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The Southeast for Chocolate Lovers

Chocolate Festivals and Events

By , About.com Guide

Photo of Assorted Chocolates; Photo Credit: Charles Thatcher / Getty Images Photo Credit: Charles Thatcher / Getty Images
Enjoy the sweet life of chocolate during your visit to the Southeastern United States. Whether you are a true chocophile or just have a casual appreciation for the delights of wonderful chocolates, this sampling of all things chocolate is sure to whet your appetite.

For the ultimate celebration of chocolate, there are a few delicious chocolate festivals and events taking place. If you are not planning to be near any of the festivals, you can browse a list of chocolate recipes for homemade chocolate creations.

Chocolate Festivals and Special Events
  • The Festival of Chocolate
    January 19 - 23, 2012 in Tampa, Florida
    Dates to be announced in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
    Dates to be announced in Orlando, Florida
    Billed as the largest all chocolate event in the Southeast U.S., this festival features tastes and treats from many of the region's best chocolatiers and confection companies, plus pastry chef demonstrations, competitions and contests, chocolate and wine pairings, chocolate classes and more.

  • International Chocolate Festival
    January 25 - 27, 2013 in Coral Gables, Florida
    Held at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, this annual event for chocolate lovers features tastings, cacao tree sales, a family friendly ChocoKids area, cooking demonstrations, contests, lectures and more.

  • Carolina Chocolate Festival
    February 2 - 3, 2013 in Morehead City, North Carolina
    Just in time for Valentine's Day, this annual celebration of chocolate features a weekend of chocolate delights, featuring chocolate vendors, cooking demonstrations, special dinners, spa treatments, a wine tasting and more.

  • Wilmington Wine and Chocolate Festival
    February 1 - 3, 2013 in Wilmington, North Carolina
    This festival features delights from regional wineries, chocolatiers and artisans. The event kicks off on Friday nigh with a Grand Tasting gala of chocolate and wine tasting and samples, hors d'oeuvres and entertainment. The festival showcase takes place on Saturday and Sunday, featuring products for sampling and for sale, roaming musicians, demonstrations and more in a marketplace setting.

  • The Mobile Chocolate Festival
    February 23, 2013 in Mobile, Alabama
    This festival features chocolate artisans and vendors offering tasting samples and items for purchase, plus a chocolate challenge, Project Yum Way (chocolate inspired fashions), a children's area and more.

  • Chocolate Lovers' Festival
    February 9, 2013 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
    Enjoy chocolate tasting, dipping fountains, a selection of chocolate gifts for purchase and more.

  • Chocolate Lovers Festival
    March 2 - 3, 2013 in Fairfax, Virginia
    Downtown historic Fairfax, Virginia celebrates the yumminess of chocolate at this annual event for chocolate lovers.

  • Virginia Chocolate Festival
    March 23 - 24, 2013 in Norfolk, Virginia
    The Virginia Arts Festival celebrates chocolate with a schedule of events at Scope Exhibition Hall, featuring chocolate sampling, demonstrations, entertainment, a chocolate bake-off and more.

  • Lewisburg Chocolate Festival
    April 13, 2013 in Lewisburg, West Virginia
    Enjoy a sweet day of chocolate-themed events including a chocolate sampling extravaganza, chocolate mousse eating contest, bake offs, musical performances and other events for all ages.
Also See: Delicious Chocolate Recipes from About.com on Page 2

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