There's a simple truth for chocolate lovers: we can't get enough. Now, we may be picky (dark chocolate, milk chocolate, single origin, etc.), but we always are searching for more chocolate goodness.

Imagine my surprise when we were visiting Stratford, Ontario, and Visit Stratford had *several* tours for foodies - bacon (!!), (not offered in 2019: pumpkin & maple) and (drumroll, please)... a CHOCOLATE TRAIL.

Now, please stop hyperventilating. For while it is worth hyperventilating (and making travel plans to Stratford), you need to breathe to eat chocolate. So. Let me help you out a bit...

Here's how to explore Savour Stratford's Chocolate Trail:

1. Prepare 

The Visit Stratford website has a WHOLE LISTING of what you can get on the Savour Stratford Chocolate Trail. You'll be able to choose six items that you choose from an enormous list of options. The 2018 Chocolate Trail has a luscious new look and 27 delicious offers, including long-time favourites; your choice of hand-made truffles or chocolates, chocolate sundaes topped with chocolate dipped peanut brittle and freshly brewed mocha coffee alongside fresh new offers of locally distilled Chocolate Liqueur, hard to source cocoa nibs, and perfectly made hot chocolate. Presenting the most offers on this trail in eight years, chocolate lovers will be tempted to take the trail more than once. 

2. Scout out the situation on the ground

We went around and looked at many of the options on the chocolate trail before deciding. The bonus aspect of this is that you can learn more about each store - and chocolate product - before choosing. I always asked the storekeepers about the item - and their business. It's a fun way to learn Stratford - and support local businesses.

MacLeod's - where we got a box of slow-baked pure butter shortbread with generous portions of luxury Belgian chocolate chunks, imported directly from the Scottish Highlands.

3. Explore all avenues

You might not think you want one thing, but discover it is one of the best items on the list for you. Take a look at each item - at least online - and don't just pick the 6 that speak to you first. Each item on the Chocolate Trail was chosen carefully, to represent local stores, products, and chocolatey goodness. Stratford has not one, not two, but THREE chocolate shops - take advantage of this and explore!

Chocolates at Rheo Thompson

4. Don't be afraid to get multiple plasses

It was a hot day. We got two of Jenn and Larry's ice cream sundaes. Also, we doubled up at Rheo Thompson's Chocolates, because Rheo Thompson. The Chocolate trail here offers four of their handmade creams, caramels, barks, and specialty chocolates. We got chocolate covered marshmallows - so delicious, I'd drive to Stratford today to get some more. The Chocolate Trail has  27 stops - so if you get 4 passes, you can get something from EACH STOP.

Larry’s soft-serve vanilla ice cream sundae smothered in rich hot chocolate fudge and topped with Jenny’s Milk Chocolate Peanut Brittle

5. Enjoy!

For $30, you get six tickets for chocolate things all over town. It's a great way to explore this foodie town, the fun and interesting businesses, and new chocolate items. That chocolate honey we got from Treasures? It's graced many a slice of toast in the mornings - and reminds me of our lovely time in Stratford, walking around town and eating and exploring. 

Treasures, where we got delicious and healthful creamed cocoa honey, which they obtain from a local apiary

Learn more: https://www.visitstratford.ca/stratford-chocolate-trail

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Have you been on Stratford's Chocolate Trail? What did you pick?