For half a century, Shirley’s Yarns, Crafts & Gifts has supplied crafters and curious tourists with everything from cupcake tins to lighthouse-themed needlework kits. For 25 years, delicious homemade fudge — from maple to peanut butter and even pumpkin seasonally — has been a must-have for motorists traveling through the eastern Hancock County town of Hancock on Route 1.

Ten minutes east of Ellsworth, Shirley’s was founded by Dick and Shirley Jones. Known for his fine home cooking, Dick enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen. For many years, he ran a popular takeout, Hot Diggity Dog, across the street. For years, he and his wife made sweets such as chocolate lollipops to sell in the shop. These days, the Joneses’ daughter Kiana Moran runs the store and continues to sell a top-secret purveyor’s excellent fudge that her parents discovered three decades ago.

Dick died in 2017, but Shirley keeps tabs on the store and enjoys a square of the chocolate maple fudge — her favorite among the six flavors. Besides extensive knitting and craft supplies, Shirley’s carries other sweets such as jellybeans and an eclectic variety of gifts from essential oils to tiny hedgehog statues. Shirley’s Yarns Crafts & Gifts is located at 677 U.S. 1 in Hancock. For more info, call 667-7158 or visit shirleysyarnsandgifts.com