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Connecticut Chocolate Trail

Oh, chocolate. Love it. Crave it. Can’t live without sweet chocolate. Milk, dark, white – you name it - chocolate has become one of the most popular food types and  flavors in the world.  And although chocolate can be imported from Belgium, Germany, Switzerland or France – there is a world of chocolate that can be found right here in Connecticut.  Believe it or not, our state is home to many world-renowned chocolatiers and local chocolate artisans who create an experience that is decadent and rich in flavor. 

They say there is nothing better than a good friend, except, perhaps a good friend with chocolate – so grab a partner, and treat the chocolate lover in your life (or yourself!) to an unforgettable tasting trip throughout the state.   This Connecticut Chocolate Trail will indulge all of your senses! 

*Find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for more sweet tips on Connecticut destinations for chocolate lovers all year long!

THE SWEET SPOTS: MUST-TASTE SHOPS TO VISIT

Belgique Chocolatier
1 Bridge Street(corner of Routes 7 & 341)
Kent, CT 06757
860.927.3681 
www.belgiqueonline.com

According to The Boston Globe, “…heaven must be like a box of chocolates from Belgique.” A trip to this authentic chocolate shop in quaint Kent will transport you to the streets of Belgium, complete with cobblestone floors, mosaic of Brussels scenery and the aroma of Belgian hot chocolate. Chef Glissen, who has cooked for royalty all over the world, offers artisan house-made and imported chocolates and truffles and handmade ice cream and sorbets to delight even the most discriminating chocoholics.   Belgique recently opened a new location in New Canaan, Connecticut at 88 Elm Street for its customers in Fairfield County. 

Bridgewater Chocolate Factory and Factory Store
559 Federal Road
Brookfield, CT  06804
203-775-2286
and
2 LaSalle Road
West Hartford, CT  06107
860-570-0707
www.bridgewaterchocolate.com               

With store locations in Brookfield and West Hartford, Bridgewater offers an enormous catalog of options for the sweet tooth in your family.  First established by owner and founder, Erik Landergren in 1995, Bridgewater Chocolates specializes in American-style premium hand-made chocolates such as turtles, toffees, caramels and peanut butter patties. Winner of many awards and featured and reviewed in the country's top magazines and newspapers, Bridgewater Chocolates are top-notch.  The warm and inviting atmosphere, coupled with the enticing scents of gourmet chocolates make this one sweet spot to visit!

Deborah Ann’s Sweet Shop
381 Main Street
Ridgefield, CT  06877
203-438-0065
www.deborahanns.com

What happens when you get two Yale Law School graduates together in a room?  Chocolate, of course!  Tired of the corporate legal world in New York City, this sweet couple now serves a variety of homemade chocolates, ice cream and an array of candies to guests.  From humble beginnings of just a few types of chocolates, they now produce 70 varieties, including chocolate-covered pretzels, granola and marshmallow caramel.  The rear of the store, which was originally part of a bank, has 1,300 square feet of open kitchen, so customers can observe truffles being hand-rolled. 

Divine Treasures
ParkadePlaza
404 Middle Turnpike West
Manchester, CT 06040
860-643-2552
www.dtchocolates.com               

For the health-conscious and eco-friendly chocoholic, Divine Treasures offers a wide variety of delectable treats using organic Belgian chocolate and the finest vegan, gluten-free ingredients. Owner Diane Blanchette-Wagemann uses recipes and traditions learned from her grandmother to create handcrafted candies with a healthful spin. Divine Treasures was the recipient of the 2011 Customer Satisfaction Award for Excellence in Customer Care, presented by Talk of the Town News, Customer Care News and Celebration Media.  Try the 10 Million Smooches (crunchy all-natural peanut butter base, caramel topping surrounded by dark chocolate), Cranberry Raindrops, Ginger Explosion, Toffee Bites, Peppermint Patsy and more, or pick up a beautifully-wrapped assorted gift box. 

H. Mangels Confectioner
107 River Street
Milford, CT 06460
203-783-9770
www.hmangels.com

Truffles, truffles and more truffles!  Rich in history and heritage, H. Mangels follows in the tradition of its store owner’s great-grandfather, Henry Mangels, who owned a candy store in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn in the 1890s with truffles made using only the purest ingredients:  chocolate, butter, heavy cream and liqueur.  The truffles are hand-made from start to finish, and come in a variety of flavors including Grand Marnier, Double Dutch Chocolate, Dooley’s Toffe, Chambord and Espresso, to name a few.  Make sure to sign up for the Truffle of the Month while you’re here!  H. Mangels does not use any preservatives or artificial flavors, and offers a variety of sugar-free products as well. 

