Like Bow Wow Wow Said: I Want Candy

Happy Valentine's Day! I was born and raised in Hershey, PA. My dad's office is located on West Chocolate Avenue--at the intersection with Cocoa Avenue--so I'm pretty much obsessed with all things caloric and sugary.

As you rachet up your saccharine intake today, consider the following Boston candy-related fun facts:

1) Those ubiquitous Sweethearts Conversation Hearts pictured above are manufactured in Massachussetts. They are the #1 selling non-chocolate Valentine's Day candy. "NECCO" Hearts stand for the New England Confectionery Company, located in Revere, a few miles from Tufts.

2) According to the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau, Bostonians consume more ice cream per capita than residents of any other urban area in the country. J.P. Licks in Davis Square serves up a mean scoop--my favorite flavor is coffee oreo, if you're feeling philanthropic!

3) When you drive across the Tobin Bridge from Boston to Medford, you'll notice a neon pink sign spelling out "Schrafft's" on your right. This is a famous Boston landmark and the former site of the Schrafft's candy and chocolate company.

4) Looking to satisfy your sweet tooth while visiting Tufts? I recommend the Danish Pastry House, located at the corner of Boston Avenue and Winthrop Street. Kathleen Flahive graduated from Tufts in 2004 and is the co-owner of this authentic European boutique bakery. I even ran into Davin Bergquist and Dan Grayson, two admissions officers, the last time I was there!

5) You can't visit Boston's historic North End without eating decadent cannoli. It's a heated debate: Mike's Pastry is probably the most famous purveyor of the ricotta roll, but some say Modern Pastry (located both across the street from Mike's and at a second location on Main Street in Medford) is the real deal. My parents, sister and I did the cannoli taste test challenge this past summer. We agreed on a winner...but I'll challenge you to arrive at the delicious conclusion on your own!

Just remember: After consuming all that high fructose corn syrup, be sure to brush your teeth at the end of the day. You don't want to wind up with a cavity at the Tufts School of Dental Medecine.