SYRACUSE -- The day before Easter meant many shoppers across Central New York were busy buying last-minute Easter items.
Hercules Candy Company in East Syracuse has been packed for the past week with folks looking to buy homemade chocolate.
The shop has been around for more than a century and is no stranger to the Easter rush.
It's very word of mouth, generations have been coming and they just keep on coming and tell all their friends," said Terry Andrianos, a partner in the family-owned business.
Rising gas prices have increased costs across the board for businesses across the country.
It's no different at Hercules Candy Company, but Adrianos said her customers won't see a jump in candy prices.
"We do have some natural price increases every couple of years, but we have not passed that onto the customer, she said."
While people stocked up on candy, others flocked to Syracuse's Little Italy to grab fresh pastries and bread.
Many told CNY Central that a stop at Biscotti Café & Gelateria on North Salina Street is a must this time of year.
The hot item -- Italian bread with an Easter egg in the middle, topped with fresh icing.
"I get the Easter bread is because I'm Italian and I grew up on it and I like them to paint the icing on it and my kids really enjoy it," said Cassandra Carusone.
What are your Easter traditions? What makes Easter special for your family?
