become intrigued). The founder, Julius Boehm, was born in Austria. He escaped Hitler and traveled to Switzerland. In 1941 he ended up in the Pacific Northwest and started his first candy store in Seattle in 1943.

By 1956, he had moved his store to Issaquah because the hills of the area reminded him of Europe. His "Edelweis Chalet" remains a quaint sight along with a park setting and fountains on the grounds. Julius Boehm perfected the chocolates that his employees handmade, much like they do today.

Enjoy a free self-guided tour at Boehms with their viewing windows. The windows on the side of the building offer a glimpse at the candy making process as well as a history lesson on Julius Boehm and his shop. The best time to go is Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., as this is when the candy is being made. The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

If you would like a more involved and guided tour, sign up on the website. This tour will take you through the factory and show you how the candy is made. You also will visit the authentic chalet and the wedding chapel. The tour times vary  and children are welcome along with an accompanying adult. This tour is $4 per person. There is a fair amount of walking and you need to have a confirmed online reservation.

If chocolate is your passion, sign up for the company's new chocolate making classes. Parents and their children (ages 8 and older) are welcome but reservations must be made in advance. Take home over 1.5 pounds of chocolate to keep you happy for several weeks. That is, if you eat slowly.

The shop offers lots of candy choices from English Toffee and carmels to the European Mozart Kugeln and Chocolate Marzipan. Truffles, Hawaiian Sea Salt Carmels and light chocolate Rocky Road are among the bestsellers.

Julius Boem was an important part of Issaquah. He created a ski school, hiked up Mount Rainier three times (the last being when he was 80 years old) and made innumerable contributions to the Issaquah community.

Next time you are heading to Gilman Boulevard from Sammamish, take a left and visit Boehms Candies. It's a great 'educational' experience along with free samples! 

Address:Boehms Candies, 255 NE Gilman Blvd., Issaquah. Phone: 425-392-6652.