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Urban Spelunker: Tacoma Chocolate Tour

Go-to edible gift for Valentine's Day

Photos by Jackie Fender

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Health food doesn't have to be bland and boring. There is one delectable nibble that research has shown benefits the cardiovascular system, so it's no wonder that it is the go-to edible gift for Valentine's Day. Chocolate literally is good for the heart. My Grandmamma wasn't making up excuses to splurge on her favorite sweet treat after all. With chocolate on the brain, I went in search of some of the best spots in Tacoma to get my fix, with a list of some more in the South Sound area. If chocolate is your vice, then these guys are the pushers.

[OLD SCHOOL]
Johnson Candy Company and See's Candy are two go-tos with vintage, old-school charm. Glass cases lined with truffles, fruit-filled chocolates and nutty confections are really what it's all about. And during the season of amore, you can score cutesy heart-shaped boxes of chocolate varieties for that special someone. Both stores provide the lovely and friendly service you'd expect from a vintage-styled shop, though Johnson's is less corporate in its approach. 924 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma, 253.272.8504; 4502 S. 4959. Steele St., Tacoma, 253.475.4959

[TOFFEE LOGS]
Brown and Haley, creators of Almond Roca, have roots right here in the South Sound and began their journey in Tacoma. Tasty almond toffee logs covered in chocolate and individually wrapped in foil, le sigh, you can't go wrong. Adventurous Roca fiends can even find dark chocolate and mocha varieties. You can find these at many local retail spaces, though Brown and Haley has two local shops that home all your Almond Roca needs. 110 E. 26th St., Tacoma; 3500 20th St. E., Fife

[PROCTOR PUSHER]
The Pacific Northwest Shop in the Proctor Districts houses a variety of gift ideas with the Pacific Northwest in mind, obviously. This includes those of the edible variety, ESPECIALLY chocolate. There's a plethora of locally concocted chocolate treats, from a chocolate salmon, bars and the aforementioned Almond Roca, though its Old Town Delights are just that, delightful. Made in the heart of Tacoma, Old Town Delights includes S'more, Orange, Vanilla Nib and Espresso-flavored truffles in small, treat-sized gift boxes to larger, more shareable ones. The PNW Shop is also a great stop to get your fix because it has a lovely selection of local wines to pair with your chocolaty morsels.  2702 N. Proctor, Tacoma, 253.752.2242

[COCOA BOYS]
`When locals think of one of the finest selections for herbivores and carnivores alike paired with a surprising array of brews and vino, Tacoma Boys instantly comes to mind. Many also are in the know when it comes to fudge finds, because Tacoma Boys has a phenomenal selection for those who go cuckoo for cocoa as well. Tacoma Boys' handmade fudge is rich and delectable and comes in a variety of flavors like Chocolate Explosion featuring bits of M&Ms and Oreo or Rocky Road, Creamsicle or even Jalapeño!  Now you know, too. 5602 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.756.0902

Honorable Mentions: Blissful Wonders, Sugar, Heidi's Sweet Shop

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