My family loves hanging out downtown on Monument Circle. Whether it’s to witness the annual 500 Festival Kick-Off to May at the Soldiers and Sailor’s Monument, or to attend the world class Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra‘s Yuletide Celebration and see the lighting of the Christmas tree, we all enjoy getting dressed up and heading downtown to see what’s happening. And each time that we do, we’re always sure to take a quick stroll across the street to number 55, and enjoy a walk down memory lane at Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Shop.

Rocket Fizz is no ordinary candy store. With more than 2,000 varieties of confections from around the world and hundreds of vintage and novelty sodas, you could spend hours walking up and down the aisles just browsing through the selection. As a family, we don’t have a set time limit or agenda when we walk in, but we do pledge to stay long enough for each of us to choose one new item to try.

My dad spends most of his time getting nostalgic amongst the classic candy offerings from his youth, browsing shelves of Bun Bars, Bit’O Honey and Necco Wafers. Ultimately, though, he always ends up in the massive soda section of the shop, browsing through Rocket Fizz’s own line of insane flavors like ranch dressing, bacon chocolate, and peanut butter and jelly. He never fails to marvel at the extensive Root Beer selection—always commenting on the Birch Beer he drank as a child and how hard it is to find in this day and age. \

I can’t say that I’m immune to the memories drummed up by all that sugar. Seeing a packet of Fun Dip or the bulk bins of Airheads always reminds me of my glory days of  youth soccer and long afternoons spent riding the bus to and from tournaments across the state with our pockets full of whatever we managed to sneak from the concession stand. The stock at Rocket Fizz isn’t limited only to those standard American offerings, though. As someone who has enjoyed traveling the world, there are some sweets that definitely bring me back to my time spent abroad.  With items  like Japanese Green Tea Kit Kats and English Aero Chocolate Bars, Rocket Fizz can soothe your sweet tooth and give you a taste of the world right here in Indy.

My mom also spends her fair share of time wandering the aisles and searching for the perfect indulgence, but not without calling me over to show me at least 5 of her favorite gag gifts in the process. Her humor is her sweet side.

While we wait for dad, she’ll search through the Hollywood memorabilia while I peruse the collection of nostalgic tin signs. They remind me of days gone by—whether I personally lived them or not—and allow me to appreciate the decades of history and humor of some of America’s comic legends. You know, my mom, and this massive picture of Lucille Ball.

Rocket Fizz is the perfect place to escape off the Circle, whether you’re reliving moments from your past, or making new memories with your family in the present. That’s why it has been so much fun to explore with local owners Kim and John in front of the camera. If all the dancing and good times we’ve had in the episode aren’t proof enough to convince you that these are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met, then take this to heart: they sent me home after the shoot with a bottle of my Dad’s favorite Birch Beer.  How sweet is that.

If you missed the segment that aired on IN the Loop, take a look at the video below.  When you go into Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Shop, just let them know that Jon sent you.  (Or any of the other Loopers.)