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The Best Chocolate Shops in Every State (#33 Is Bean-to-Bar!)

By Sandy Baker,

19 days ago

Forget generic candy aisles — the true magic of chocolate lies in handcrafted creations and unique shop experiences.

Across the U.S., dedicated chocolatiers are crafting edible dreams, drawing on tradition, innovation, and the finest ingredients.

So get ready to step up your travel game and join us as we discover why these havens hold a special place in chocolate lovers' hearts (and taste buds) everywhere.

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1. Alabama: Chocolatà (Birmingham)

Chocolatà focuses on divine chocolate candies and goodies, using the richest, most decadent flavor profiles. All of their chocolate is sourced ethically from Latin American farms.

From seasonal favorites to unique combinations, like their turmeric, spiced, and dried ginger chocolate bars called Soma, there’s a particular specialty about the experience here.

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2. Alaska: Chugach Chocolates (Anchorage)

Making authentic Alaskan chocolates, Chugach Chocolates is an iconic destination noted for its mouth-watering recipes of handmade candies.

They specialize in dark chocolate but offer a variety of options. The best part may be the tasting room set up to sample the goodness.

3. Arizona: Zak’s Chocolate (Scottsdale)

There are a few things you can count on from Zak’s Chocolates. The first is single-original dark chocolate bars made from organically farmed cocoa beans.

This award-winning craft chocolate factory is hard to leave without wanting to try everything in its high-end, luxury showcases.

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4. Arkansas: Martin Greer’s Candies (Garfield)

Martin Greer’s Candies is a father-and-son venture that uses recipes from pre-1900. This family business uses only real chocolate, sweet cream butter, and dry-roasted nuts.

You’ll always find something fresh, whether it’s the Cashew Brittle or the Sponge Candy they sell by the pound.

5. California: John Kelly Chocolates (Los Angeles)

John Kelly Chocolates offers some of the best truffle fudge and walnut-caramel clusters you will find anywhere.

A true gourmet chocolate shop, everything is handmade with attention to detail in small batches.

6. Colorado: Deiter’s Chocolates (Denver)

A European-style chocolate crafter, Deiter’s Chocolates is a fabulous location to visit for a sweet gift or to spoil yourself.

Even better, you can sign up for a chocolate subscription, allowing you to get a sampling of chocolate sent to your home every month.

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7. Connecticut: Thorncrest Farm, LLC & Milk House Chocolates (Goshen)

Thorncrest Farm’s and Milk House Chocolates offers a sustainable-focused chocolate production facility and shop.

From using fresh chocolate to caring for their own cows, they aim to offer the highest quality of product possible.

8. Delaware: Sweet Serenity Chocolates & Gifts (Seaford)

Sweet Serenity Chocolates & Gifts is noted for its decadent chocolate and creating “tasteful memories” with each customer.

Established in 2005, the location is noted for some outstanding options, including truffles and seasonal items in a quaint, beautiful shop.

9. Florida: Schakolad Chocolate Factory (Orlando)

A European-style chocolate and truffle shop, Schakolad Chocolate Factory is a must for those looking for custom goodies.

With recipes passed down for three generations, this location offers “made on premise” treats like no other.

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10. Georgia: Paul Thomas Chocolates (Dahlonega)

Paul Thomas Chocolates offers everything from caramels to truffles, many of which are made in-house, along with lots of other candy options.

This nostalgic candy shop has a unique scent that greets you as you walk into the door, bringing back sweet memories.

11. Hawaii: Manoa Chocolate (Kailua)

A noted bean-to-bar chocolate shop, Manoa Chocolate is a treasure in Kailua. Established in the area in 2010, they ethically source their cocoa beans from locations throughout the state.

Not only do they have fantastic candies, but they also have chocolate tea and brewing chocolate products.

12. Idaho: Truffles, Etc. (Meridian)

Truffles, Etc. is a cute, artisan chocolate shop noted for offering specially designed, beautiful (and tasty) chocolates.

