chocolate

The best chocolate in Washington, DC for Valentine’s Day (or anytime)

February 7, 2023

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 to those I love. It also means the quality of the chocolate is definitely better than my typical 3 o’clock pick-me-up from my hidden stash. There are plenty of delicious places 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 while supporting local businesses.

Artisan Confections: Arlington, VA
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.

L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates: Georgetown, DC
Handcrafted artisan chocolate assortments, bonbons, truffles, chocolate bars, hot chocolate mixes, chocolate-covered marzipan, and other delicacies that are sure to delight even the most discerning of chocolate lovers.

The Capital Candy Jar: NE, DC
After 3 years producing candy out of Union Kitchen, they were finally big enough to open their own store and production space in the Hill East Neighborhood just a few blocks from the US Capitol Building. They continue to make all of the candy by hand in small batches. It’s sold in gourmet grocery stores, gift shops and coffee shops all over the United States. Now everyone can try Dave’s tasty confections and we hope you’ll love them as much as we do.

Arcay Chocolates: Located in La Cosecha
Arcay Chocolates is a family-run and award-winning chocolate studio in Washington D.C. With more than 15 years of experience, they offer an exquisite range of chocolate bonbons, bars, and confitures.

June B. Sweet: Chevy Chase, DC
They have a selection of Brigadeiro flavors, mini cakes and Brazilian Mousse available every day at Write for You.

The Chocolate House: DuPont Circle, DC
Note: They were just robbed twice and may not be open; if they are please support this small business that has been open for 15 years.
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: Georgetown, DC
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.

SPAGnVOLA:Gaithersburg, MD
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.

Chocolate Chocolate: Downtown, DC
D.C.’s first independent chocolate shop, in 1984 serving chocolate from around the world.

Godiva: Various 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.

Valentine’s Day treats, gifts and events in and around Washington, DC

January 30, 2022

Pictured: Fudgy Frosting Squares from Milk Bar

Milk Bar: Logan Circle & Online
Send treats so decadent they’re proven to get you a second date. Try the red velvet cheesecake cake, fudgy frosting squares, better than roses truffles and more.

The Capital Candy Jar: NE, DC
We continue to make all of our candy by hand in small batches. It’s sold in gourmet grocery stores, gift shops and coffee shops all over the United States but you can also have them shipped to you from their website. They have a large assortment from chocolate dipped strawberries, gummy candy and chocolates.

Neuhaus: Bethesda Row & Union Station
For over 100 years, ever since Jean Neuhaus Jr. invented the Belgian praline in 1912, all Neuhaus chocolates have been made entirely in Belgium. You can find Valentine’s boxes, truffles and chocolate collections.

Fleurir Chocolates: Alexandria, VA
Hand made artisan chocolates that are works of art made of high-quality, natural ingredients in small batches. You can purchase truffles, caramels and chocolate bars.

June B. Sweet: Chevy Chase, DC
They have a selection of Brigadeiro flavors, mini cakes and Brazilian Mousse available every day at Chevy Chase Stationary (formerly Write for You).

Henry’s Sweet Retreat: Bethesda, MD
Hot cocoa bombs, truffles, dipped chocolates and candies in addition to all of the old school candy from your childhood.

Velatis: Silver Spring, MD
Velatis has been making small batch gourmet handcrafted caramels since 1866. You can purchase caramels and toffee.

The Chocolate House: DuPont Circle, DC
The Chocolate House is a tasting room and boutique store where you can experience over 400 unique chocolate bars and confections from artisan chocolate makers and chocolatiers from all corners of the world. You can purchase chocolate gift baskets, truffles and a variety of chocolate bars.

Harper Macaw: Various locations
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 offer a large assortment of chocolate bars, some even being aged in whiskey barrels.

SPAGnVOLA:Gaithersburg, MD
Crisoire Reid is an award winning Chocolatier and co-owner of SPAGnVOLA. She was raised in Hato Del Rey, Dominican Republic and has a passion in land cultivation and agriculture and now grows her beans there. They offer gift boxes, truffles, bonbons, hot chocolate, caramels and more.

Chocolate Chocolate: Downtown, DC
D.C.’s first independent chocolate shop, since 1984 serving chocolate from around the world.

Godiva: Various locations
Hand dipped strawberries, truffles for miles and drinks made to order.

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

Henry’s Sweet Retreat in Bethesda will have Valentine’s goodies; likely cookies to decorate.

Gifts:
Mad Libs Dear Valentine Letters
Pop-it Crossbody heart bag
Mad Libs
Giant pop-it heart
Wooden heart magnets
Decorate your own wooden heart box
Pete the Cat Valentine’s Day is Cool

Decor and games:
Year Cheer creates fun family moments instantly with holiday celebrations in a box.

