TAKE A WALK ON THE SWEET SIDE

Stockton Has Its Own Sweets Trail

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE

Visit Stockton launched a smattering of experience-driven trails throughout the city to bolster local business and create gameplay related to exploring Stockton. Joining food-centric trails such as the Stockton Taco Trail and San Joaquin County Farm Guide as well as the Stockton Art Trail and Brick City Bucket List, comes the newest mobile application, this time focused completely on satisfying your sweet tooth. The system works much the same as the others, using your phone to check-in to participating businesses— there are

12 in all on the Sweet Trail—and earning points to exchange for merch. Every check-in is worth 100 points, redeemable for stickers, mugs, or even a t-shirt, and points are valid until October 23.

So, what should you eat along the way? While there are a dozen eateries to choose from, we have some suggestions for making the most of your sweet escape. For starters, if you haven’t tried a cronut yet, DF Donuts & Coffee has you covered with a mascarponefilled option on their saccharine menu. For Mexicaninspired creations, visit La Victoria Delicatessen, a panederia best known for its conchas, cuernitos, churros, and empanadas. The bright pink exterior is hard to miss! If you’re on the hunt for Hawaiian Shaved Ice, Sunset Sweets has you covered, along with many other cool treats.

Some businesses are even offering an extra incentive for those embarking on the Sweet Trail. All qualifying purchases at Tender Donut come with one free donut or a free dozen donut holes. The classic confections here pair well with your morning cup of joe; we recommend a Vietnamese-style iced coffee. But they aren’t the only one doubling down on the promotion. At Dream Ice Cream Parlor, there is a buy two, get one free promotion on the shop’s ice cream scoops and dream buns; at House of Ice Cream, the purchase of one layered ice cream sundae comes with a second one without charge; and Magda’s Cakes will dole out one free cookie with purchase.

Join in on the fun by tagging @visitstockton and using #StocktonSweetTrail on your posts.

WHO’S PARTICIPATING?

Ayy Scream

Bigworm's Bakery and Deli

DF Donuts & Coffee

Dream Ice Cream Parlor

El Frutal

Paleteria Neveria

Fizz Bakery

House of Ice Cream

House of Shaw Cafe & Bakery

La Victoria Delicatessen

Magda's Cakes

Sunset Sweets

Tender Donut

IN