Sweet Escape — Exploring Bellingham Chocolate Shops

Chocolate is full of so much sweetness. Whether gifting to a loved one on a romantic occasion or enjoying just because, chocolate helps make life just a little bit sweeter.

In search of chocolate, I set out to experience some of Whatcom County’s handcrafted chocolate options for myself. I tasted chocolate solo, shared truffles with my husband, and treated my best friend — all treasured activities I highly recommend for any of these great locations.

Chocolate Necessities

If you thought you knew chocolate as a child, chances are a visit to Chocolate Necessities will have you feeling as though you are discovering chocolate for the first time as an adult. Truffles named Montego Rum, Grand Marnier and Chambord, to name a few, rest enticingly on shelves, all just waiting to be tasted. One bite of lingering flavor and you will know this is no ordinary chocolate. The truffles consist of a lower sugar content than the average chocolate and many contain imported pastry liquor, which provides a lasting flavor that doesn’t quickly melt away in your mouth.

Each truffle is handled six times before the final product is displayed for edibility. For a memorable date night, visit the Cornwall location — it’s open late. For a side treat, try the gelato. It’s easy to sample and batches are made fresh every week and a half. If you find yourself feeling guilty enjoying chocolate without the kids, you can always bring them home a small package of chocolate frogs or butterflies to clear your conscience.

If you’re interested in meeting Kevin Buck, the master chocolatier himself, head over to the Guide Meridian location and learn about his early adventures tasting and inquiring about chocolate in Canada. His wonderfully personal stories pair perfectly alongside a truffle.

Forte Artisan Chocolates

Entering Forte Artisan Chocolate’s in Bellingham feels like walking into a modern chocolate museum. Here, chocolate is beautifully displayed throughout the store, and each chocolaty morsel is stunningly crafted. Upon entering the shop, an assortment of handmade chocolate bars is prominently displayed on a shelf, with samples of each available to taste. I tried the rosemary in sea salt and white chocolate. It was so delicious that I didn’t try anymore for fear that I would leave with armfuls of chocolate bars. Instead of indulging in too many samples, I admired brightly colored truffles made with fig, eggnog, pumpkin, lemon and cherry almond. To top it off, I also enjoyed hearing about chocolate made in Mount Vernon by Master Chocolatier Karen Neugebauer, as well as stories of tempered chocolate and caramel that take three days to make. With so many choices, it’s easy to find a personal favorite.

Forte Artisan Chocolates
1139 11th Street, #103
Bellingham, WA
360-306-3615

Sweet Art

Walking through the doors of Sweet Art feels a bit like entering a children’s storybook. Hand-dipped truffles are displayed behind glass with pieces so large your hand might appear child sized again. Vivian Mazzola’s Original oil paintings of foxes, crows and fairies span the wall in scenes that almost feel alive with movement. Vivian’s husband, Jerry Hruska, tempers and hand dips the chocolate. The thick blocks of chocolate he starts out with look quite a bit different than the final product. He won’t tell you his secret, or even his favorites, but there is a good chance you won’t leave without hearing a few good tales from his life while tasting a sample or two — truly a happy ending.

Sweet Art
1335 Railroad Avenue
Bellingham, WA
360-714-1331

Sweet Art can also be found at the Bellingham Farmers Market, March through October.

LunaVida

LunaVida takes the lid off love with its handmade raw vegan chocolate, made with cacao. The local chocolate shop makes all its sweet offerings by hand at its Bellingham kitchen. Cherry amaretto, peanut butter cup, and pumpkin spice are just a few of the flavors available. LunaVida chocolates can be found online and in person at Trapeze Café in the Bellingham Public Market.

Experiencing these chocolate options provides a one-of-a-kind experience, but perhaps the one thing they all have in common is a passion for the craft. If you don’t have time to tour any of these great locations but find yourself needing some chocolate to gift, rest assured, most of these establishments offer online ordering and shipping. Enjoy, and happy tasting!