46 fun and easy Valentine’s crafts from PureWow

5 Handmade Valentine’s Day gifts from KiwiCo

Spread love:
Eliana’s Light invites you and your family members, friends, and/or colleagues to participate in “Spreading Kindness”, their 7^th Annual community service program in advance of Valentine’s Day. Due to the pandemic, this year’s program will again be virtual, and you can participate where you are. They welcome photos of homemade cards, poems, printable artwork for coloring pages, and songs that give uplift, hope and encouragement to children with serious illnesses and complex medical conditions. Please email items to Eliana’s Light before Feb. 10th. They also welcome donations to purchase art supplies for these families in financial need. Please make a financial donation by clicking here. Questions? Please email!

Events:
Jan. 30 & Feb. 6: Virtual Valentine’s Card Workshop
Feel the love with some Valentine fun at our latest handmade cards workshop. Perfect for virtual hang out with your gals or some cozy solo crafting time. Make one-of-a-kind cards that you can gift to your significant other or your bestie on Valentine’s Day.

Feb. 11: American Girl Valentine’s Cake Decorating
Your girl will enjoy this extra-sweet Valentine’s-inspired cake-decorating class in our store. After learning the basics of this tasty craft, girls can take their creative masterpiece home to admire—and eat with family! Each class will have an on-trend cake-decorating theme as well as two facilitators to help girls with any decorating questions they may have. Girls will leave with their personalized cake, plus each girl will receive the “American Girl Baking Cookbook.”

Feb. 13: Laurie Berkner Virtual Valentine’s Day Concert
2 shows: 12p & 5p ET! Join Laurie Berkner for an 80+min LIVE interactive, virtual performance (plus pre-show!) for the whole family! Sing, dance, & play games through your device with Laurie as she performs fan favorites and Valentine’s songs, interacts with you through the screen, & brings in a few surprises – from her house to yours! Your ticket gives you access to BOTH shows (12p & 5pET) and helps the LBB team continue operations while we can’t tour! You can purchase a meet & greet add-on above. Group rates available, email to inquire. Please note there will now be a 15% service fee added to tickets, which supports the wonderful folks at the platform that hosts our events.

Feb. 13: Paint & Sip at AU Prosper
When was the last time you did something special with your children just to make memories? There’s going to be free food & drinks, music (DJ) , love, and happiness. The event space is made up into two sections one will be the Dance floor and the other will be holding the Paint and Sip. Come and make memories with us!! You’ll have a blast!!!

Feb. 14: All Fired Up
Reserve a table for two on February 14 to paint with your sweetie. Bring your wine and enjoy a relaxing and fun experience being creative at All Fired Up. When you visit us you can choose from pottery painting, mosaics, fused glass, and acrylic painting.

Local:
Chaia Tacos For one day only, our tacos will be served in our fresh, home-made tortillas made Valentine’s Day-festive with a dash of beet root powder!

Find the best chocolate in Washington, DC for Valentine’s Day (or anytime)

January 28, 2021

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

June B. Sweet: Chevy Chase, DC
They have a selection of Brigadeiro flavors, mini cakes and Brazilian Mousse available every day at Write for You.

The Chocolate House: DuPont Circle, DC
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.

Café Chocolat: H St NW
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.

Chocolate Chocolate: Downtown, DC
D.C.’s first independent chocolate shop, in 1984 serving chocolate from around the world.

Godiva: Various 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.

Related post:
Ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day

Weekend Picks in and around Washington, DC

April 27, 2018

The Georgetown French Market, one of the District’s most anticipated shopping weekends, marks the triumphant return of the spring season, this weekend beginning on Friday. Georgetown’s Book Hill neighborhood will transform into an inviting open-air market as the over 40 locally-owned merchants, restaurants, salons and galleries display discounted items and unique finds.

South Mountain Creamery Spring Festival is taking place all weekend long. All year round you welcome us them your home. This weekend, they’re welcoming you to theirs. There will be vendors, music, farmers market, food, games, activities, animals, hay rides and you’ll want to check out the milking parlor and take the production tour!

A few Parent’s Night Out events happening!

Saturday

10:00am-4:00pm: Ring in Spring with KinderCare
Union Stage is being transformed into a blooming spring pasture of overgrown flowers, exaggerated ladybugs and a sunny sky darted with clouds! Bring the entire family to spend a day with us and enjoy complimentary family portraits by Red Tricycle DC’s favorite family photographer, Stacey Vaeth, spring-themed activities for kids (6 weeks to 6 years), story time with Amy Mascott, of the famed teach mama blog, plus live musical entertainment! Before you leave, don’t forget to take home one of our favorite spring themed books, seeds for planting, and even schedule a tour at one of our KinderCare centers. Register above for a time slot.

