Sweet Florida stops to make this World Chocolate Day

Time for a sweet surprise! International Chocolate Day is coming up this month and there are countless ways to celebrate this well-loved treat.

The official celebration of this delicious dessert falls on July 7 every year, giving chocolate-lovers around the globe a perfect excuse to melt all reservations and indulge in their favorite chocolatey confectionaries without guilt leaving a bitter taste in their mouths.

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World Chocolate Day was established in 2009, and supposedly marks the day that the iconic treat made its original debut in Europe back in 1550. Since then, candy stores and supplies often offer their best creations and merchandise on sale so everyone can enjoy the holiday and take a bite.

Here is a list of places to go in Central Florida to pick up your favorite sweet treat, just in time to celebrate the holiday.

Chocolate Kingdom

Where: 9901 Hawaiian Ct., Orlando

What: This attraction-style factory offers a tour through the factory, that includes a chocolate museum and the history of the treat, with samples throughout the tour. Guests also have the opportunity to customize their own chocolate bar with up to three, fresh ingredients.

Maitland Chocolate Factory

Where: 445 S Orlando Ave., Maitland; and at the Altomonte Mall

What: This shop offers a selection of handmade chocolate gifts and assortments for all occasions, seasons and events. Guests can personalize boxes from a variety of chocolatey choices and additional components.

AJ Chocolate House

Where: 552 S. Park Ave., Winter Park

What: This European fine-chocolate, artisan manufacturer makes handmade chocolates in accordance with the classic Belgian traditions. Customers can choose from over 150 different treats to create an alluring assortment and indulge in “sweet luxury.”

Peterbrooke Chocolatier

Where: 300 Park Ave. South, Winter Park; and 1145 Town Park Ave., Lake Mary

What: This shop combines the art of fine European chocolate making with a variety of American treats. Signature selections include chocolate-covered popcorn, hand-dipped strawberries, chocolate-covered pretzels, chocolate-dipped cookies as well as a variety of seasonal items.

Läderach Chocolatier Suisse

Where: The Mall at Millenia in Orlando

What: This store takes the finest ingredients to create authentic, fresh Swiss chocolate. These artisan treats “ensure a unique sensory experience of the most authentic chocolate flavors and textures.”

Webb’s Candy Shop

Where: 38217 US Hwy 27, Davenport

What: This chocolate factory has specialty chocolate creations, ranging from unique selections like goat milk fudge and citrus chocolate. Along with the signature chocolate selections, it also offers sugar-free chocolate options for those with relevant health concerns.

KKÔ Chocolate

Where: 411 N Donnelly St., Suite 103-104, Mount Dora

What: This boutique-style chocolate shop offers a variety of handmade chocolate treats, including bonbons, exquisite desserts and gourmet chocolate bars. Customers can also build their own chocolate box, choosing from an artisan selection of chocolate flavors.

Ocala’s Chocolate & Confections

Where: 104 E. Fort King St., Ocala

What: This shop offers an array of fine European chocolate treats, including truffles, fudge, chocolate ice cream and more.

Pat and Toni’s Sweet Things

Where: 124 N Woodland Blvd., DeLand

What: This hometown candy store craft handmade, hand-dipped all of the signature chocolate treats, including Oreo balls, chocolate-covered rice crispies, cordials, truffles and more.

Chocolate Museum and Cafe

Where: 11701 International Drive Suite 400, Orlando

What: This cafe serves a variety of chocolate treats, pastries and Italian coffee. The museum includes a guided tour through the history of the dessert, solid chocolate sculptures and fine chocolate sampling.

Chocolate Accents

Where: 684 Florida Central Parkway, Longwood

What: Focusing on coverture chocolate from Belgium, this shop offers an array of fine chocolate treats made from premium cocoa beans and cocoa butter.

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