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If Your State Were a Candle, What Would It Smell Like?

state candle hero
@homesick/instagram

Around the holidays, we always get a little nostalgic for our home state. Luckily, we found a company called Homesick Candles that wants to make sure we don’t get too, well, homesick. How? With candles that are meant to capture the essential scents of all 50 states (and Puerto Rico). Did they get yours right?

state candle alabama
Homesick

1.

Alabama

Go back to the good ol' days in the Yellowhammer State with hints of wet road fresh from a summer storm, blackberries, Southern magnolias and nutty pecan.

state candle alaska
Homesick

2.

Alaska

Remember America's Last Frontier with hints of mountain, snow and undertones of forest moss and crisp winter air. 

state candle arizona
Homesick

3.

Arizona

Experience the expansive notes of the great state of Arizona with touches of desert sand, blue agave, lime and orange citrus.

state candle arkansas
Homesick

4.

Arkansas

Harken back to warm Sundays and the sweet scents of pecan, cobblers and pies from the great Natural State, mixed with notes of fresh magnolia, vanilla, cream and maple.

state candle norcal
Homesick

5.

California (NorCal)

Enjoy the bounty of NorCal with touches of bold wines and redwood forests, and a light hint of pears, apples, cloves and cinnamon.

state candle socal
Homesick

6.

California (SoCal)

Inhale a perfect mix of SoCal lemon and zesty oranges along with fresh sea breeze and aloe. A floral bouquet of rose, carnation and jasmine completes this clean fragrance.

state candle colorado
Homesick

7.

Colorado

Spend an imaginary afternoon in the Centennial State, with notes of spruce needles and spice, as well as snow, cedar, sandalwood, amber and cinnamon.

state candle connecticut
Homesick

8.

Connecticut

Travel to the Nutmeg State with the scents of a fall apple orchard. Top notes of nutmeg, lemon and eucalyptus mix with hay, clove and oak moss.

state candle delaware
Homesick

9.

Delaware

A day in the First State starts with the smells of a breezy morning by the water, just-picked strawberries, orange zest and the rushing waters of the Delaware River.

state candle florida
Homesick

10.

Florida

This candle opens with citrus and a subtle undertone of bergamot. A main theme of woody mangrove trees and Spanish moss is finished with vanilla and amber musk.

state candle georgia
Homesick

11.

Georgia

Sweet as a peach. Take yourself back with a fruity, floral fragrance that mixes notes of magnolia and aster flower with Georgia's prided peaches and white musk.

state candle hawaii
Homesick

12.

Hawaii

Aloha and Mahalo. In this candle, you’ll find tropical notes of pineapple and coconut, along with the sandy breezes of the seashore, ocean tides and cyclamen flowers.

state candle idaho
Homesick

13.

Idaho

Recall Idaho’s snowy caps and cedar snow lodges with this fragrance, combining the fresh scents of spruce needles, melting snow, sandalwood, cinnamon and amber.

state candle illinois
Homesick

14.

Illinois

Inhale the memory of grain fields and a floral bouquet of honeysuckle, lavender, white flower and violet. Breathe deep and you'll catch hints of light breezes, vanilla and lemon.

state candle indiana
Homesick

15.

Indiana

Remember summer festivities in the Hoosier State, from kettle corn and hay to selvage denim. A light, vanilla finish is balanced by a coconut and white musk.

state candle iowa
Homesick

16.

Iowa

Reminisce over a day in the Hawkeye State with a fragrance that recalls state fairs, with nutty praline, cream, buttery accents and a touch of bourbon.

state candle kansas
Homesick

17.

Kansas

With notes of the Sunflower State, this candle smells like rainstorms, sunflowers and the grassy open plains.

state candles kentucky
Homesick

18.

Kentucky

Expect the buttery, creamy scent of bourbon mixed with praline and rich cedarwood undertones. A touch of mint, vanilla and tonka bean help bring you right back home.

state candles louisiana
Homesick

19.

Louisiana

Packed with a Southern bouquet of magnolia, honeysuckle and country jasmine, this candle balances the floral scents with notes of sweet potato and a lightly sweet citrus mix.

state candle maine
Homesick

20.

Maine

Stroll through the Pine Tree State with scents of blueberries, pinewood and hayrides, as well as cedarwood and patchouli.

state candle maryland
Homesick

21.

Maryland

Breathe in the scent of saltwater, ginger, bay leaf and thyme for a fragrance that defines the Old Line State.

state candle mass
Homesick

22.

Massachusetts

Recall the smell of a crisp fall afternoon with apple cider, simmering coffee and just-baked doughnuts. Sweet hints of tonka bean are balanced by cinnamon and a touch of clove.

state candle michigan
Homesick

23.

Michigan

Tart cherries and rich chocolate take you back to the Great Lakes State.

state candle minnesota
Homesick

24.

Minnesota

Take a deep breath of winter air with the scents of the North Star State: baked apples, puff pastry, fresh cypress and notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove.

state candle mississippi
Homesick

25.

Mississippi

This fragrance combines blooming magnolia flowers with lime and the scent of waterfalls. Sweet notes of cotton and tonka bean are balanced with complex patchouli and cedar.

state candle missouri
Homesick

26.

Missouri

Recall the fresh scents of lilacs, white hawthorns and water lilies, with light undertones of cedarwood and dogwood blossoms for a gentle citrus finish.

state candle montana
Homesick

27.

