Happy Valentine’s Day all…well almost. Let’s be honest with ourselves for a moment, shall we? There are many reasons to love or loathe Valentine’s Day, but the real reason to bask in Cupid’s love is the chocolate, and oh how we love good chocolate. Flowers, jewelry and heartfelt gestures are fine and dandy but in our opinion, nothing says ‘I Love You’ like indulging in a box of delicious chocolates. Whether you’re spending the day with your significant other, having a ladies night out, or staying in on the couch, chocolates are fitting for all occasions. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite places to nab some chocolate delights this month.

Wockenfuss

Multiple Locations

www.wockenfusscandies.com

Wockenfuss has been supplying homemade candies since 1915, which makes them chocolate experts in our opinion. Founder Herman Charles Wockenfuss started Wockenfuss Candy Company in Baltimore and since then the small candy company has grown into a small empire, with eight locations (including three in Ocean City) and a burgeoning online business. Their candy selection is extensive – gummies, fudge, caramel apples…they’ve even got dog treats! But the chocolates are where it’s at. Chocolate covered Oreos, almond butter crunch, sea salt caramels, pistachio marzipan dark chocolate and more. For Valentine’s Day, we suggest the gourmet artisan truffles. You won’t be disappointed.

Candy Kitchen

Multiple locations

www.candykitchens.com

Candy Kitchen may have made a name for themselves with their salt water taffy, but they also happen to have some of the most delicious fudge in town. The melt-in-your-mouth homemade fudge is made daily in Ocean City, with only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. But that’s not all. The “wonderful world of candy” also boasts hand-dipped chocolates and truffles that are made daily at the 53rd street factory. Chocolate caramels, non paraeils, peanut butter cups, cookies and cream bark, cordial cherries, the list goes on and on. It truly is a chocoholics dream come true.

Yummy Sweet Shop

11021 Nicholas Lane Suite 3, Berlin, MD

Yummysweetshop.com

410-208-2543

Nothing says I love you quite like a candy buffet. The masterminds at Yummy Sweet Shop in Ocean Pines provide customized candy and/or dessert displays for your events, designed to fit any style, theme or budget. They are truly a work of art and almost too good looking to eat…almost. And since Yummy was voted “Best Desserts of Ocean City” in 2012, you should really treat yourself to a cake pop or two while you’re at the shop. And who can say no to a Yummy cupcake? The cupcake menu is inventive and fun, with flavors like Mintalicious, Auntie Anne’s Apple, Fluffer Nutter and A Day at the Beach.

Dolle’s Candyland

500 South Boardwalk at Wicomico Street, Ocean City, MD

www.dolles.com

800-337-6001

Dolle’s is the definition of family-owned and operated. The fourth generation candy company has been dishing out tasty treats since 1910, keeping their tradition alive for locals and tourists for over 100 years! We typically head to Dolle’s for their popcorn, but that doesn’t mean we don’t grab a couple bags of candy while we’re there. The truffle selection is intense, with beautifully decorated truffles ranging from dark chocolate tiramisu truffles to milk chocolate banana truffles. There’s also a wide variety of handmade chocolates to consider. Dolle’s proudly offers the highest quality chocolates, with nearly each variety of chocolate made by hand at the Wicomico Street factory. We suggest stepping your game up by indulging in some chocolate-covered gummies.

Snyder’s Candy

60 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE

www.snyderscandy.com

302-candy-94

When we’re shopping in Rehoboth (which is quite often) we love to stop in Snyder’s for a sweet tooth fix. The options are endless, which means you can easily get bogged down in trying to decide what to pick. We suggest stocking up and enjoying your selection for weeks to come.  ShoreBread favorites include the chocolate covered animal crackers, coconut clusters, ginger dipped in dark chocolate and raspberry jellies. If you’re a licorice lover, this is your place. Snyder’s has over 80 varieties of licorice in stock and online, including Australian and Dutch licorice.