Each piece is handcrafted to perfect creamy perfection — and there’s ice cream, too.

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13. Illinois: Ethereal Confections (Woodstock)

Creating chocolate from the bean, Ethereal Confections is worlds above many other chocolate shops.

The small-batch producer’s fabulous chocolate bar, which also offers pastries and coffee, is the ideal place to visit when you want to spoil yourself.

14. Indiana: DeBrand Fine Chocolates (Indianapolis)

An exceptional location for those who love truffles, DeBrand Fine Chocolates is an excellent choice for those looking for excellent quality chocolate.

Stop in the too-cute chocolate shop at River Crossing for some coffee or ice cream alongside the best truffles in Indiana.

15. Iowa: Kalona Chocolates (Kalona)

A family-run business, Kalona Chocolates is the perfect place to go when you want a chocolate gift box packed with handmade, craftsmen-quality chocolates.

Established in 2009, the location's Amish heritage comes through in the delicate precision of the candies made here.

16. Kansas: Annedore’s Fine Chocolates (Westwood Hills)

You may come for the chocolate, especially with the decadence of the artistically designed European-style truffles available here.

For chocolate lovers, look for a special treat, check out the gelato, and pick up some macarons for a special gift.

17. Kentucky: Muth’s Candies (Louisville)

Since opening its doors in 1921, Muth’s Candies has been the go-to location for fine chocolate created with tried-and-true recipes.

Once offering penny candies, handmade confections, and caramelized popcorn, they’ve since developed incredible gourmet chocolates to fill just about any craving.

18. Louisiana: Laura’s Candies (New Orleans)

A true destination in the French Quarter, Laura’s Candies has been serving pralines and chocolate candies to locals and tourists since 1913.

It’s the oldest candy shop in the city and is certainly known for its fresh candies made daily.

19. Maine: Wilbur’s of Maine (Freeport)

Wilbur’s of Maine is a candy shop offering locally sourced ingredients for its panned chocolates, caramels, and brittles.

An iconic, must-stop location in Freeport, Wilbur's is a place tourists and locals frequently visit for decadent candies and sweet smiles.

20. Maryland: Wockenfuss (Baltimore City)

A family-run business passed down through the generations since 1915, Wockenfuss offers exceptional German-style chocolates created with fine attention to detail.

Choose from specialty truffles, chocolate pretzels, and even sugar-free options. They do not disappoint.

21. Massachusetts: EHChocolatier Artisan Chocolates (Boston)

EHCHolcolatier Artisan Chocolates is noted for its unique flavor profiles and artisan candy bars filled with natural, decadent ingredients.

From chocolate bonbons with hand-created designs to their vegan and dairy-free line of chocolates, this artisanal shop is worth checking out.

22. Michigan: Gilbert Chocolates (Jackson)

A noted gourmet chocolate shop that’s produced special candies for more than 100 years, Gilbert Chocolates combines both traditional and innovative creations.

From truffles and snappers to a line of luxury milk and dark chocolate candies, this location is passionate about offering the finest candies possible.

23. Minnesota: Dancing Bear Chocolate (Minneapolis)

Easily noted as one of the best chocolate shops in the state, Dancing Bear Chocolate is the destination for chocolate (as well as gelato).

A small, intimate shop, they promise the very best in pastries and candies but also offer smiles every day.

24. Mississippi: Nandy’s Candy (Jackson)

Small batch is the name of the game at Nandy’s Candy. A location that’s been dipping strawberries in handcrafted chocolate since 1980, this is a destination for those in the area.

The handmade confections here include everything from Irish cream truffles to cherry cordials.

25. Missouri: Redmon’s Candy Factory (Phillipsburg)

Redmon’s Candy Factory was established in 1995 and has grown into a location offering 20 flavors of homemade fudge and gourmet chocolate.

It’s become a landmark in the region and a favorite for any sweet-loving child who wants to buy candy in bulk.