Montana

Remember Big Sky Country with this minty, citrusy fragrance with scents of cedar, patchouli and sandalwood that end with a clean amber finish.

state candle nebraska
Homesick

28.

Nebraska

Close your eyes and you’re back in the open space of Nebraska, with notes of fresh lemonade and bergamot and undertones of rose floral and cedarwood patchouli.

state candle nevada
Homesick

29.

Nevada

Enjoy the smell of Americana like desert air, cactus flowers, citrus and selvage denim. A bit of tonka bean balances the woody notes of cedar, patchouli and cotton.

state candle new hampshire1
Homesick

30.

New Hampshire

Enjoy an autumn day in New Hampshire with this fragrance, reminiscent of warm apple cider spiked with cinnamon and clove and the sweet smells of vanilla in the air.

state candle jersey
Homesick

31.

New Jersey

Explore the Garden State with the scents of candy apples, cranberries and ocean air. A beachy top note cools down with notes of soft cotton and vanilla.

state candle new mexico
Homesick

32.

New Mexico

Breathe in the warm desert air with the scents of chili pepper and cactus, and spicy notes of clove, bay and nutmeg.

state candle new york
Homesick

33.

New York

Experience the bounty of the Empire State with the scents of the Adirondacks, forest brush crunching underfoot and the autumn fragrance of pumpkins and apple orchards.

state candle north carolina
Homesick

34.

North Carolina

Breathe in the memories of North Carolina with this scent, recalling blackberries, peaches and smoky barbecues.

state candle north dakota
Homesick

35.

North Dakota

Like a hike through North Dakota’s prairies and hills, this fragrance smells like spruce, snow, clear winter air and undertones of cedarwood.

state candle ohio
Homesick

36.

Ohio

Carnations, honeysuckle and orange zest remind us of the Buckeye State. Undertones of powdery musk and an herbaceous blend balance this fresh, floral fragrance.

state candle oklahoma
Homesick

37.

Oklahoma

This fragrance is made with the scents of butter, cinnamon, caramelized pecans and caramel. Sweet maple is balanced by cinnamon and cloves for a dry, musky finish.

state candle oregon
Homesick

38.

Oregon

Like a breakfast in the great forests of Oregon, this fragrance recalls maple, pears and roasted almonds layered over a base of fir needles, pine, sandalwood and cedar.

state candle pennsylvania
Homesick

39.

Pennsylvania

Enjoy the rich fragrance of caramel, maple, buttery rum and malty molasses. The sweetness is balanced with dark cocoa and a dry tonka bean finish.

state candle puerto rico
Homesick

40.

Puerto Rico

Inhale the scents of freshly roasted coffee at a mountain hacienda and breathe in salty ocean air on a pristine beach.

state candles rhode island
Homesick Candles

41.

Rhode Island

Experience the best scents of the Ocean State, from the fragrance of the rolling ocean and sweet hay rides to the comforting smells of fresh-baked apple pies.

state candle south carolina
Homesick

42.

South Carolina

Sip a cup of sweet tea with this fragrance reminiscent of steeped bergamot, hibiscus and lemon. Floral hints of magnolia and palmetto balance a fruity note of grapefruit.

state candle south dakota
Homesick

43.

South Dakota

Capture the fragrance of South Dakota’s state flower, the prairie crocus, along with the scent of rushing water, mountain spruce and smoky firewood.

state candle tennessee
Homesick

44.

Tennessee

Experience the nuanced joys of Tennessee's rich cultural heritage with a fragrance reminiscent of steeped bergamot, tea, single-malt whiskey and magnolia.

state candle texas
Homesick

45.

Texas

Head back to Texas with the scents of dark leather, fresh pine and lemon. A floral note of cyclamen and a touch of sage help balance the big bold scents of the Lone Star State.

state candle utah
Homesick

46.

Utah

Recall the snow-capped mountains with the scent of spruce trees and ski lodges. Woody notes of cedar and sandalwood mix with cinnamon spice for a perfect hint of sweet.

state candle vermont
Homesick

47.

Vermont

Fall foliage and baked apples take us back to the Green Mountain State. Fresh eucalyptus rounds out the body of the fragrance with spice notes of cinnamon, clove and vanilla.

state candle virginia
Homesick

48.

Virginia

Like a walk through the woods, this fragrance blends hints of pine needles, fir and sandalwood with a bouquet of blooming honeysuckle and the scent of soft rainfall.

state candle washington
Homesick

49.

Washington

Enjoy the scent of soft downpours, Earl Grey tea, cedar and patchouli. A touch of maple and vanilla complement a bouquet of rhododendron and amber.

state candle west virginia
Homesick

50.

West Virginia

Recall afternoons in the Mountain State with the scent of honeysuckle, baked cookies and sweet bourbon. Hints of maple syrup and dark chocolate finish with a dry musk note.

state candle wisonsin
Homesick

51.

Wisconsin

Like a breeze of cold winter air, head back to Wisconsin with the scents of peppermint, cranberry, maple, butter and cream.

state candles wyoming
Homesick Candles

52.

Wyoming

Inhale the cold winter air and a roaring campfire with scents reminiscent pine needles, rich cedar and sandalwood and spice notes of cinnamon and picked mint.


sarah stiefvater

Wellness Director

Sarah Stiefvater is PureWow's Wellness Director. She's been at PureWow for ten years, and in that time has written and edited stories across all categories, but currently focuses...