BANNER ELK, N.C. — Sheri Moretz is the storyteller at the Mast General Store. She says the candy barrels in the store hold hundreds of goodies. They have everything from the latest treats to old favorites. 

The Candy Barrel has candies that bring people in from all over the world 

For many, it's a step back in time 

The Candy Barrel started as a collaboration after a bridge was under construction 

"Astropops that we introduced in the '50s or '60s," Sheri Moretz said.

They have all types of candies that span generations. 

"Top selling candy is the vanilla bullseye. Each year we sell about nine tons, 18,000 pounds of this one candy," Moretz said. 

The candy brings in people from all over the world. Some come in to try new things, and others for a step back in time.

"Your favorites from your childhood, and you may show them the sour belt, it's a great way to start a conversation between generations," Moretz said.

The Candy Barrel started in Valle Crucis years ago.

"The week before Labor Day, they were doing repair work, which meant taking the whole bridge out, you could either go through the creek here or you could drive 20 minutes around," Moretz said.

The Mast General Store was a building owned by another family, but they did still own the original Mast store down the street. One holiday weekend a bridge was under construction so the Manzes' called over to the Mast General Store and asked if they wanted to put some of their items in their building. That is when the partnership began in 1982.