One of the best parts of spending more time in Hull, MA is getting to explore the South Shore. While I've spent my entire life visiting family there, now that I have my own place, I have ample time to check out new things.
It was back in December 2021 that I noticed a few local influencers sharing photos of a charming shack in the woods. It looked like something out of a Christmas movie. As I scrolled through Instagram, each time I saw a picture of this secret spot I was intrigued.
This past weekend, one of my best friends from college came to visit me in Hull. She's a pastry chef and when I mentioned I had been wanting to plan this local adventure, her eyes lit up and she said, "Let's go!"
To get to Mrs. Mekler's Mercantile, also known as the Sugar Shack, you plug the address 492 Beechwood Street, Cohasset, MA into your map app of choice. There is a sign on Beechwood Street letting you know you've reached the turn into the woods.
Less than a mile down the road is the shack. There is enough space for two cars to pull up alongside it.
Jennifer Mekler, the shack's proprietor, built this structure with her father. She has beautiful planters out front and a bench you can sit on to enjoy your treats.
There's a latch on the door (to keep critters out) and when you lift it, you'll find the menu of confections on the inside of the door.
This also serves as the price list. The shack operates on the honor system. You make your selections, consult the price list, then Venmo Mrs. Mekler your total.
There's also an adorable mailbox just inside the front door for guests who want to leave checks or notes. You know how I love snail mail!
As we stepped into the shack, the smell of chocolates and fresh baked good was intoxicating. There are so many things on display, it's hard to know what to look at first.
I started in the candy section, where I was immediately magnetized to these mocha latte caramels.
I did wind up buying them and they taste like a chocolate covered caramel sprinkled with a dusting of fresh coffee grounds. They're addicting!
Mrs. Mekler also makes "jarcuterie" which are chocolate-based snack boards in a portable jar.
There's even a chocolate-covered Twinkie in there!
She also offers mini grazing boards, which make ideal hostess gifts.
There are individually wrapped baked goods like these Auntie M bars. There were also s'mores bars and 7 layer bars.
We went on a Saturday and the specials for the day were New York-style crumb cake and cranberry orange scones.
My bestie couldn't resist a slice of the crumb cake.
For something to serve a large group, there was a cooler stacked with fresh pies. On this particular day, it was apple pie. I love the star-shaped crust decorations!
The shack also boasts many gift items. For example, jars of fresh raspberry jam and lemon curd.
There's also ground coffee. Each flavor is named after a famous writer. This is the Edgar Allan Poe blend. The label reads, "Don't eat crow, drink coffee!"
For the gardener in your life, there are adorably packaged herb starter kits.
Mrs. Mekler also has a charming display of candles. I always want to work this kind of ladder into my home decor, but I can never quite get it right.
The glass vessels for the candles are stunning. This blue hue was particularly gorgeous.
I sniffed every single one and the Lake House Linen was my favorite. It was a pure, clean scent that smelled like laundry drying in the summer sun.
Mrs. Mekler also has her own merch, including this tote bag designed to carry home your weekly snack haul.
While we were there, one of Mrs. Mekler's elves (that's what she called herself) came in to drop off some custom orders. She told us that in addition to the shack, Mrs. Mekler also has a refurbished van that she brings to the Cohasset farmer's market. If you're local, also look for them there!
We spent over a half hour in the Sugar Shack, completely delighted by its charm and tasty treasures. If you live on the South Shore, or you're planning a day trip to the beach, definitely add this to your list. It took me about 18 minutes to get there from the center of Hull.
To keep up with new additions and seasonal specials, follow @mrsmeklermercantile on Instagram.
