Home  Contact Us Regions: Northwest Florida Northeast Florida Central Florida Southeast Florida Southwest Florida Site Links: FlaTrips.com Archives Arts Books  Boat Tours Contests Entertainment  Events  Historic Lodging Interviews  Museums Mysteries Night Life Parks and Preserves Advertise Comments  Contributors Submit Press Releases	October 2012                                                Vol. 2 Issue 10                              Florida Trips Magazine™ Feature Story                       Whetstone Chocolates – St. Augustine                                                  by SueAnn Carpenter                                                          Whetstone Chocolates of St. Augustine, Florida offers tours with chocolate samples at their factory. Photo supplied by Whetstone Chocolates © 2012 Whetstone Chocolates.       I’ve always been passionate about chocolate. Its seductively sweet allure began with my first job as a 14-year-old. In charge of the candy counter of the local Ben Franklin store, I was paid $.50 an hour. The fringe benefit was being allowed to eat all I desired. That was the clincher. And boy, did they make a mistake!      So naturally I was excited about a tour through Whetstone Chocolate Factory located at 139 King Street in St. Augustine. They introduce you to the Aztec history, the actual making of chocolate, and their Whetstone story. Besides the science of chocolate, our guide also shared the latest research into its health effects, noting that flavanols have antioxidant qualities that have positive influences on the body’s health.      His quotes reminded me of some people who swear chocolate’s an anti-depressant or aphrodisiac. My mother insisted that my overindulgence could cause acne and tooth decay. Luckily, I learned that her statements were overstated or false. But frankly, who cares?      Obviously none of us on the tour did. We salivated for the tiny samples of milk, white chocolate, and dark chocolates. Even the nutty, woody, slightly bitter taste of cocoa nibs enthralled me, while others drooled for the artisan chocolate pieces. This tour is not recommended for anyone with milk, soy, wheat and nut allergies. It’s specifically for us chocoholics who are interested in the subtleties of the chocolate experience…and of course the free samples.                                             Whetstone Chocolates gift sets. Photo supplied by Whetstone Chocolates © 2012 Whetstone Chocolates.       Henry and Esther Whetstone created this business with a fudge recipe in their small home kitchen (their original factory) in 1966. They added 13 different flavors plus hand-dipped chocolates, and by the ‘70s, the demand for their delicacies created a production factory for supplying retail stores.      The second generation took over when their daughter Virginia graduated from Vanderbilt University. Although she focused on administration, personnel, retail stores, purchasing and quality control, she excelled at formula development. Personally visiting cocoa plantations around the world, she selects the best chocolate from more than 200 grades, acquiring only the best.                                          A Whetstone Chocolates tour guide demonstrates the the wrapping procedure for the chocolates at Whetstone Chocolate Factory. Photo © 2012 Bob Carpenter      In 1984, a new 10,000 square-foot factory became necessary for their wholesale products and contract work for Nestlé’s, Hershey and M&M Mars. Whetstone’s production quality, creativity and innovation were highly sought after. In the ‘90s the Whetstone Chocolate factory became a major tourist attraction, with daily tours commonplace.  Having evolved from mass-production chocolates, Virginia’s now teaches people about the growth, harvesting and production of chocolate. At the same time she is educating consumers’ palates to the varieties of flavor and sharing her unique artisan chocolates created.                                   Preparing the chocolates at Whetstone Chocolates. Photo supplied by Whetstone Chocolates © 2012 Whetstone Chocolates.                              Curiously, chocolate contains pharmacologically active substances that have the same effect on the brain as marijuana, and these chemicals may be responsible for certain drug-induced psychoses associated with chocolate craving. That’s my excuse, but it’s not a requirement for enjoying this tour. You’ll have a decadently delicious time.      Whetstone Chocolates is located at 139 King Street in St. Augustine. Tours are limited to 25 people, so reservations are suggested. Call 904-217-0275. Cost is $8-adults, $5.50 for children age 5-17, and free for those under 5. The adult ticket contains a $2 coupon toward purchases in their gift shop. Go to www. Whetstonechocolates.com.	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