These 10 Chocolate Shops in Virginia Will Make Your Sweet Tooth Explode

There's a saying: "You can't buy happiness, but you can buy chocolate. And that's kind of the same thing." We couldn't agree more. Few things in life can improve a bad day - or make a good day better - like a rich, delicious chocolate concoction. You know what I'm talking about. From gourmet delicacies to family recipes passed down through the generations, you'll find some of the finest chocolates, truffles, and sweet treats at these mouthwatering Virginia chocolate shops. You can thank us later.

1. Gearhart's Fine Chocolates, Charlottesville

With signature flavors like Earl Grey, Brown Butter Caramel, and Mint Julep, Gearhart's Fine Chocolates handcrafts their chocolates using the finest ingredients and culinary skills. Since opening in 2001, Gearhart's has been featured in USA Today, The New York Times, Southern Living, and countless other "best of" lists, locally and nationally. Choose from classic assortments, gift boxes, and specialty items, or create your own custom collection at Gearhart's retail shops in Charlottesville, or order online at Gearhart's Fine Chocolates. If you stop by the retail store and dessert cafe, you'll have the added benefit of seeing some of the chocolates being made. Plus, you can enjoy some other decadent treats such as cookies, scones, and my personal favorite: brownies!

2. chocolatepaper, Roanoke

Any chocolate shop that has a tasting room is a winner in my book. This eclectic chocolatier and gift shop in Roanoke offers over 50 gourmet chocolates and truffles, along with cards and gifts, making it the perfect place to get a one-of-a-kind present for someone special - or just to treat yourself. See why this Virginia chocolate shop keeps showing up in "best of" lists like The Roanoker and Virginia Living Magazine when you check out Chocolatepaper online.

3. The Chocolate Spike, Blacksburg

With a background in art and chemistry, Chocolate Spike owner and operator Genie Ranck shows her skills in each handcrafted chocolate creation. Featuring flavors like key lime and pumpkin spice, all of Chocolate Spike's chocolates, truffles, fudges, and hand-dipped fruits are made from high-quality, fresh ingredients for candies as beautiful as they are delicious. Visit them online at Chocolate Spike.

4. Warfel's Sweet Shoppe at the Dayton Farmer's Market, Dayton

When making incredible candies is a family tradition, you might as well stick with the winning ticket. Warfel's Sweet Shoppe is the result of generations of candy makers who have handcrafted cakes, chocolates, and confections for years. Today, Warfel's offers a retail shop at the Dayton Indoor Farmer's Market and online orders. See their full selection of candies and specialty items at Warfel's Sweet Shoppe online.

5. For the Love of Chocolate, Richmond

When it comes to pure selection, For the Love of Chocolate has it all. With everything from classic chocolates to vegan and kosher candies, For the Love of Chocolate is a candy lover's paradise. This well-stocked shop in Carytown features chocolates from around the world, Virginia-made items, seasonal specialties, self-serve candies, retro goodies, and organic and fair-trade products. Stop by their shop on West Cary Street or visit them online at For the Love of Chocolate.

6. Cocoa Mill Chocolatier, Lexington

This award-winning shop in Lexington has been dishing up handmade chocolates for years. Under new ownership since 2006, Cocoa Mill runs like any locally owned, family shop - and that means that personal attention and passion go into each chocolatey creation. Featuring assorted chocolates, truffles, barks, and dipped fruits, the Cocoa Mill offers gift boxes, custom orders, and a la carte treats for any occasion. Visit them online at Cocoa Mill Chocolatier.

7. The Royal Chocolate, Virginia Beach

When The Royal Chocolate opened in 2006, they began with a commitment to quality and creativity that made them a favorite in no time. Using the freshest ingredients, The Royal Chocolate handcrafts, hand dips, and hand-makes their signature items, including gourmet apples, chocolates and truffles, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and fondue. See their complete selection at The Royal Chocolate or stop by their retail location at Virginia Beach Town Center. While you're there, be sure to try a chocolate-covered Twinkie and ask about their tastings, special events, and private party hosting.

8. Giancarlo Fine European Pastries, Staunton

While you might not expect gourmet results from a shop located in the former garage of a private residence, Giancarlo's is simply full of surprises. Located in a house on Austin Avenue, you can find Giancarlo's by heading down "Pastry Lane" and looking for the red and white awning over the back door. This is where Giancarlo creates all of his premium chocolates from pure Cordillera Colombian 65 % cacao bittersweet and 36% dark milk, single bean chocolate. While we don't understand exactly what that means, we do understand that the results are delicious. Choose from flavors like amaretto marzipan, raspberry white chocolate ganache, espresso, orange zest, caramel milk-dark, or hazelnut gianduja, and see for yourself why Giancarlo's is a Staunton treasure. Stop by their small display room on Fridays 9-5:30 and Saturdays 9-3, or place your custom orders anytime. Visit Giancarlo Fine European Pastries online to learn more.

9. Cocoa & Spice, Charlottesville

Talk about a hidden gem! Cocoa & Spice is tucked away at The Shops at York Place on the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville. Whether you've been out shopping all day and need a little pick-me-up or simply can't resist buying a box of truffles as a souvenir, you'll be so glad you stopped in. From homemade brownies to artful candies, this local Virginia chocolate store takes sweets to the next level. Learn more when you visit Cocoa & Spice online.

10. River-Sea Chocolates

Since 2017, River-Sea Chocolates has been serving up delightful chocolates inspired by the Amazon rainforest and its communities. This powerful local business prioritizes ethical practices, mindful sourcing, and quality ingredients, which all translate into truly phenomenal chocolates. Their chocolate bars have exquisite flavor, and their truffles are truly works of art. Can't make the trip to Chantilly? Order some chocolate online!

So, what do you think? What are your favorite Virginia chocolate shops? Be sure to share this article with someone you'd love to plan a chocolate shop road trip with! The next time you're looking for "chocolate shops near me," we hope this list comes in handy!