As a kid, I used to dream about visiting Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. I remember seeing the movie when I was younger and thinking about how I was going to have a chocolate fountain in my house one day.
It’s been many years since I had my brilliant fountain idea, and to be honest, I had forgotten all about it until recently. I was sitting at my desk checking out upcoming events when I saw these four glorious words flash across my screen, “Long Grove Chocolate Fest.” Under normal circumstances, Long Grove is a little bit outside of our typical area we cover, but in the case of a chocolate fest… we’re going to go ahead and toss the rules out the window.
If you’re anything like me, you were sold on the fest the second you read the name. I probably don’t need to explain to you why it’s the single greatest thing since sliced bread… but for you (and chocolate), I’ll do anything. Here are a few reasons why you’re not going to want to miss it!
Chocolate, Chocolate, and More Chocolate!
What are the options? Well, they have the basics covered: Chocolate covered pretzels, graham crackers, coffee beans, peppermint cookies, raisins, and caramel balls. What makes the event so great are the exotic chocolate foods/items you won’t find elsewhere. There’s chocolate mint tea, chocolate candy ornaments, giant nonpareils, and chocolate flavored cigars! You can find chocolate carvers making pieces of art out of the precious chocolate. Hell, even the streets and staff are made of chocolate. Just kidding, though I can’t help but think Willy would be proud.
That’s Mr. Wonka to the rest of you… He and I are on a first name basis.
There’s a Chocolate Scavenger Hunt
As if stuffing your face with the sweet, sweet chocolate wasn’t enough; you get to hunt down the treats too! On second thought… it may not be a good idea to separate people from their chocolate. Hopefully the fest has provided the proper security.
Tasting Tickets are Only $5
Some advice: It might be difficult to restrain yourself, but don’t eat everything in sight. While your taste buds might thank you, your stomach won’t (and neither will everyone else when they realize you’ve eaten all the chocolate).
It’s Not Just Chocolate
It pains me to write this, but for those of you who (excuse me while I wipe away my tears) get chocolated out, there are loads of other foods and activities to check out. To name of few of them: live music on four different stages, wine, workshops, shopping, and ice cream eating contests.
Long Grove Chocolate Fest is from May 15th-17th and takes place at 307 Old McHenry Road. You can get all the info you need here.
I’m also accepting donations for my newest charity, the Get Genie a Chocolate Fountain Fund.