If you have an affection for chocolate, you’re in for a treat. Washington state boasts some of the finest chocolate shops in the nation, offering handcrafted, artisanal, and gourmet delights to satiate your sweet cravings. Whether you’re seeking a romantic Valentine’s Day gift, a personal indulgence, or a delightful family outing, consider embarking on a road trip to explore these nine classic chocolate shops in Washington.
Roslyn Candy Company
Our chocolate journey commences at Roslyn Candy Company, nestled in the quaint historic town of Roslyn. This establishment has been fashioning delectable chocolates, truffles, and vintage candies for over three decades, employing fresh ingredients and time-honored techniques. With a repertoire of over 70 chocolate varieties, ranging from classic milk chocolate to exotic flavors like dark chocolate with sea salt, Roslyn Candy Company accommodates diverse tastes. Custom orders, gift baskets, and shipping options are available, allowing you to share the sweetness with your loved ones.
Seattle Chocolate
Next on our expedition is Seattle, home to the factory and flagship store of Seattle Chocolate, a premier chocolate brand in the Northwest. Explore the chocolate-making process, sample products, and indulge in shopping at this popular location. Renowned for its bold yet balanced flavors, including the Rainier Cherry Truffle Bar and the Coconut Macaroon Truffle Bar, Seattle Chocolate also engages in philanthropy by donating a serving of fresh food to a food bank for every product sold.
Boehm’s Candies
Our journey continues to Boehm’s Candies in Issaquah, an iconic local establishment crafting top-tier chocolates for over 75 years. Founded by Swiss immigrant Julius Boehm, this Swiss chalet-style factory offers tours showcasing the meticulous handcrafting, decorating, and wrapping of chocolates. Delight in tasting specialties like the Mozart Kugeln, a marzipan and nougat ball dipped in dark chocolate, or the Viennese Crunch, a blend of almonds, caramel, and milk chocolate.
Fran’s Chocolates
Seattle beckons us again to Fran’s Chocolates, a family-owned enterprise producing exquisite chocolates since 1982. Famed for its salted caramels, celebrated by luminaries like Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey, Fran’s Chocolates invites you to tour its Georgetown location. Sample a variety of creations, including smoked salt truffles, almond gold bars, and gray salt caramels.
Oh! Chocolate
Our fifth stop is Oh! Chocolate, a family business with a 50-year legacy of crafting hand-crafted artisan chocolates using 100% fresh ingredients. Revel in traditional chocolates with a twist, such as raspberry champagne truffles, hazelnut pralines, and dark chocolate orange peel. Attend one of their classes to learn the art of chocolate-making while having fun and unleashing your creativity.
Gosanko Chocolate
Next up is Gosanko Chocolate, a shop delighting chocolate enthusiasts for over 35 years. Known for its unique solid molded chocolates in various shapes, including animals, flowers, and sports, Gosanko Chocolate offers gourmet confections like truffles, caramels, and clusters. A coffee shop and ice cream parlor add to the experience, allowing you to pair your chocolate with a hot or cold beverage.
Theo Chocolate
Our seventh destination is Theo Chocolate, the inaugural organic and fair trade chocolate factory in North America. Committed to sustainable practices, Theo sources cocoa beans from farmers prioritizing environmental and social responsibility. Tour the factory, witness the bean-to-bar process, and savor unique flavors such as coconut curry, ginger rose, and bread and chocolate.
Chocolati
Our eighth stop is Chocolati, a welcoming shop crafting chocolate products and beverages from scratch using natural and organic ingredients. Discover truffles, bars, barks, and nibs alongside hot chocolate, mochas, and espresso. Chocolati caters to various dietary preferences with vegan and gluten-free options, ensuring everyone can relish their chocolatey offerings.
Forte Chocolates
Our final destination is Forte Chocolates, celebrating the art and science of chocolate making. Owned by award-winning master chocolatier Karen Neugebauer, Forte Chocolates features visually stunning and innovative chocolates, including lemon pepper white chocolate, balsamic vinegar dark chocolate, and fireweed honey milk chocolate. Participate in events like chocolate and wine pairings, chocolate and cheese pairings, or chocolate-making classes for an immersive experience.
Conclusion
We trust you enjoyed this delightful road trip through Washington, discovering some of the state’s finest chocolate shops. Whether you’re a dedicated chocolate aficionado or simply curious, these establishments offer a diverse array of treats to tantalize your taste buds. So, grab your keys, wallet, and appetite, and prepare for a chocolate adventure you’ll cherish.