Possibly the most amazing chocolates you’ll ever have the pleasure of melting in your mouth are handcrafted by Tim Gearhart of Gearharts Fine Chocolates in Charlottesville.
Tim and his team carefully curate the ingredients for their delectables from around the world, but focus on the foundation of local cream and honest-to-goodness real butter to give each offering a distinctly Virginia taste. And it doesn’t stop with the cream and butter.
This Valentine’s season (or anytime you want to delight your sweetheart, ladies), check out the box of goodness that embraces more of Virginia while also tipping a hat to testosterone: Virginia Malt Whisky Truffles.
Described as “Dark chocolate ganache with Virginia Distillery Co. Highland Malt Whisky, hand rolled with Valrhona cocoa,” Gearharts’ Virginia Malt Whisky Truffles give a nod to centuries-old traditions. The whisky is crafted in Nelson County, and at 92 proof, you’ll want to slow-sip and savor the notes of cocoa, dried fruit, and toffee. When whipped into a ganache for a truffle? Delicious. Order a box of nine online or visit Gearharts to shop in person.
For the ladies, Peanut Butter Pups Puppy Love, of course! Creamy milk chocolate covers Virginia-made artisan peanut butter and toasted almond “ears,” while dark chocolate piping creates the sweet little eyes and nose of each “pup.” Just one more way to her heart is to let her know that a portion of the sales goes to Companions for Heroes, a program that places rescued companion pets with wounded veterans. Order the box of nine online or visit Gearharts to shop in person.
Why not head to Gearharts together to secure your sweet treats? Make a day and night of it with walkable things to do:
- Book the Amor package at the Omni Hotel. It includes a chilled bottle of champagne and breakfast the next morning.
- Grab dinner at The Whiskey Jar, where the slogan is “nothing fancy, locally grown food prepared by hand.” Enjoy a whiskey flight or a glass of Highland Malt Whisky, per the truffles above.
- Take in a show at The Southern Café & Music Hall or Jefferson Theater. Both have special Valentine’s weekend acts to check out.
It’s your turn! Share your favorite Valentine’s or Charlottesville related things to do, eat, and see by leaving a comment or tagging #WhenInVA on Twitter.
When in Virginia 