Chocolates make perfect Valentine’s Day gifts. And it’s always a sweeter deal when you support local businesses. So, this Valentine’s Day, consider gifting handcrafted sweets from these Northern Virginia chocolate shops.
Artisan Confections
Artisan Confection’s handmade chocolates are almost too pretty to eat, but you’ll manage. The chocolates are made with the best ingredients — both locally, like organic mint grown on a Maryland farm, and internationally, like decadent French Valrhona chocolate. There are truffles for every taste, from strawberries and cream, to a Nutella crunch, to a black cherry version dipped in dark chocolate. 1025 N. Fillmore St., Ste. H, Arlington; 1333 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean
Cameron’s Coffee & Chocolate
Founded upon the principle that everyone deserves to work, Cameron’s employs adults living with intellectual disabilities. You can get chocolate boxes starting at $9, and chocolate-covered strawberries starting at $14.40. When ordering your assortment of truffles, consider giving Earl Grey or Dulce de Leche a try. Online, you also can get biscotti, caramels, and other goodies. 9639 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax
Cocoa Vienna
Artisanal truffles and ganache-filled decadence await at this Vienna chocolatier. Beyond the tempting variety of more than 60 confectionaries, find custom-created chocolates for any occasion. For Valentine’s Day, check out the assortment of chocolate heart boxes. And don’t forget to try the Italian amaretto ganache. 120 Church St. NE, Vienna
Lily’s Chocolate & Coffee
Lilly’s opened in 2021 and serves delectable Iraqi desserts with a chocolatey twist. Lokma are fried dough balls usually soaked in honey or a sweet syrup. Customers can choose from chocolate-dipped recipes like Oreo, Nutella, and pistachio. Or you can customize your lokma box down to the filling, topping, and garnish. 175 Maple Ave. E., Vienna; 631 King St., Alexandria
NazBro Chocolates
Take the scenic route to get Valentine’s Day treats at this Occoquan chocolatier. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the chocolate selection is wide. Peruse the truffles in the case or grab a bag of chocolate-covered nuts or fruits. 309 Mill St., Ste. 115, Occoquan
The Frenchman’s Corner
This boutique is the perfect place to find a diverse selection of Belgian fine chocolate from Neuhaus Chocolate, as well as painstakingly decorated pastries in the heart of Culpeper. These creations are undeniably works of art. And each mouthwatering pastry is made to time-tested French confectionary standards. Try the heart-shaped truffles or one of the boxes of assorted treats. 129 E. Davis St., Ste. 160, Culpeper
Potomac Chocolate
Potomac Chocolate, based in Woodbridge, was founded in 2010 as the first bean-to-bar chocolate maker in the DC-Metro area. With Valentine’s Day coming up, you’ll want to get your honey a Potomac Chocolate’s “Milk & Cookies Bar,” spiced with flavors of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and more. Chocolatier Ben Rasmussen bakes cookies from scratch and then crumbles them into the milk chocolate. Yum! 304 Mill St., Occoquan
River-Sea Chocolates
This Chantilly chocolatier focuses on fair trade and sustainable practices without compromising quality. Seasoned chocolate enthusiasts will love a “top shelf” single-estate bar or a mini-bar sampler, while the casual consumer will be mesmerized by the truffles. Each truffle is carefully decorated and as delicious as it is beautiful. For Valentine’s Day, pick up a heart-shaped box of truffles that look almost too good to eat or a handful of chocolate bars. 4520 Daly Dr., Ste. 100, Chantilly; 11495 Sunset Hills Rd. Ste. 110, Reston
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