Beltway Bambinos

This is one of my favorite posts to write! Valentine’s Day for me is just another excuse to shove even more chocolate in my mouth than I did the day before while giving extra tight snuggles. It also means the quality of the chocolate is definitely better than my typical 3:00pm pick-me-up from the hidden Halloween stash that my child doesn’t know exists any longer. There are plenty of delicious places for you to shop this Valentine’s Day for yourself, your love or your Bambinos that don’t include the heart shaped milk chocolate box from the drug store. These are worth the trip, guaranteed. 

(Photo: Artisan Confections via Stay Arlington)

Fleurir Chocolates: 724 Jefferson Street Alexandria, VA 22314
Hand made artisan chocolates that are works of art made of high-quality, natural ingredients in small batches.

Artisan Confections: 1025 N. Fillmore Street, Arlington, Va. 22201 and 2910 District Avenue, Fairfax, Va. 22031
Jason Andelman’s recipes creatively blend high-quality ingredients that subtly enhance the star of the show – Valrhona chocolate – considered the best in the industry. The result is a collection of smooth and creamy confections that look as stunning as they taste. These are my absolute favorite and must-have each Valentine’s Day!!!

June B. Sweet: 3807 McKinley St NW, Washington, DC 20015
They have a selection of Brigadeiro flavors, mini cakes and Brazilian Mousse available every day at Write for You.

The Chocolate House: 1904 18 St NW, Washington, DC 20009
The Chocolate House is a tasting room and boutique store where you can experience over 300 unique chocolate bars and confections from artisan chocolate makers and chocolatiers from all corners of the world.

Harper Macaw: 835 Water St SW, Washington DC, 20024
Harper Macaw is a fine chocolate venture founded by a Brazilian chocolate maker and a U.S. Marine Veteran with an ambitious yet tangible objective: To turn chocolate into a force for tropical reforestation. They also give factory tours on select days.

SPAGnVOLA: 360 Main St #100, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Crisoire Reid is an award winning Chocolatier and co-owner of SPAGnVOLA.  Having been raised in her ancestral hacienda in Hato Del Rey, Dominican Republic. With her passion in land cultivation and agriculture, she began to focus her interest in improving the quality of their crops. They offer gift boxes, hot chocolate, caramels and more. 

Café Chocolat: 1423 H St NW, Washington, DC 20005
A chocolate boutique with a coffee bar in it. The hot chocolate has been featured in Washington City Paper as a “must-have”. They specialize in small bean-to-bar chocolates from around the world and the US. The latest feature is the only chocolate-maker from Haiti, Askanya Chocolates.

(Photo: June B. Sweet)

Chocolate Chocolate: 1130 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20036
D.C.’s first independent chocolate shop, in 1984 serving chocolate from around the world.

Periwinkle: 3815 Livingston St NW, Washington DC  20015
In the back of this fabulous boutique shop you’ll find a display case full of fine local chocolates. Many are from Chocolaterie Wanders and Zoe’s.

Godiva: 1143 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 and many other locations
Hand dipped strawberries, truffles for miles and drinks made to order. You can become a Rewards member for free and receive a free truffle each month.

Balduccis: Locations in Bethesda, Alexandria and McLean
This is a premiere destination for many things such as meats and cheeses, the section of chocolates and confections is very impressive too.