26. Montana: The Sweets Barn (Lolo)

The Sweets Barn knows how to offer something unique, even though it’s known for making candy and chocolate the old-fashioned way.

Stop in for unique options, like pineapple dipped in chocolate. They also make some of the best ganache fillings with real flavorings.

27. Nebraska: Chocolaterie Stam (Papillion)

Chocolaterie Stam has been crafting chocolates for the region since 1913. They use only the highest quality ingredients and have developed quite a following.

Their fancy, exceptionally elegant candy shop offers only the best chocolates (and hand-crafted gelato, too!)

28. Nevada: Ethel M. Chocolates Factory & Cactus Garden (Henderson)

Ethel M. Chocolates Factory & Cactus Garden specializes in caramels, truffles, and chocolate bars made with the finest ingredients. They’re also known for their decadent hot chocolate.

This chocolate shop is an iconic destination with a storied history built on the skills of Ethel Mars, who is the mother of Forrest Mars of M&M;'S fame.

29. New Hampshire: Kilwins Chocolates, Fudge & Ice Cream Shoppe (Portsmouth)

At Kilwins Chocolates, Fudge & Ice Cream Shoppe, you’ll find traditional confections and homemade fudge to die for.

Established in 1947, the location has long offered exceptional quality in all of its candies, creams, and truffles.

30. New Jersey: Genevieve’s Chocolates (Garfield)

Genevieve’s Chocolates is a third-generation chocolate shop that’s family-owned and run, using recipes for decadent chocolate that have been passed down for years.

You’ll find many interesting options on the menu, from chocolate-covered jellies to chocolate-covered crackers.

31. New Mexico: Chocolate Dude (Albuquerque)

Chocolate Dude is a funky destination, noted as much for its 1960s-themed aesthetic as for its fabulous handmade chocolates.

When you visit for an espresso and truffle, you’ll find smiling faces and the highest quality of gourmet chocolates to share or not.

32. New York: Jacques Torres Chocolate (New York City)

There are numerous chocolate and candy shops worth exploring in New York City, but for true refinement, visit Jacques Torres Chocolate on Hudson Street.

A true treasure to the city, their Taittinger Champagne Truffles, and their artisanal dark chocolates make this an exciting destination.

33. North Carolina: French Broad Chocolates (Asheville)

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Their handcrafted, small-batch luxuries (as they call them) are crafted with careful attention. The company is also dedicated to sourcing with integrity and offering the finest quality possible in every order placed.

34. North Dakota: Carol Widman’s Candy Co (Fargo)

The best chocolate in North Dakota comes from a small shop called Carol Widman’s Candy Co., which has been serving the region reliably since 1885.

Noted for their handmade candy, including “Chippers,” which are chocolate-covered potato chips, you can’t go wrong with anything on this menu.

35. Ohio: Malley’s Chocolates (Lakewood)

The combination of traditional chocolate making and an old-fashioned ice cream parlor makes Malley’s Chocolates the ideal choice in Ohio.

A family-run chocolate maker that began in 1935 during the Depression, they now operate a 60,000-square-foot headquarters to keep up with worldwide demand for their candies.

36. Oklahoma: Woody Candy Company (Oklahoma City)

Whether you stop in on the holidays as a part of a family tradition or visit for wedding favors, Woody Candy Company is a locally loved location.

They’re known for many things, including their English Butter Toffee, Chocolate Pecan Turtles, and fudges, and have been the go-to candy shop for 90 years.

37. Oregon: Arrowhead Chocolates (Joseph)

Arrowhead Chocolates is a luxury chocolate boutique whose goodies are “mountain-inspired” artisanal candies.

They use only Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance-certified suppliers to create gourmet chocolates like their Douglas Fir Truffle.

38. Pennsylvania: Sarris Candies (Canonsburg)

A traditional Pittsburg favorite, Sarris Candies is a nostalgic shop that offers fabulous chocolates and locally-made ice cream.

With over 50 years of service to the city and founded on a love story between the original owners, this destination is the perfect stop for something special.

