At Hammonds Candies, handmade candy is a 100-year Denver tradition

The backstory: Carl T. Hammond Sr. started in 1920 on 15th and Platte Street in the Lower Highland neighborhood. Now, Hammond's is a global brand making candy for 30,000 retail stores from its factory on Washington Street in North Denver.

• Christmas remains its busiest season — so much so that its famous candy canes in 30 flavors are made year-round to meet the demand.

What's new: This time of year, it's the heart-shaped lollipops and chocolate marshmallow hearts that fill its factory candy store, and soon its chocolate bunnies and eggs.

• Its most popular item is its Mitchell Sweets, a bite-sized, marshmallow confection surrounded by caramel, followed by the traditional peppermint candy cane.
• The current owner, Andrew Schuman, is expanding the company with the acquisition of other traditional candy brands, such as Virginia's Old Dominion Peanut Company, and expansion into snack packages.

The intrigue: You can see how the sweet treats are made at the Hammond factory.

• Book a free 30-minute tour that ends with a complimentary candy cane.