Maryland may be known for its crab cakes, but the state also has its share of fabulous chocolate makers.
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and nothing makes a perfect give more than a box of chocolate. This year, why not shop local and get your Valentine something that will also help a small business. Dark or milk, caramel or peanut butter, these Maryland chocolatiers have something that will tickle your Valentine’s fancy. Made from scratch sweet treats that you can pick up yourself; you might even find a chocolate crab or two.
Courtesy of Sweet Cascades (Facebook)
Sweet Cascades Chocolatier
Howard CountyLocated in the historic Savage Mill shopping center, this local chocolate shop specializes in truffles, chocolate crabs, and a variety of chocolate-dipped goodies. Create your own collection for your sweetheart with products like lavender truffles, chocolate old bay caramels, and cranberry and pecan chocolate nut bark. This year, Sweet Cascades is offering a virtual Valentine’s truffle workshop that comes with everything you need to make truffles at home, plus a split of Champagne.
Courtesy of Wockenfuss (Facebook)
Wockenfuss Candies
Multiple locationsWockenfuss has been a staple for Marylanders since 1915. The candy store sells a variety of house-made chocolates along with all of the classic candy store favorites. Valentine’s selections include heart-shaped boxes filled with assorted chocolates, chocolate-covered Oreos, and hand-dipped chocolate strawberries. Wockenfuss has eight locations around the state including shops at The Mall in Columbia and Towson Town Center. Online ordering is also available.
Courtesy of Charm City Chocolate (Facebook)
Charm City Chocolate
Baltimore CityCharm City Chocolate makes it premium chocolates by hand in small batches from sacred family recipes. Choose from classic flavors like vanilla buttercream, pecan turtle, raspberry truffle, and coconut cream. Charm City Chocolates has a variety of special items for Valentine’s Day including the Strawberry and Champagne Duet, featuring a dark chocolate bar with roasted strawberries and champagne truffles. Curbside pickup is available Thursday through Sunday, or you can have your goodies shipped.
Courtesy of SPAGnVOLA (Facebook)
SPAGnVOLA Chocolatier
GaithersburgThe handcrafted chocolates at SPAGnVOLA are part artwork, part confection. Made from cacao beans harvested in the Dominican Republic, SPAGnVOLA chocolate is made in small batches to create a premium product. The chocolate shop sells truffles, bonbons, bar chocolate, and hot cocoa mix. For Valentine’s Day, the shop has two special edition heart-shaped box collections that start at $69. SPAGnVOLA also has a chocolate bar subscription that gives the recipient 25 percent off bar chocolate and free shipping on monthly orders. Visit the store for pickup or have your chocolates shipped.
Courtesy of The Velvet Chocolatier (Facebook)
The Velvet Chocolatier
Baltimore CountyChosen by Oprah as one of her “favorite” things, The Velvet Chocolatier is a must-try for any chocolate connoisseur. The shop sells a variety of dipped and enrobed chocolates including award-winning caramel cups. Chocolates can be purchased individually or in custom curated boxes. Kids of all ages will love the chocolate kit which has everything you need to make your own chocolate bars at home. Online ordering and pickup are available.
Is chocolate on your gift-giving list for Valentine's Day? Let us know your favorite chocolatier in the comments.