Long Grove Chocolate Fest: a sweet time May 1-3
Any day is a good day for chocolate, but from May 1–3, chocolate lovers can rejoice at Long Grove’s annual Chocolate Festival. For three days, visitors can indulge their sweet tooth with all forms of chocolate while exploring a charming village straight out of the past.
Long Grove Historic Village is l35 miles northwest of Chicago, with quaint restaurants, galleries and more than 80 shops selling everything from clothes to furniture. First settled in the 1830s by farmers and craftsmen, the area still retains a rustic feel with cobblestone walkways, beautiful barns, a covered bridge and even a one-room schoolhouse.
Though Long Grove is open year-round, its festivals are really when the village comes alive. This year’s 10th anniversary Chocolate Festival promises the expected assortment of goodies, along with live entertainment and events.
Visitors can enjoy chocolate-covered strawberries, chocolate cakes, doughnuts — even chocolate popcorn and chocolate martinis! There are chocolate tastings, demonstrations and activities in the “Coco-Crazyness” tent and a sculpture of Abraham Lincoln carved from a solid block of chocolate.
If you're in the mood for something savory, a variety of foods from brats to gyros,are available at outdoor food booths and tents and in Long Grove’s many restaurants. The festival also offers two stages of live music with acts ranging from folk to country, pop and rock.
Kids will have a blast at the ice cream-eating contest, the chocolate challenge where competitors construct projects from — you guessed it — chocolate. Other attractions include the kiddy and pony rides, face-painting stations and an assortment of activity booths throughout the festival area.
While Long Grove is a worthwhile attraction any time, its annual Chocolate Festival is an ideal occasion to visit. What better way to spend a day than to wander historic streets, peruse lovely little shops and enjoy a sweet treat with loads of fellow chocolate lovers?
Posted on Apr 14, 2011 by D.J. Siegel
