Sweet Spots to Get Your Chocolate Fix

If the meaning of life is chocolate, Arlington has you covered.

Charming neighborhood shops offer sweets and chocolates, whether to give a gift or indulge a sweet tooth.

These local chocolatiers keep Arlington supplied with chocolate:

Artisan Confections’ picture-perfect handcrafted chocolate creations and bonbons will spark your imagination. Founded by Jason Andelman, a Culinary Institute of America graduate and professional pastry chef, the Clarendon neighborhood shop also offers a behind-the-scenes tour of chocolate-making, “From Bean to Bonbon,” where you get to have all your chocolate questions answered.

Schakolad Chocolate Factory (pronounced shaq-oh-LAD) in the Crystal City Shops is a chocolate boutique where chocolates are made on premises using a European-style family recipe, prepared and dipped to the customer’s request.

Kingsbury Chocolates showcases the sophisticated whimsy of self-trained chocolatier Rob Kingsbury, whose maple popcorn crunch drizzled in chocolate was a sweet sold originally by his grandparents at a roadside stand. He even offers custom chocolate assortments featuring a company’s logo and a U.S. Capitol good enough to eat. These local chocolates are sold at various Arlington locations.

Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe offers chocolate truffles, chocolate dipped strawberries, pastries and cakes in the unique German bakery and delicatessen located on Langston Boulevard in Arlington.

At Pastries by Randolph in the Lee Heights Shops, the Shaved Chocolate cake is layered with velvety chocolate buttercream and a thin layer of raspberry jam. Topped with chocolate shavings and chocolate sprinkles on the side, it partners with a glass of milk.

If that’s not enough, Godiva Chocolatier tempts you at Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, and See’s Candies are available at nearby Macy’s. Nicecream Factory in Clarendon, known for freezing ice cream on the spot – with liquid nitrogen! -- also serves up handcrafted hot chocolate.