Best sweet spots

RALEIGH, N.C. — February is National Snack Food Month and when I snack, it is usually on something sweet. So here are our five favorite spots to get something sweet in the Triangle.

Hayes Barton Cafe and Dessertery (Raleigh) - This Five Points staple is known for its dessert case filled with delicious cakes and pies. The perfect comfort food! The cake slices are huge enough to share. They are closed Mondays and typically packed on weekends so get there early! 

Chocolate Smiles (Cary) - Located in downtown Cary, this is the perfect place to grab some chocolate. From truffles to fudge, their handmade chocolate is delicious and reasonably priced. Make sure to try the chocolate covered Rice Krispy treats! 

Sunni Sky's (Angier) - OK, they aren't in the Triangle, but when we think of the best ice cream we've ever had, we think of Sunni Sky's. With more than 100 flavors available and new flavors constantly being developed, this is the place for ice cream lovers. Just get a few samples and you will be hooked. Try the Banana Pudding ice cream!

Palsie's Popcorn and Sweets (North Raleigh/Wake Forest) - They have lots of popcorn in so many flavors, you will want to sample them all! We really like the barbecue, s'more, peanut butter, mac and cheese and dill pickle. And if you aren't in the mood for popcorn, they also have freshly made fudge and New Orleans-style snowcones. 

It's Sugar (Durham) - This national chain recently opened at the Streets at Southpoint mall. I know we don't normally put "chains" on our Five Fave lists, but this is the place to shop for any sweet tooth in your life. It is almost overwhelming when you walk in. Wall-to-wall candy and candy-related apparel fill the store. There are even Hershey-scented candles! Just about every candy ever created is at this store. And you can go around with a bag and purchase candy by the pound. Definitely the place to get a sugar high.