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If you are a chocoholic like me, the place to
go and satisfy your craving is Richmond, Indiana's Chocolate
Trail. The best thing about this destination is that you can
take the self-guided tour any time of the year.
The first stop is The Old National Road
Welcome Center to obtain a passport with a list of places to
visit. The passport guides you through Richmond, Centerville,
Cambridge City and Hagerstown - all conveniently located in
Wayne County. It also entitles the holder to a FREE chocolate
sample from each business. There are several discounts to take
advantage of as well.
Visit as many businesses as possible in one
day or make a getaway weekend of it by taking advantage of one
of the special overnight packages offered. Each package begins
with a chocolate delight depending on which one you choose.
I stayed at the Phillip W. Smith B & B, a
beautifully decorated Victorian-style house
where breakfast is served
in the grandest of style on china and crystal in the
elegant dining room. For the chocolatier, indulge in the
Chocolate Bliss package where antique chocolate saucers are
filled with choice of chocolate mousse or hot chocolate.
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Phillip W. Smith B&B |
The chocolate trail takes you to
one-of-a-kind bistros, cafes, local chocolatier and candy
shops/factories, historic homes, a winery, intriguing gift shops
and more. Chocolate is presented at each location in its unique
form.
For instance, one of my favorites was a
relaxing evening dinner at J & J Winery. When weather permits,
the dining area outside with live music and view of the
wood-fired pizza oven is truly a relaxing experience. Tours of
the winery - brewery are also available at various times. Check
out their website for details.
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| Band getting ready at J&J Winery
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Their contribution to the Chocolate trail is
a sample of their chocolate-raspberry wine. It is a red, dry,
medium-bodied wine with a perfect blend of raspberry and dark
chocolate flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a favorite dessert,
preferably chocolate, of course.
Don't worry if you aren't a wine connoisseur.
This is a great place to taste and learn.
They have wine by the glass, bottle or flights.
I chose a flight which is a tasting of multiple wines.
Each type chosen comes with a laminated card that describes the
type and flavor of the wine. This helps to remember which one
you like best and which one to order next time you visit.
Whether you like sweet, dry, red or white,
there is sure to be just the right choice for a flavorful
memory.
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| Tasting samples at J&J Winery
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Be sure and visit Abbot's Candy shop in
Hagerstown, where you can watch the staff create buttery
caramels and creamy fine chocolates or a batch of fudge. Each
chocolate is adorned with an A for "Abbot's," carefully written
by hand.
New chocolate flavors are continually
being introduced to complement the traditional favorites. Even
sugar-free candies are available.
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| Abbotts Candy shop |
Be sure to allot enough time to browse through their lovely gift
area and select a box or two to take home for later. Gift
wrapping year-round is another continued tradition.
Another candy destination, Olympian Candies, is known for their
hand dipped chocolates and authentic truffles, clusters and
chocolate covered caramels. Since 1909 Olympian Candies has been
making it's smooth and creamy Greek Creams and soft buttery
caramels using the exact same recipes.
If you would like to try your hand at candy making or bakery
decorating at home, Olympian Candies showcases a wide variety of
supplies.
An Olympian online store is available and they will ship. Visit
www.olympiancandies.com
for more information.
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Warm Glow Candle Company |
The Warm Glow Candle Company store, conveniently located right
off I70 at exit 145, is open daily from 9-7. Featuring an 11,000
square foot shopping mecca, cafeteria and displaying the world's
largest candle, it's a destination worth traveling to any time
of year. Present
your passport there for a chocolate scented votive candle.
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Warm Glow Candle Company |
With family in Missouri and living in Ohio, I've travelled
through Richmond numerous times without stopping.
After traveling the Chocolate Trail, I can honestly say
that will never happen again! Going to Richmond is now on my
regular "to do" list. You should visit too!
www.visitrichmond.org
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