Iowa has no shortage of great chocolate shops, but most of them don't want you to linger and savor. They're traditional candy shops that box up your goods and leave you to enjoy them at home. But at Kalona Chocolates, the small Amish-run chocolate shop has developed a reputation for hospitality. Featuring a wide selection of traditional and unique candies and chocolates, along with a hot chocolate bar that brings a new meaning to the word "indulgence," it's transformed from a simple chocolate shop to an Iowa institution.

The old-fashioned exterior of Kalona Chocolates makes it clear that this is a chocolate shop that takes its art seriously.

Every candy is made on-site by the chocolate shop's dedicated team of Amish workers, many from recipes that are decades old - and the flavors are just as good as when they were created!

If you're looking for a can't-miss gift for that special someone in your life, the dozens of varieties of milk and dark chocolates made here will go over great - especially in a fancy box.

Kalona Chocolates is well-known for its seasonal favorites, including the crispest hand-dipped caramel apples you've ever tasted.

No matter the holiday, the odds are Kalona Chocolates has something special cooking up - and if you can't get there until the day after, you might find some great discounts!

But the fun doesn't stop at the checkout lane. Kalona Chocolates offers a convenient eating area so you can sit and savor your treats. This is especially useful during the summer.

The star attraction is the hot chocolate bar, which comes in hot and frozen versions depending on the season and can be customized with different flavor syrups. Don't forget the whipped cream!

If you're looking for a different kind of hot chocolate experience, try one of their hot chocolate bombs - just drop it in hot water or milk, and watch as the chocolate ball dissolves to add flavor and unleash some surprises!

Have you paid a visit to Kalona's legendary chocolate shop? Let us know your must-buy confections - and your favorite hot chocolate flavor - in the comments section! The chocolate shop is adding new seasonal options all the time, so make sure to drop by their website and Facebook page before your next chocolate fix!