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 skill. 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, specialty items, or create your own custom collection at Gearhart's retail shops in Charlottesville, or order online at Gearhart's Fine Chocolates. Then, take a closer look at what makes Gearhart's unique by watching the brief YouTube video below:

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. Cao Artisan Chocolates, Lynchburg

Using ancient methods of hand-selecting, roasting and grinding cocoa beans into premium chocolates, Cao Artisan Chocolates creates beautifully balanced flavors straight from the bean. Their tasting lounge features an Old World European feel designed to foster a sense of community - and let's be honest, it's the perfect place to sit back and indulge in some of the finest handcrafted chocolates, hot cocoa and cakes available anywhere. Visit them at www.caoartisanchocolates.com. Unfortunately, Cao's Chocolates has closed.

4. 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.

5. 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 as well as online orders. See their full selection of candies and specialty items at Warfel's Sweet Shoppe online.

6. 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.

7. Cocoa Mill Chocolatier, Lexington and Staunton

This award-winning shop in Lexington (with a new location just opened in Staunton) 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 goes 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. Learn more about how Cocoa Mill makes their famous hand-made chocolates when you check out the brief YouTube video below:

8. 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.

9. Fleurir Hand Grown Chocolates, Alexandria

Fleurir is really the result of a story coming full circle. Head chef and creative genius of Fleurir, Robert Ludlow, is a former apprentice to Tim Gearhart of Gearhart's Fine Chocolates - the first chocolate shop on our list. Since opening their own shop in Alexandria, Fleurir has consistently created world-class chocolates, cocoas, caramels and more. Unfortunately, Fleurir Chocolates has closed.

10. MAD About Chocolate, Williamsburg

When someone like Marcel Desaulniers, a four time James Beard award-winning chef and author of Death by Chocolate, opens a chocolate shop, you can't help but take it seriously. And MAD About Chocolate does not disappoint. Known for melt-in-your-mouth cookies and Double MAD brownies, the chocolate creations from Desaulniers' kitchen are the things dreams are made of. Unfortunately, MAD About Chocolate has closed.

11. 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 a 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 Fridays 9-5:30 and Saturdays 9-3, or place your custom orders anytime. Visit Giancarlo Fine European Pastries online to learn more.

12. Red Rocker Candy, Troy

From their factory in the small town of Troy, Red Rocker Candy makes premium toffees, chocolates, brittles and more using only the finest ingredients. Their candies are sold throughout the state or available online at Red Rocker Candy. As a designated "attraction" off of Interstate 64 (Exit 136), visitors are welcome to come by to watch the candies being made - and of course to pick up some of Red Rocker's signature "Rocking Chair Mix" and other favorites that have been featured by "Cooking with Paula Deen" and "The Rachel Ray Show." Curious to learn more? Watch the brief video below and take a closer look at what makes this local Virginia business so special.

13. Schakolad Chocolate Factory, Virginia Beach / Arlington

Made fresh on-site, Schakolad chocolates come from a European family recipe dating back three generations. With retail locations around the country, Virginia is proud to serve up gourmet Schakolad chocolates at 3 locations - 2 in Arlington and 1 in Virginia Beach. All of their gourmet chocolates and candies are custom crafted at each location to ensure top quality - and absolutely mouthwatering flavors. Schakoland Chocolate may be temporarily closed, so be sure to visit Schakolad online to learn about its current status.

14. 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.

So, what do you think? What are your favorite Virginia chocolate shops? Did we leave some gems off the list? Please let us know in the comments below! The next time you're looking for "chocolate shops near me," we hope this list comes in handy!