10:00am-7:00pm: DC Chocolate Festival
The DC Chocolate Festival is a celebration of artisan and fine chocolate from the Mid-Atlantic and beyond! This event brings together over 30 chocolate vendors and thousands of chocolate lovers for a day of tasting, talking and learning. The morning block is perfect for families and kids of all ages.

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home. Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp is the featured story.

11:00: Ready, Set, Think at Chevy Chase Library
Walk before you run; think before you code. Calling all 5-to-7-year-olds and their families: Come play some games and learn about computational thinking skills. Computational thinking is not thinking like a computer, but understanding how to organize and interpret information in a way that computers can process. These skills are the foundation for coding and problem solving. Each participant will take home activity sets to keep the fun going. Limited to the first 16 families. Recommended for ages 5-7 with adult.

11:00am-4:00pm: Carousel Day at Glen Echo
The historic Dentzel Carousel will open for its 98th season in Glen Echo Park on Carousel Day! The event also offers a full day (11:00am-4:00pm) of FREE activities for throughout Glen Echo Park, including live music & other performances, face painting, a roving magician, and carousel themed crafts. The carousel operates from 11:00am-5:00pm, $1.25 per ride. See Judy Moody and the Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt at Adventure Theatre while you are there!

Sunday

9:30am: Power Mama Yoga at Little Bit Yogi
Adult yoga class with little ones roaming.

10:00am-5:00pm: KID Museum Spark Behind the Science Day
What sparks someone’s passion for science and technology? Is it a trip to a museum, an inspiring teacher, or simply collecting shells at the beach? At Spark Behind the Science Day, meet STEM experts and find out what drove them to pursue their careers. Then, participate in a variety of hands-on activities to find your own spark! Drop in anytime.

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
Bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Dragons Love Tacos is the featured story.

11:00am-2:00pm: The Rumpus Room: A Family Dance Party
Welcome to the Rumpus Room, a daytime dance party for families, with sounds provided by DC’s top club DJs (who all happen to be parents themselves). Created by DJs who wanted to share the nightclub experience with their kids, the Rumpus Room adapts the club environment (think disco ball, lights, and of course music) into safe family-friendly fun. Get ready for a dance floor filled with little ones, parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles. The soundtrack will be a family-friendly mix of dance hits and classics, all at a kid-friendly volume. We provide the shakers, hula-hoops, beach balls and other props. You come to dance.

2:00pm AND 4:00pm: NSO Family Concert at the Kennedy Center
In the spirit of a series of Young People’s Concerts made popular by Leonard Bernstein at Carnegie Hall, Emil de Cou conducts this delightful performance that explores the concepts of melody and rhythm. NSO Principal Second violinist Marissa Regni hosts and Emil de Cou conducts, with guest appearances by Christylez Bacon and Ben Folds. Come early for a Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo” in the Opera House Lobby. Starting one hour before each concert (1 p.m. & 3 p.m.), hands-on activities let children get up close with the instruments they’ll see played on the stage. The 2 p.m. performance is sensory friendly. Most enjoyed by ages 5 & up. Please note: everyone, regardless of age, must have a ticket. Performance Timing: 1 hour, with no intermission.

Plan Ahead for Mother’s Day with some fun events:

Little Loft will have a spring photo shoot that will include be moms and kids. Kids draw portraits of mom at Little Loft, and Red Turtle Photography takes a professional portrait of mom with littles. Book your 15-min shoot for $95, $10 for second child, $5 for third+ for Saturday, May 12, 10:00am-2:00pm. Edited prints and digital files available for purchase — great Mother’s Day gift!

Nothing says love like a handmade gift from your little one. Red Panda Art Studio wants to help your child celebrate his or her wonderful mama by creating a fabulous gift (or gifts)! May 6 at the Little House at Westmoreland Hills Park from 10:00am-11:30am. Each child will have the opportunity to create a framed portrait of his or her mom, an Ikebana-inspired flower arrangement, a homemade herb planter, and more (we don’t want to give away all of the surprises here!). Geared towards ages 3 to 8. $35. Drop-off welcome.

Looking ahead:

Night Out at the Museum:
National Museum of Natural History Sleepovers

Sleepover guests will experience the museum through an interactive exploration of exhibit halls consisting of games, puzzles and challenges; exhibit-based craft projects; and sleeping under the museum’s giant North American right whale, Phoenix. Sleepovers at the National Museum of Natural History will be heldMay 18, June 1, June 29, July 6, Aug. 24 and Aug. 31.

