Calling all Chocoholics! Des Moines is filled with sweet treats sure to wow your little chocolate lovers. Mix up some family fun by creating a tour des chocolate for Valentine’s Day. Here is a list of chocolate shops to get you started. Bonus, many of these shops also have ice cream, other candy items and gift items available for purchase. You can sample chocolate and get all of your Valentine’s shopping done at the same time!
Beaverdale Confections
Where: 2641 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines
Phone: (515) 279-0553
Website: http://www.beaverdaleconfections.com/ 
This charming shop in Beaverdale has been making delicious candies at this location since 2010. While their marshmallows are what they’re known for, their hand-made truffles and candies, aren’t to be missed. (My kids and I picked up a few of each and we may have sampled a few in the car on the way home.) Valentine’s inspired candies and nostalgic candy are also available. Basically, anything you get in this candy store is a little piece of bliss.
Chocolaterie Stam
Where: Valley West Mall, 1551 Valley West Drive, Suite 260, West Des Moines Phone: (515) 457-8464
Where: 2814 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines Phone: (515) 282-9575
Website: http://www.stamchocolate.com/ 
It’s really all about the chocolate at this upscale chocolate shop. It’s a bit pricey, but the variety of choices and flavors make it all worth it. Enjoy the Champagne Bonbons or try a bit of everything with the assorted chocolate boxes. All chocolates are made in a nearly 100-year-old Dutch tradition. Specialty items and gelato are also available. I couldn’t resist purchasing an “Instant Handsome Prince Kit”. A chocolate frog with a pair of lips.
Chocolate Storybook
Where: 1000 Grand Ave, West Des Moines
Phone: (515) 226-9893
Website: http://chocolatestory.com/ 
Enjoy a little piece of chocolate heaven at this quaint chocolate shop in West Des Moines. Whether you’re looking for a customized box of goodies or a bar of chocolate, you’ll be able to find it here. Chocolate Storybook is well-known for their chocolate covered bacon and unique flavors of cotton candy. (Both of which came home with us.) Their products can be purchased from multiple locations and venues around town.
What’s your favorite chocolate shop in Des Moines?