39. Rhode Island: Chocolate Delicacy (Warwick)

Chocolate Delicacy offers plenty of decadent, holiday-themed chocolates, but it’s the chocolate truffles that people talk about the most.

The fine chocolate shop opened in 1992 and is the ideal choice for candy novelties, gifts, and an impeccable assortment of fudge.

40. South Carolina: CocoBon Chocolatier (Anderson)

CocoBon Chocolatier is a small, old-time-style chocolate shop located in the heart of the downtown area.

They offer more than 50 flavors of chocolate and truffles. They also make handmade gourmet popcorn.

41. South Dakota: Chubby Chipmunk Hand-Dipped Chocolates (Deadwood)

Chubby Chipmunk Hand-Dipped Chocolates is a fun, lighthearted location that offers a wide range of delectable and complex chocolates.

Each batch of toffee, truffles, or caramel is made with “butter and love” according to the location.

42. Tennessee: Colts Chocolate Co (Nashville)

Colts Chocolate has made hand-crafted chocolates and candies since 1984. It’s easy to find something to love here, from “Colts Bolts” to “Coffee Jolts.”

The award-winning artisan chocolates are so well-loved they’re shipped worldwide.

43. Texas: Quintessential Chocolates (Fredericksburg)

For the best chocolate in Texas, head to Quintessential Chocolates, a small shop with super-friendly people and amazing chocolate.

They offer many fantastic traditional products and unique options, such as their line of liqueur-filled chocolates.

44. Utah: Taste Artisan Chocolate (Provo)

At Taste Artisan Chocolate, all the beans come from Peru, Ecuador, Madagascar, or the Dominican Republic. The team then uses traditional methods to create exceptional chocolates.

Everything is scratch-made, with careful recipe development and care at each step to ensure precise results.

45. Vermont: NU Chocolat (Burlington)

A small, gourmet chocolate shop, NU Chocolat is a family-owned and run location that promises to offer the highest level of sensory pleasure with every taste.

They take care in who they source ingredients from with a focus on sustainability and then use tried-and-true recipes to make something truly special.

46. Virginia: For the Love of Chocolate (Richmond)

For the Love of Chocolate was founded in 1993 by a passionate chocolate lover dedicated to creating one-of-a-kind, high-quality candy and chocolates.

From hard-to-find international treats they bring in to their crafted local products, this is the type of shop that offers just about everything.

47. Washington: Indi Chocolate (Seattle)

Though it initially looked like a coffee shop, noted for its cacao-based teas, Indi Chocolate is also the perfect place to find small-batch artisan chocolates.

You’ll want a box of 25 truffles or dark chocolate with dried cherries in a bark-like bar. The chocolate spice rubs and cacao infusion kits are also worth exploring.

48. West Virginia: Holl’s Handcrafted Swiss Chocolates (Vienna)

For something truly magical, visit Holl’s Handcrafted Swiss Chocolates, a small chocolate shop that uses traditional Swiss methods for crafting delicate goodness.

This family-owned chocolate shop, from a classically trained Swiss chocolatier, is more than authentic. It’s an indulgent delicacy.

49. Wisconsin: Wilmar Chocolates (Appleton)

Wilmar Chocolates offers incredible chocolate from recipes passed down for more than 65 years, and they even let you sample it for free.

The location has been a local candy company since 1956, making chocolates by hand in their local shop.

50. Wyoming: Mursell’s Sweet Shop (Jackson)

At Mursell’s Sweet Shop, the colorful chocolate and candy options are stunning (just from an aesthetic point-of-view) and incredibly tasty.

The family-owned and operated shops make candy that’s so well-loved that it’s impossible to buy just one box.

Bottom line

These artisanal gems, scattered across the US, safeguard the magic of chocolate, crafting each piece with the love and dedication it deserves.

So grab your best travel credit cards , seek out these hidden treasures, and savor not just the delectable treats but also the legacy they represent.