The extraordinary person in your life deserves the most extraordinary chocolates.

You could head to the nearest gas station to grab a KitKat or Hershey’s bar. Or you could even get a Toblerone or a box of Ferrero Rocher on Amazon.

But, because Valentine’s Day only happens once a year, celebrate the right way and head to a chocolatier!

Here are seven places to go for the best bon bons, truffles, fudge, ice cream and other chocolate-covered goodies in Colorado Springs:

Cacao Chemistry Chocolatier & Patisserie

In the heart of downtown Colorado Springs at 109 North Tejon St., lies a sweet-smelling, chocolate-filled store. According to their website, Cacao Chemistry uses “organic, fair-trade Valrhona chocolate sourced from partnership farms located in 12 equatorial countries.”

Chocolate Bark • Hot Chocolate Mixes • Chocolate Pearls • House-made Truffles

Sam Lang is the co-owner of Cacao Chemistry, a local business that makes creative gourmet chocolates. Some of the chocolates created by Lang are Roasted Carrot & Candied Ginger or Iberico Ham & Passion Fruit. Tuesday, June 30, 2015. (Jerilee Bennett/The Gazette)

JERILEE BENNETT/THE GAZETTE

Pikes Peak Chocolate & Ice Cream

Head over to Manitou Springs at 739 Manitou Ave. for a chocolate tasting adventure, ice cream included. According to their website, Pikes Peak Chocolate & Ice Cream’s “chocolatiers create over 70 different delectable homemade chocolates on premise each and every day.”

Bear Paws • Coconut Haystacks • Truffles • Toffee • Hand-rolled Salted Caramels

Otho Spencer mixes ingredients to be microwaved while making homemade Cracker Jack Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at Pikes Peak Chocolate and Ice Cream in downtown Colorado Springs. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)

CHRISTIAN MURDOCK

Patsy’s Original Candies

Located west of downtown Colorado Springs at 1540 South 21st St., Patsy’s has been in the Pikes Peak region since 1903. According to their website, Patsy’s treats “start with the best ingredients; real butter, pure chocolate, real cream and no additives, or preservatives.”

Coconut Snowballs • Almond Toffee Milk Chocolate • Assorted Truffles • Assorted Chocolates

Patsy’s Candies has a more than 100-year history in the area. It had been in the hands of the Niswonger family since the ’50s. They sold the business in early 2016. But they are back as the owners again after a short stint away. Si Niswonger (left) runs a wrapping machine while chocolatier Lacy Barkley puts chocolate bars on a conveyer belt on Tuesday, October 31, 2017. Photo by Jerilee Bennett/The Gazette

JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

With two locations around the Colorado Springs area at 1605 Briargate Parkway Suite 111 and 2431 West Colorado Ave., Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory has been a staple franchise for chocolate around Colorado. What all started in 1981 as a small chocolate shop in Durango is now a well-known chocolate hub.

Ganache Truffles • Milk Chocolate Caramels • Nut Patties • Chocolate Peanut Butter Buckets 

Norma Jean Parker dipped a strawberry into white chocolate Friday afternoon, increasing the Valentine’s Day treat inventory where she works at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Old Colorado City. She said she has done custom work and chocolate dipping for five years and loves the artistry of the job. CAROL LAWRENCE,THE GAZETTE 02/12/10

CAROL LAWRENCE THE GAZETTE

The Candy Bar on Tejon

On the west side of Tejon, across from Cacao Chemistry, one can find The Candy Bar at 124 North Tejon St., which was established in 2012. Among their chocolate truffle flavors are wedding cake, birthday cake and carrot cake.

Dark Chocolate Toffee • Cappuccino Truffles • Milk Chocolate Cake Batter Bites • Malt Balls

You can’t have Valentine’s Day without candy, even if it’s on of the coldest Valentine’s Days on record. Shahnee Foltz shovels snow for customers in front of the Candy Bar candy store on Tejon St. on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette)

JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE

See’s Candies

Located at 7630 North Academy Blvd., See’s Candies chocolate shop features a candy counter where you can create your own custom box of assorted chocolates. Choose between fruity combinations like lemon, key lime and pineapple truffles or nutty flavors like almond and cafe hazelnut. Visit here to view more.

Dark Caramel Patties • Milk Rum Nougat • Chocolate Coffee Beans • Dark Peanut Crunch

A box of See’s Candies commemorating 100 years. (Ricardo DeAratanha/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Ricardo DeAratanha

Cole Market

Head to 7830 North Academy Blvd. in north Colorado Springs for artisan chocolate made in-house at Cole Market. Gourmet popcorn is also offered within the categories of buttery, kettle, cheese & savory, candied, caramel, chocolate drizzle and more. 

Mexican Hot Chocolate Bar • Butter Rum Truffles • Churro Bark • Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Popcorn

Other Valentine’s Day lists: