So much chocolate, so little time.

These days, a plain chocolate bar just seems so… ordinary. Especially when North Carolina is unexpectedly rich with chocolatiers, mom and pop sweets shops, and exquisite confections artists, each blending incredible fresh-sourced cacao beans and creative flavors into tantalizing, made-from-scratch treats. If your sweet tooth is craving some of the most authentic chocolate in the state, Asheville is a decadent chocolate gold mine! Skip the supermarket variety boxes and treat yourself to some phenomenal sweet treats and experiences at these five incredible chocolate shops (and stops) in North Carolina.

1. French Broad Chocolates (10 S Pack Square, Asheville, NC 28801)

A vibrant, cheerful, old-world façade in downtown Asheville welcomes customers to one of the most beloved and recognizable chocolate shops in the state. To locals, it's no secret that French Broad boasts some of the most incredible treats in the city (the line out the door is proof enough!), but the owners' passion for bean-to-bar chocolate is something truly special - as is their unique ties with genuine, home-grown Costa Rican cacao beans.

Behind these doors you'll find beautifully hand-crafted bonbons, mousses, bars, sipping chocolates, and more - often inspired by the unique flavors that celebrate Asheville and its farming community. Think exotic combos like Strawberry Balsamic, Scorpion Pepper, Chai Masala, and Lavender Honey, along with classic favorites.

You can tour the factory and do chocolate tastings at the French Broad Factory (821 Riverside Dr #199, Asheville, NC 28801) or visit the Chocolate Lounge for those late-night cravings. Visit the French Broad Chocolates website for the full menu of flavors.

2. Chocolate Fetish (36 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801)

An Asheville staple since 2002, this award-winning mom and pop chocolate shop mixes up delightfully decadent small-batch chocolates, inspired by the owners' travels around the world. The extensive variety of artisan truffles, caramels, chocolate-covered fruits, and chocolate rounds often have a touch of true Belgian influence, but you won't be surprised to find French, American, and local North Carolinian influences as well.

Gracing the Chocolate Fetish lineup are swoon-worthy combos like the romantic Wine and Roses truffle - delicately infused with red wine and rose petal, the delightfully complex Blossom truffle (dark chocolate flavored with lemon, ginger and saffron and garnished with violet), the refreshing Marbled Mint chocolate rounds, and everything in between! Bonus: the creative sculptures, shapes, and concoctions that make perfect gifts. It's truly a chocolate (and chocolate art)-lover's dream!

Visit the Chocolate Fetish website for the full menu, but definitely pay a visit to see the incredible creations in person!

3. Biltmore Estate (One Lodge Street, Asheville, NC 28803)

While not a chocolate shop like many of the other entries on this list, there's no denying that Biltmore Estate is pretty sweet. That's why for the ultimate royal treatment, fit for the most discerning of chocolate connoisseurs, a visit to the America's largest home is an absolute must-do! Built by George Washington Vanderbilt in 1895, the 8,000-acre estate is nothing short of stunning, complete with 250 lavish rooms inside the mansion, 75 acres of gardens, an incredible winery, trails, experiences, shops, and more.

But you'll want to pay a visit for more than just the exquisite surroundings. In addition to all of the royal offerings available, Biltmore also offers dreamy wine and chocolate tasting tours. Delectable chocolates straight from French Broad (above), combined with wine that's barreled and aged just yards away in the on-site vineyard equals the perfect date idea, girls' day trip, or luxurious special treat.

You can learn more about visiting, touring, vacationing, and special events at Biltmore by checking out the Biltmore Estate website.

4. Asheville Chocolate (25 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801)

The perfect shells on the hand-dipped chocolates at Asheville Chocolate have earned them a special place in Asheville's dessert scene. Truffles, chocolate bars, and homemade ganaches are only a small bite of what they have to offer (their affogatos and house gelatos are divine!), but every piece is crafted to perfection in a cozy, artistic space.

"Get Chocolate Sauced" with their Pecan Bourbon, Irish Cream, or Champagne truffles, kick your chocolate obsession up a notch with a spicy Pink Peppercorn or Carolina Reaper truffle, or find something new to love, like the delectable Honey truffle. Or, just try them all!

View the full menu of chocolate offerings on Asheville Chocolate's website.

5. Old Europe Pastries (13 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801)

You could walk around Asheville's charming and historic downtown for hours, sampling sweets and exploring the city's culinary magic. But Old Europe Pastries is definitely a sweet surprise worth returning to time and time again. Asheville's oldest café serves far more than just fine European and Italian drinks (although we'll be honest - those espresso shots are truly eccellente!), Old Europe also bakes authentic European sweets, danishes, cakes, macarons, and more.

Owner and native Hungarian Melinda Vetro works absolute magic in the kitchen, which includes baking up tantalizingly light and fluffy chocolate drizzled confections - and the options are always changing. One day you might find a beautifully light Peanut Butter Chocolate Sponge Cake, layered with chocolate mousse and chocolate ganache, a decadent German Chocolate Cake with blissfully sweet coconut pecan filling, or maybe it's a new and unexpected Old World treat like the Ishler or a classic chocolate drizzled eclair. Whatever your temptation, Old Europe Pastries is an absolute must-visit for chocolate-lovers and dessert aficionados alike.

Follow Old Europe Pastries on Facebook for the ultimate chocolate sweets inspo.

Look, you could go to any local supermarket, scoop up a generic box of chocolates, and dig in. We get it. But for a truly rich chocolate experience that's totally and uniquely North Carolina, you're going to want to dive into one (or all) of these incredible chocolate shops and sweets stops!

Did we miss any amazing chocolate spots in Asheville? Let us know!

For the perfect end to a getaway filled with chocolate, how about taking a road trip to some of North Carolina's best waterfalls and wineries?