Credit: @onlyheretoeat on Instagram

You know about the M&Ms store in Times Square, we’ve told you where to get some of the best chocolate-covered donuts in the state, and we’ve even spilled the (chocolate) beans on where to find world-winning chocolate in the Catskills, but there’s even more to New York’s chocolate scene than what we’ve already shared. You can have some pretty unique chocolate adventures in New York State, and we’ve rounded up some of our favorites! 

Masks are encouraged, but optional in most settings per New York State guidelines. Individual businesses or attractions may require mask wearing. Call ahead and check websites and social media to make sure attractions and amenities are open and available. 

Originally published 07/27/2022

The Corning Gaffer District’s Chocolate Trail (Finger Lakes)

Corning Gaffer District Chocolate Trail
Photo Credit: Corning & Southern Finger Lakes

A whole trail dedicated to where you can find chocolate in Corning proves that there’s more to the town than just glass (though the glass is pretty cool). More than 30 restaurants participate in the self-guided trail. You can find some exciting offerings from the chocolate pâté at Three Birds Restaurant to the Steuben Bar Chocolate Martini at Grill 125 at the Radisson Hotel Corning and homemade Ghirardelli sweets at Dimitri's Confectionary Treats.

Chocolate Classes at Raaka (NYC)

Become a chocolatier at Raaka! Learn the art of chocolate-making through various fun and flavorful classes including: bean-to-bar creation, hand-rolled truffle making, tea and chocolate tasting, and coffee and chocolate tasting. Raaka makes unroasted dark chocolate from scratch, with traceable, high quality, and transparently traded single origin cacao. Head to the retail store to browse their selection of chocolate delicacies, and walk right next door to the factory where you can take a tour, class, or both!

Chocolate Spa Treatments at Saratoga Botanicals (Capital-Saratoga)

Stressed out? Just imagine how it would feel to be covered in chocolate in a relaxing spa room in one of the prettiest towns in the state. Don’t just imagine it, book your “Cacao: Superfood for Skin & Body Spa Experience” at Saratoga Botanicals in Saratoga Springs. The package includes the Botanicals Signature Facial Treatment with a chocolate marshmallow face mask and Peruvian cacao lip hydration, plus a 75-minute Cacao + Maca Root Body Treatment. You'll get treats to take home including a body brush and Peruvian Cacao lip balm. Indulge in this luxurious and 100% organic chocolate spa experience.

A Tour of Platter’s Chocolate Factory (Greater Niagara)

A gloved hand holds a chocolate covered potato chipCredit: @platterschocolates on Instagram

This region of the state is famous for its sponge candy (a light crunchy toffee coated in chocolate), and Platter’s Chocolate Factory is one of the most classic places to try it. They have also specialized in orange chocolate since opening in 1938, so try both! See almost all of the factory’s chocolate-making processes on a tour of the facility and of course, enjoy chocolate, hot chocolate, and an ice cream sundae along the way. The factory is most busy making treats from September to April but you can learn about the equipment, process, and history (and sample the goods!) year round.

A Haunted Chocolate Shop (Adirondacks)

A person holds a box of chocolates from Barkeater ChocolatesCredit: @wandercuse on Instagram

Not only does Barkeater Chocolates in the Adirondacks have gourmet, all-natural, non-GMO sweets—the building is also rumored to be haunted by a ghost that employees have named Miranda. Footsteps, banging, and voices have been heard by employees, visitors, and construction crews and the thermostat kept moving up to 85 degrees until employees taped the dial still. If we were ghosts, we’d haunt the shop for its “Cranberry Coastal Commotion Bark” (dark chocolate, cranberries, and sea salt); its “Grown-Up Peanut Butter Cups” (all-natural crunchy peanut butter in either dark or milk chocolate with sea salt); and its “Citrus Surprise” dark chocolate bars. They offer unique, chocolate-themed experiences including: chocolate making and haunted factory chocolate sessions.

Chocolate Speakeasy at Håkan Chocolatier (Hudson Valley)

A tray of chocolates on display at Hakan Chocolatier
Credit: @hakanchocolatier on Instagram

Immerse yourself in some of the finest chocolate creations you’ll ever experience, at this trendy chocolate speakeasy situated on the idyllic main street of Beacon. All of the chocolates and baked goods are made on-site by renowned Swedish Chef (and owner) Håkan Mårtensson. Get cozy while you sip on a gourmet spiced hot chocolate paired with the chef’s daily selection of chocolate bonbons, which require three days of meticulous preparation, demonstrating the true artistry of the Chocolatier. HÅKAN Chocolatier offers hard to find and uniquely sourced ingredients, such as seeds of the lotus, lingonberries, and Hawthorn.

Chocolate Pizza and Wings (Finger Lakes)

A chocolate pizza covered in oreos, m&ms and other candies topped with a white chocolate drizzle
Credit: @chocolatepizzacompany on Instagram

New York State is known for a lot in the foodie world, but perhaps most notably for its pizza and Buffalo wings. At the Chocolate Pizza Company in Marcellus, 25 minutes outside of Syracuse, they sell pizza and wings with a chocolate twist! Chocolate Pizza® is chocolate in the ingredients and pizza in the shape. Milk or dark chocolate mixed with homemade English toffee is poured into pizza pans and served in pizza-shaped boxes with various toppings like candy, pretzels, and nuts. Peanut Butter Wings®, are not chicken, but potato chips topped with peanut butter and dipped in either milk or dark chocolate.

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