Established by the National Confectioners Association, National Chocolate Day is celebrated on October 28th every year. Whether you prefer it in bars, truffles, or baked goods, chocolate has a way of bringing joy to our lives. With Halloween right around the corner, there’s no better time to highlight the places in and around Lake Geneva where you can find some wonderful chocolate treats!
Why do we love chocolate so much? It can lower stress by releasing serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins into our system as well as a good dose of antioxidants. It can help you lose weight . . . you heard right! If you consume a little chocolate (preferably a dark version) prior to a large meal you will likely consume less calories during the meal. It’s also good for your heart when consumed smartly. Eating a dark chocolate bar with almonds can reduce the LDL in your blood. And, a little chocolate in your day just makes you happy!
Here are a few things you can do to celebrate chocolate today and every day!
- Share some chocolate with friends - - - who doesn't love a sweet treat in their day!
- Make something chocolate, try homemade truffles or some brownies from-scratch.
- Try chocolate in a savory recipe, put some in your next pot of chili, or make a rub for ribs with cocoa and coffee.
- Visit a local chocolate/candy shop, we've got some great ones in the Lake Geneva region.
Where to find Chocolate Candies and Treats
Kilwins Chocolate & Ice Cream | 772 Main Street, Lake Geneva, WI | 262-248-4400
A must-visit for any chocolate enthusiast, Kilwins offers an irresistible selection of chocolates, fudge, and homemade ice cream. On National Chocolate Day, stop by for a sample of their famous sea salt caramels or indulge in a decadent chocolate-covered treat. The sweet smelling and inviting atmosphere makes it an ideal stop for a sweet break.
Four Brothers Chocolate | 105 W. Main Street, Fontana, WI | (262) 394-5177
Check out this family-owned business in the heart of Fontana-on-Geneva Lake. Four Brothers Chocolates crafts all their fine confections by hand with delicious family recipes. The butter almond toffee, fresh cream truffles, chocolate covered potato chips, and caramels will help you with your sweet cravings.
Something Sweet | 235 Broad Street, Lake Geneva, WI | (262) 812-4141
They have all the sweetest things! Gourmet chocolates, bulk candy, taffy, popcorn, soft serve and hand-dipped ice cream, smoothies, fresh baked goods, frozen chocolate dipped bananas and cheesecake, and retro candy! This is a place where families and friends can come together to celebrate life’s joys and make sweet memories.
Where to Find Chocolatey Coffee Drinks
Inspired Coffee | 883 W Main St., Lake Geneva | (262) 683-8604
Inspired Coffee is a premium coffee shop with a mission, a neighborhood place, located in downtown Lake Geneva that supports and empowers people with disabilities to live with greater purpose. Here you will find tasty and sweet coffee and other beverages, served with heart and a smile. Try one of their chocolatey frappes or a warm cup of cocoa to start your day.
The Porch | 832 Geneva St., Lake Geneva | (262) 729-4100
Enjoy the charm of Lake Geneva's mornings, afternoons and evenings at the newest addition to "The House" of Brick & Mortar Home. They serve coffee, lattes, and blended creations in a spot designed to help you sit back, and relax on the best corner in town.
Coffeehouse Bar and Café at the House of Music | N3241 County Trunk H, Lake Geneva | (262) 203-5162
It’s a rustic, rock n roll roadhouse designed to serve up delicious tastes in food, beverage and music! Their fine coffees and treats in the coffeehouse aim to deliver a comfortable, good vibe in a musically styled kinda way. Try their "S'More Some Sugar on Me" drink for a coffee drink with music around the campfire vibes. With regular live music throughout the house and outdoor grounds, there’s always something to be checking out here.
Niche Café & Wine Bar | 715 Hunt Club Dr., Lake Geneva | (262) 581-6800
Conveniently located at the entrance of Geneva National, this comfortable and cozy location gives neighborhood vibes all day. Try out their espresso and handcrafted coffee drinks with beans expressly blended for Niche that produce sweet and chocolatey notes with a great flavor and the strength to start your day right. You might even find a sweet chocolate treat in their bakery case.
Healing Grounds Café and Juicery | 7510 288th Ave., Salem, WI | (262) 586-0199
Looking for a healthier version of your favorite chocolate drinks? Check out this place that offers you a way to enjoy a treat and not feel guilty! Try their Mushroom Hot Chocolate that is filled with a blend of heirloom cacao, espresso, and a signature blend of organic mushroom powders full of healthy adaptogens (they've event got a spicy version to heat up your morning).
Egg Harbor Café | 827 W. Main St., Lake Geneva | (262) 248-1207
Stop into the only Wisconsin location of this favorite breakfast spot for something sweet with your eggs in the morning. You will surely be tempted by their frozen hot cocoa or Cookies & Cream Harborccino offerings, and warmed by their gourmet hot chocolate.
Where to Find the Best Baked and Frozen Chocolate Treats
Simple Café, Bakery & Market | 525 Broad St., Lake Geneva | (262) 248-3556
This small, family-owned operation is out to change the world, one bite at a time. They pride themselves on their farm-to-table approach and are committed to using locally grown ingredients as much as possible. Their bakery offers French styled pastries, artisan breads, and decadent cakes. Stop in on a Saturday for their amazing chocolate sourdough bread, or any morning for a chocolate croissant.
Lorelei Bittner’s Bakery | 495 Interchange N, Lake Geneva | (262) 248-2300
A tradition of fine baking that started in 1946, this bakery is where the finest of ingredients meet the most experienced and talented bakers. Their famous chocolate cake is perfect for your next celebration, or stop by in the morning for a chocolate donut to get your day started right!
Lake Geneva Pie Company | 150 E. Geneva Square, Lake Geneva | (262) 248-5100
Here you will find old fashioned pies made with locally sourced ingredients that you can enjoy by the slice or whole, including their chocolate cream and chocolate pecan pies. In addition to their famous pies, you'll find other baked goods that will help you satisfy that chocolate craving including cookies, muffins, and breads.
Blue Heaven Ice Cream | 105 W Main St, Fontana, WI | (262) 394-5177
This sister store to Four Brothers Chocolate is a little slice of heaven on earth on the west end of Geneva Lake. They know their chocolate, and their super premium ice cream includes some pretty decadent chocolate offerings that are a perfect way to enjoy their patio.
Going Bananas | 812 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva | (262) 745-0463
Located in the Riviera marketplace, this fun operation is proud to share its gourmet made-to-order chocolate-dipped frozen bananas, a new twist to the classic frozen treat. These gourmet made-to-order chocolate-dipped frozen bananas are sure to bring a smile to people’s faces.
The Original Rainbow Cone | 393 N. Edwards Blvd., Lake Geneva | (608) 765-8884
This Chicago favorite is a recent addition to the area. Their sliced ice cream cones include some super tasty chocolate combinations that are sure to make anyone happy. In addition to ice cream they offer shakes, ice cream cakes, and mini-donuts covered in chocolate and fun toppings.
As a food that truly encourages passion and indulgence, chocolate is a gift to the world. National Chocolate Day is a perfect excuse to indulge in some of the finest chocolate treats Lake Geneva has to offer. Whether eaten in the form of a chocolate bar, enjoyed as a chocolate beverage or used to bake a variety of desserts, chocolate has a rich history and a bright future!
Don’t forget to share your chocolate-filled day on social media! Use hashtags like #NationalChocolateDay and #LakeGeneva to connect with fellow chocolate enthusiasts. You might even find new recommendations or meet others who share your passion for all things chocolate.