Chocolate. What better excuse to plan a road trip, right? The Richmond-Wayne County Chocolate Trail has something others don’t: variety. Instead of driving all over a state to various candy makers, Richmond has put together a mix of chocolate themed stops including a classic candy maker, homemade ice cream, donuts, scented candles, and more. Visit Richmond also offers special overnight packages for chocolate lovers.

Abbott's Candies © Wagon Pilot Adventures
Abbott’s Candies © Wagon Pilot Adventures

To get started on the trail, visit the Old National Road Welcome Center in Richmond and pick up your Chocolate Trail Passport. Show your passport at each location for a freebie or discount. Below you’ll find a map of the locations to help you plan your stops and see what each shop has to offer.

*I visited three of these locations as part of a hosted tour by Visit Richmond. As always, opinions are purely my own.

Abbott's Candies © Wagon Pilot Adventures
Abbott’s Candies © Wagon Pilot Adventures

Abbott’s Candies – Get a free chocolate cream candy sample. Dating back to 1890, Abbott’s still specializes in high quality, small batch candy crafting. You’ll find nearly 50 varieties of chocolates along with their famous caramels. Tours are offered on some days too. Read about my visit to Abbott’s here.

Today’s Harvest – Enjoy a free sample of a chocolate donut or chocolate ice cream at this country produce market and flower shop

Warm Glow Candles – Get a free chocolate scented votive candle. The perfect souvenir for your Chocolate Trail tour.

Fountain Acres – Enjoy a free sample of chocolate ice cream in this amazing Amish market. If you’re hungry for more than dessert, I highly recommend their fresh made sandwiches

Ullery's Homemade Ice Cream © Wagon Pilot Adventures
Ullery’s Homemade Ice Cream © Wagon Pilot Adventures

Ullery’s Homemade Ice Cream – Try a sample of chocolate ice cream. Located in Richmond’s Historic Depot District, this little shop offers over a dozen flavors, still made in the old family churn. For a real treat, try the affogato (espresso poured over ice cream), then take a stroll to see the murals decorating the buildings. Read more about my visit to Ullery’s here.

Affogato at Ullery's Homemade Ice Cream © Wagon Pilot Adventures
Affogato at Ullery’s Homemade Ice Cream © Wagon Pilot Adventures

Muddy Monkey Frozen Dessert Shop – Get a free sample of chocolate rocks at this fun self-serve ice cream and donut shop. With over 20 ice cream flavors and 45 toppings you can get really creative

The Village Forager – Sample a chocolate candy or chocolate tea in this unique shop. They offer everything from herbal teas to essential oils and even plants

Building 125 – Enjoy a free sample of chocolate covered cherries or jellybeans at this Cambridge City antique shop while you peruse a myriad of items.

Tin Cup Tea & Gift Shop – Sample some chocolate tea in this historic building in downtown Richmond. They specialize in all kinds of tea and brewing accessories.

S.O.S. Shop – Choose from a selection of free items at the Senior Opportunities Services center, such as a soap or a bracelet made by a local senior. The shop sells all sorts of crafts, gift items, and home goods made by the local elderly community

A.R. Winery – Free chocolate sample with blueberry wine purchase

Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard & Winery – Free Abbott’s chocolate with 6 sample wine flight

Find more information on the Chocolate Trail, lodging, and other local activities on Richmond’s website at VisitRichmond.org