February 2008 Guide to U.S. Chocolate Festivals

Chocoholics, rejoice! February is your month. Pack your bags and check out the local flavor at chocolate festivals across the United States. Here's your February 2008 guide to 10 of the country's sweetest festivals.

Week of Chocolate (www.weekofchocolate.com)
Bloomington, Indiana
January 26-February 2, 2008
Enjoy a full week of chocolate celebrations and support area charities. Here's just a small sampling of activities for every chocoholic: a chocolate travelogue, a chocolate carnival, Chocolate Jeopardy, and even a chocolate prom. On Sunday, January 27, the Indiana University Art Museum serves up the elegant "Art of Chocolate" ($70/couple, $40/person). On Saturday, the week concludes with the 11^th Annual Chocolate Festival. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for kids 6-12, and free for children under 6. Quite a bargain for all-you-can-eat chocolate! Between bites, shop for Valentine's chocolates, enter the chocolate creations contest, play with your kids in the children's area, and enjoy entertainment and a silent auction.

Carolina Chocolate Festival (www.carolinachocolatefestival.com)
Morehead City, North Carolina
February 1-3, 2008
Visit the Carolina coast for an array of yummy charity events. On Friday, February 1, enjoy a sophisticated country club event, "An Evening Wrapped in Chocolate" ($125/couple, $75/person). On Saturday, February 2, sip champagne and nibble on chocolates as you are pampered with manicures, pedicures, hair styling, and mini-massages at the "Chocolate Spa Night" ($50/person). Also on Saturday, dance the night away to live jazz and a chocolate buffet at "The Enchanted Evening" ($50/person). There are also cooking demonstrations, a brunch, and bingo. The festival itself is February 2 and 3 at the Crystal Coast Civic Center. Adults are $8, children 5-12 are $2, and children under 5 are free.