National Museum of American History Sleepovers

Participants will solve a mystery of historic proportions during an interactive exploration of exhibit halls. When the devious diva Miss Rose steals six valuable objects from the museum, kids must discover what is missing before the evening’s end. Using their detective skills, they will collect clues to guide them to the crime scene. Along the way, they will take part in games, experiments and craft projects—and even become a presidential candidate. Sleepovers at the National Museum of American History will be held May 11, May 25, June 15 and Aug. 10.

National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center Sleepovers

Kids and their chaperones will explore the whole world of flight, from its pioneering days through the era of commercial aviation to the excitement of today’s space program. After they grab a flight checklist, they will take off for a night that includes plenty of games, art activities and close-up looks at some of the most historic and fascinating craft ever to take to the skies. Udvar-Hazy Center staff will be on hand to offer information and insights about the aviation treasures on view. Sleepovers at the Udvar-Hazy Center will be held July 14, July 28 and Aug. 18.

Guide to Valentine’s Day Chocolate!

February 1, 2018

Valentine’s Day for me is just another excuse to shove even more chocolate in my mouth than I did the day before. It also means the quality is probably better than my typical 3:00pm pick-me-up from the hidden Halloween stash that my child doesn’t know exists. 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 CVS. These are worth the trip, guaranteed.

(Photo: The Chocolate House)

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!!!

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: 3160 Bladensburg Rd NE Washington, DC 20018
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.

Co Co. Sala: 929 F St. NW, Washington, DC 20004
Washington DC’s luxurious chocolate boutique lounge and restaurant, crafting signature cocktails and serving delicious savory and sweet meals.

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.

Your guide to Valentine’s Day chocolate

February 6, 2017

Valentine’s Day for me is just another excuse to shove even more chocolate in my mouth than I did the day before. It also means the quality is probably better than my typical 3:00pm pick-me up from the hidden Halloween stash that my child doesn’t know exists. 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 CVS. These are worth the trip, guaranteed.

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.

Co Co. Sala: 929 F St. NW, Washington, DC 20004
Washington DC’s luxurious chocolate boutique lounge and restaurant, crafting signature cocktails and serving delicious savory and sweet meals.

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

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.

Weekend Picks

February 4, 2016

Chocolate buzz anyone? We know it isn’t Valentine’s Day quite yet but this weekend brings a few sweet events to attend as you get ready for the 14th. The highlight of this weekend; The Chocolate Lovers Festival in Fairfax. There will be a puppet show, chocolate tastings, face painting, story time and much more that involves chocolate! Check out the schedule here. Also, be sure and check out our guide to getting delicious chocolate for your Valentine!

Also, February is Maple Sugaring Month at Brookside Nature Center. Every Saturday and Sunday you’ll have an opportunity to experience an American tradition: maple sugaring! Watch the whole maple sugaring process from start to finish. See sap drip from trees and taste it. Watch us boil it down into sweet maple syrup, then sample a tasty treat. Join in the fun and activities and learn something new at this family-friendly program! Space is limited so pre-registration is encouraged.

zucchinislide

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Weekend Picks: Polar Plunge, Train Show & Groundhog’s Day

January 31, 2014

groundhog-day Have you defrosted from this week’s weather yet? There are a few outdoor events on Sunday you may want to take advantage of if Meteorologists are correct and it warms up a bit.Otherwise, there are plenty of interactive, indoor things going on. From yoga to trains, I think we have your family covered this weekend with our favorite picks. Will the Groundhog see his shadow on Sunday? Don’t know about you but I’d prefer not to have six more weeks of these frigid temps!

Saturday~

9:00am-4:30pm- Chocolate Lovers Festival at City of Fairfax (Event is also held on Sunday)
(10455 Armstrong St., Fairfax, Va)
This festival is sure to appeal to my sweet tooth AND it is a 2 day event! There will be plenty of samples up for grabs, the ever-popular Kiwanis Chocolate Chip Pancake Breakfast, a craft show and an art show featuring work made completely out of chocolate, taste of Chocolate, the Chocolate Challenge and open houses at historic buildings. Some events are free and some has a fee, check out the events page.

9:30am & 11:00am- Saturday morning at The National Theatre
(1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004)
Join George Washington Carver on an exciting FREE journey through history. Learn about the inspirational stories of groundbreaking individuals such as Booker T. Washington, Jackie Robinson and Madame C.J. Walker. This show introduces children to some of the most influential African Americans of the past 150 years. Recommended ages 4 and up.
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