Sweet, sweet escape

CHOCOLATE WORLD

A chocolate tour of the USA isn't complete without a visit to the most popular chocolate attraction of all. Hershey's Chocolate World in Pennsylvania brings visitors on an interactive ride that delves into the making of some of the world's most recognisable chocolate bars. As part of the experience, children have the option to make their own customised chocolate bar and wrapper.

CHOCOLATE SPA

Imagine immersing yourself in chocolate heaven without worrying about calories. Whether you fancy a whipped cacao bath or a chocolate sugar scrub, The Chocolate Spa at The Hotel Hershey in Pennsylvania has you covered. The spa's range of cacao-inspired treatments takes advantage of chocolate's detoxifying properties, leaving visitors feeling as silky smooth as their favourite pot de crème at checkout.

CHOCOLATE SCULPTORS

Established in 1986, it's clear that The Chocolate Fetish knows its cacao. Located in Asheville, North Carolina, this award-winning establishment is the perfect place to taste the chocolate concoctions of some of the most famous chocolatiers in the US. Gaze through the windows that overlook the in-store production area and watch these beautiful chocolate creations come to life.

CHOCOLATE FOOD TRUCK

Texas is renowned for its quirky food trucks, but this one is extra special. Chocollazo is San Antonio's first and only chocolate food truck, serving up a feast of enchanting sweets on wheels. The Chocollazo truck is always on the move. If you're lucky enough to cross its path, make sure to get your hands on an indulgent chocolate assortment. Don't worry about missing out; it was so popular that two permanent stores also opened.

CHOCOLATE FACTORIES OF SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco is home to a collection of bean-to-bar chocolate factories. Whether it's the chocolatiers bouncing around Dandelion Chocolate Factory or chatting with a chocolate expert in the Ghirardelli Chocolate Marketplace, San Francisco's chocolate frenzy is sure to catch your imagination before taking over your taste buds. Free tours are in high demand, so make sure to book your place on a bean-to-bar tour in advance of arriving in the city.

CHOCOLATE MOVIE LOCATION

Is life really like a box of chocolates? Make your way to
Savannah, Georgia, and explore the setting of arguably one of the most famous chocolate movie scenes of all time. The Forrest Gump chocolate scene, starring Tom Hanks, was filmed on location in Savannah on the north side of leafy Chippewa Square. There's certainly no better place to relax and ponder the meaning of life with a box of your favourite chocolates. The actual bench from the scene has been moved indoors and is now on display in the Savannah History Museum on Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard.

CHOCOLATE MUSEUM

Twenty-five sculptures line the walls of our next stop, and you've guessed it, all are made from chocolate. The World of Chocolate Museum & Cafe in Orlando, Florida, takes visitors on a trip around the world's most iconic attractions. Can you fight the urge to take a bite out of a perfectly crafted replica of New York City's Statue of Liberty? This attraction is also a great place to step back in time and learn the history of the chocolate industry. Retired chocolate machines, tools and instruments are on display throughout. Occasional in-house musical performances are featured.

CHOCOLATE COCKTAILS

The East Coast plays host to an impressive collection of chocolate tipples ranging from the distinctive tastes of Massachusetts-based Night Shift Brewing Company to the more adventurous flavours of the Ayza Wine and Chocolate Bar in New York City. Cocktail connoisseurs can sample delicious chocolate-infused beverages featuring crème de cacao.