Chicago, IL

After all of the stress that comes with the holidays, like shopping, decorating, and baking, you should treat yourself. While some people may think it is a treat to get a massage or pedicure, when I want to treat myself, I think chocolate. Here are some great ways that you can treat yourself in Chicago this year, with a chocolate theme.

Fannie May Chocolate Ferry
Take the Chicago Water taxi on the weekends between now and December 23rd and not only will you get a free ride, you will also get free Fannie May Chocolate samples. This is a good way to get from downtown to Michigan Avenue shopping. You will also get a coupon for a free cup of hot chocolate at the Fannie May flagship store at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive.

Ethel’s Chocolate Lounge
Yes, it’s as delicious as it sounds. There are several locations, hopefully one near you. I have been to the one at Old Orchard Mall in Skokie, where my husband and I shared chocolate fondue. It was “research” because we planned to have a chocolate fountain at our wedding and we needed to know what tasted good dipped in chocolate. Of course the answer was “everything” and we ended up not using the fountain, but it was well worth the trip.

I have also stopped by the location at the 900 N Michigan building for a hot chocolate. Also recommended. They have comfortable chairs, so you can just stop in, get a delicious chocolate treat and rest your tired feet for awhile.

Ghiradelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop
830 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
Walk into this chocolate heaven and you will get a free sample of one of their signature chocolate squares. My favorite is the one with caramel, but they are all pretty great. In addition to chocolate treats, they also have a wide variety of ice cream products, like shakes and sundaes. My favorite is the World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae. I highly recommend it.

This is the last post in my 12 Days of Chicago series. I hope that I have given you some ideas of fun things that you can do in Chicago this Christmas season. The deadline for the accompanying contest is today at 12:00 p.m. Chicago time. If you have not yet entered, click here for more information.

Chicago, Ethel’s Chocolate Shop, Ghiradelli, chocolate, Fannie Mae