From Jell-O shots to chocolate flip flops, you didn’t want to miss the 2015 Lewisburg Chocolate Festival! But in case you did, here’s a photo review! Pictured above is comedian/performer, El Gleno Grando reading LBSPY on the corner of Court/Washington Street in downtown Lewisburg, West Virginia. The entire tasting map was on the back cover of our April issue.

We started the day with Cinnamon Dusted Almonds and Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans by Dove Chocolate Discoveries at The Retreat. Next door, Wolf Creek Gallery was serving Crunchy Almond Meringue Biscuits w/ a coconut cream center and drizzled w/ Swiss Milk couverture. Yum!

We then checked out The Bakery on North Court Street. They were serving up delicious Coconut Brownies. After this, we went to the Greenspace to listen to live music and try Shoney’s signature Hot Fudge Cake w/ vanilla ice cream. To the right: Another shot of the Retreat’s espresso beans. They look like pebbles and tasted ah-mazing!

It was time for fruit so we walked over to Remax for a White Chocolate Dipped Strawberry. They made everything on location with their chocolate fountain. During this tasting, we heard good things about Greenbrier Valley Baking Company’s White Chocolate Pralines w/ Whiskey White Chocolate Butter Ganche filling. So we headed over. Incredible presentation and taste! We then walked a block to Yarid’s to try their classic chocolate flip flop lollipop by Holl’s. It was super!

It was time for a drink so we headed to the Irish Pub for the Samuel Smith’s Organic Chocolate Stout. The tasting was just the right size for this filling drink. Then, we headed over to The Asylum for their Chocolate Covered Cherry Jell-O shots. After, we trekked up to The Livery for Chocolate Mousse Cake w/ Strawberry!

Met these awesome folks on Washington Street. A Balloon artist and The Chocolate Fairy (Jan Darrah) granting Larry Davis 3 wishes!

Picked up a Dark Chocolate House from Greenbrier Real Estate (if you are looking to move to the Greenbrier Valley, check them out!!!). We then met this sweet girl holding her balloon and reading the LBSPY map.

We then walked over to Harmony Ridge Gallery where they served Dark Chocolate Truffle Profiterole and a White Forest Cake by the Greenbrier Sporting Club.

Outside Harmony Ridge Gallery, we ran into Mike for a 2nd year in a row. he was reading LBSPY with his trusty companion, Boomer. Afterward, we said hello to Gus and Lorenzo at the Greenspace. They were serving up the tastiest popcorn and coldest water!

We then had the opportunity to get a photo with Mr. Willy Wonka aka Mayor Manchester! And no Chocolate Festival is complete without the annual Chocolate Mousse Eating Contest held at Stella’s. Pictured is the winner in the adult competition!

So what’s happening next in Lewisburg?

On Saturday, May 16th, bring the whole family to Lewisburg, WV for Share the Love Fest! From 10am-7pm, we will celebrate unchained and independent Lewisburg by shopping, eating, and enjoying all things local. This is a great opportunity to find the perfect gift for graduation, Father’s Day, and summer!

There will be several events around town including the Fruity 5k/1 mile walk in the morning, live music at the Greenspace sponsored by the Greenbrier Valley Winter Music Fest, Fritz Pharmacy will be showing their love for the community by giving away FREE hot dogs by Stuart’s Smokehouse and offering complimentary health checks from 11am-2pm, independent artists set up on Church Street aka Artisan’s Row, Cari Cohen Tarot Card readings, Face Painting by High Rocks Academy and a Lemon Art Stand at the Greenpace, a fundraiser for the Humane Society at Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company, and so much more!

This festival will show that we support and appreciate all of those who keep the doors open. For more information, visit LoveLewisburg.org

– LBSPY, April 2015