Top Spots for Chocolate in Connecticut [updated]

For the traditional Valentines Day present, it's nearly impossible to beat the universal appeal of chocolate. And for those of us who could care less about the Hallmark holiday, consider this a great way to satisfy that sweet tooth. So without further ado, here is a short list of places across Connecticut to satisfy that craving and maybe score a few points with your sweetheart. A word to the wise: when buying chocolate, you'll want to stop in a few days before the holiday to strike the best balance between freshness and selection. And please comment below and share any favorite chocolate or sweet spots that we missed! [Originally posted in 2012, this has been updated for 2013].

Bridgewater Chocolate
What: Huge variety of chocolates, bars, cookies, toffee, etc.
Where: 559 Federal Road, Brookfield 

Chocolate Lab at eleven14 Kitchen
What: Chocolate shop and café located inside the JHouse hotel 
Where: 1114 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich

Chocolate Rain
What: Handmade chocolates, French Macarons, Petit Fours, pastries and cupcakes
Where: 69 Wilton Avenue, Norwalk  

Cocoa Michelle 
What: Seasonal chocolates and truffles.
Where: 54 Railroad Place, Westport  

Deborah Ann’s
What: A classic sweet shop with hand-made chocolates, fudge, gelato, candy by the pound and a small café and gift shop.
Where: 381 Main Street, Ridgefield
Recommended: Candy by the pound for those with an indecisive sweet tooth.

Divine Treasures Chocolates
What: Belgian-style chocolates  
Where: 404 Middle Turnpike W, Manchester   

Fascia Chocolates
What: Family owned & operated since opening in 1964, small batch chocolates
Where: Various locations  

Hauser Chocolates
What: European-style truffles founded by Swiss chocolatier Ruedi Hauser. Founded in Bethel and now produced in Westerley, RI, with shops in each town.
Where: 137 Greenwood Avenue, Bethel
Recommended: A box of Chocolate Lace

Isabel et Vincent
What: 7th generation chocolatier
Where: 1903 Post Road, Fairfield
Recommended: Hand-made nougatine, azurs, rochers 

Knipschildt Chocolatier & Cafe Chocopologie
What: Chocolate factory & café, expanded beyond Norwalk into New Haven & Stamford.
Where: Norwalk, New Haven, Stamford
Recommended: Caramel & sea salt truffle and the Sweetheart Box.

La Dolce Vita Chocolates [formerly known as Schakolod]
What:European-style chocolates made on premise 
Where: 172 Bedford Street, Stamford
Recommended: Kosher options  

Litchfield Candy Company
What: Sweet shop representing other chocolate vendors  
Where: 245 West Street, Litchfield

Munsons Chocolates
What: Founded in CT in 1946, offering boxed chocolates, by the pound, fudge and sugar-free options. 
Where:  A list of central and eastern CT locations
Recommended: Buttercrunch & milk chocolates.

r + d chocolates
What: Small batch chocolates using 72% Dark Chocolate [limited availability]
Where: Online or at the winter New Canaan Farmers' Market  
Recommended: Fleur de sel caramels & bacon ganache 

Sweet Pierre’s 
What: A chocolate boutique offering brands including Bridgewater, Godiva and MarieBelle.
Where: 8 Danbury Road, Ridgefield  

Sweet Rexies
What: Candy, chocolate & gifts, "a little bit of everything." 
Where: 1552 Post Road Fairfield

The Little Chocolate Company
What: Traditional Belgium chocolates by Chocolatier Martine Coscia. 
Where: 99 Mill Street, Greenwich
Signature products: Bark & miniature biscotti.   

Tschudin Chocolates & Confections
What: Truffles, hand-cut ganaches, brittles and caramels 
Where: 100 Riverview Center, Middletown

Belgique [closed in 2012]
What: Artisan Belgian chocolates hand-made in Connecticut by Chef Pierre Gillissen.
Where: Kent & New Canaan
Read more: CTbites review