Saltwater taffy and fudge are practically synonymous with the beach and summer vacations—in almost any resort town, you can count on a local purveyor to feature one or both of the sticky confections.

What’s a vacation without a sweet treat? You may stick to your diet the rest of the year, but walking down a boardwalk just isn't the same without a few pieces of salt water taffy in your bag.

Jaya Saxena is a former correspondent at Eater, and the series editor of Best American Food and Travel Writing. She explores wide ranging topics like labor, identity, and food culture. Cape May, New ...