Knipschildt Chocolatier / Café Chocopoligie
12 South Main Street
Norwalk, CT  06854
203-854-4754
www.knipschildt.com

Voted one of the Top Three Chocolates in the World by Gourmet Magazine, Knipschildt Chocolatier’s handcrafted specialties are in high demand. Fritz Knipschildt, Danish born and trained, uses the finest ingredients from around the world to create his chocolate masterpieces.  Each piece is made by hand, and tastes as good as they look!  To enjoy a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of the famous sweet treats, as well as taste them for yourself, take a tour through Café Chocopologie, where you can watch the confections made by hand. Then, grab a seat in the dining area for a gourmet meal, finished with a five-piece chocolate sampler, bonfire s’mores, chocolate fondue, crepes or truffle beignets.  

Munson’s Chocolates
Main Store and Factory
174 Hop River Road
Bolton, CT 06043
860-649-4332
www.munsonschoclates.com

Other store locations include Farmington, Glastonbury, Mystic, Orange, South Windsor, Westport, West Hartford, and West Simsbury

Founded in Manchester, Connecticut in 1946, Munson’s began making handcrafted chocolates, creams and caramels in a tiny store behind a tailor shop. Now a third-generation family-run business and the largest chocolate manufacturer in the state, little has changed from Munson’s delicious original recipes. Visit the main store and factory in Bolton for a sneak peak at the chocolate-making process, or stop in for a treat at one of the other locations throughout the state. 

Tschudin Chocolates & Confections
100 Riverview Center (Corner of Main & Court)
Middletown, CT  06457
860-759-2222
www.tschocolates.com

Adventurous chocolate lovers will find plenty to surprise the taste buds at Tschudin Chocolates on Middletown’s vibrant Main Street, where the sweets are handmade using exotic flavors and spices and fresh, local ingredients. Grownups will enjoy a cup of fresh-brewed coffee, custom-made hot chocolate and amoretti truffle, while the young (and young at heart) can take a “Wonka” tour of the candy kitchen and then taste the treats they have seen created. 

TASTY CHOCOLATE HAPPENINGS

Valentine Chocolate Festival 
The American Legion Hall, Downtown Southington
Saturday, February 4, 2012 

Are you a chocolate lover?  Come down to the 9th Annual Valentine Chocolate Festival hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary.  The event features a wide variety of treats including homemade candy and other Valentine’s Day gifts.  Visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy lunch at the “Sweetheart Café.”  Snow date is February 5, 2012. 

 

2nd Annual Chocolate, Dessert and Wine Lover’s ‘Tasting’ Event
Stamford Marriott Hotel
Thursday, February 9, 2012 

Come down for the 2nd Annual Chocolate, Dessert and Wine Lover’s Tasting evening to benefit the Shelter for the Homeless from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.  This ultimate tasting party has more than 70 exhibitors providing delicious samples!           

 

Romantic Willimantic Chocolate Festival
Downtown Willimantic
Saturday, February 11, 2012 

If you’re looking for the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, look no further than the 8th Annual Romantic Willimantic Chocolate Festival!   Chocolates of all shapes and sizes will be available for tasting – from chocolate delicacies and fudge to chocolate soda and beer.  Partake in the Main Street Chocolate Chip Stroll from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., where over 30 businesses will open their doors and offer samples of chocolate goodies and activities for the public. 

 

19th Annual Chocolate Lovers’ Expo
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Southbury, CT
Sunday, February 12, 2012

A fun-filled day planned for everyone – with plenty of chocolate treats of all kinds and delicious specialty foods. This one-of-a-kind expo offers vendors the opportunity to showcase their delicious assortment of chocolate delights and other specialty food items, unique gifts, products and services to over 1,200 expo attendees - just in time for Valentines Day! 

 

Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center’s Valentine Hike & Dessert
109 Pequotsepos Road
Mystic, CT  06355
Saturday February 12, 2012 

What could be more romantic than spending time with your favorite valentine? Enjoy an invigorating walk and work up an appetite for desserts and hot drinks around a roaring fire back at the Nature Center. Member $15/ person, Nonmember $20 /person.   The event starts at 2 p.m.

 

Valentine’s Chocolate Decadence
Haight-Brown Vineyard
Litchfield, CT
860-567-4045
Sunday, February 12 (1pm) and Tuesday, February 14 (6pm)

Increase your wine savvy intellect while tasting succulent and savory combinations of wines and chocolates. A wonderful treat for yourself and your valentine. All seatings will be fireside. Reservations required, tickets $30. 

 

Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Pairing, New England
Haight-Brown Vineyard
Litchfield, CT
860-567-4045
February 25, 26, 2012 (1pm or 3pm) 

Another great event at the Haight-Brown Vineyard!  10 Flight wine tasting, each wine deliberately paired with a mouth watering cheese and or chocolate. Open your tastes to new varieties of cheeses from around the world, and learn how to pair them with different wine varieties. $30/person, plus tax.