My first chocolate trip was a trip to my own state's Chocolate Festival in Rehoboth, DE.

The Rehoboth Beach Chocolate Festival is a great way to spend afternoon with the families. The festival runs for a full afternoon in early March. The festival covers everything from baking contests to chocolate tastings. There are also kids' games, and raffles. Lunch is also available on the Main Street.

A second trip took me to Hershey, PA - home of the famous Hershey factory. Staying in the Hershey Hotel, I found indulgences don't necessarily translate to added calories. Their spa includes such luxuries as a cocoa fondue body wrap, a Swedish massage scented with cocoa, and a chocolate sugar scrub that leaves your skin silky smooth. The spa only prepared me for a visit to the Hershey's Chocolate World and Factory Tour. The tour takes you from the beginning in a tropical rain forest where the cocoa beans are harvested through their delivery to the Hershey. You continue through a simulated factory tour that takes you through the deliciously process of transforming the beans into our favorite milk chocolate. The tour concludes free Hershey samples. This is another great trip to include the family in, and when you are tired of chocolate - there is the famous Hershey's Park and Zoo.

The last trip was the whimsical weekend in Boston. The Old Town Trolley Tours took my friends and I on a three hour jaunt where we sample chocolate delicacies created by Boston's finest chefs. The Boston Chocolate Tour starts off with a stop at the Top of the Hub restaurant. Here we tasted the featured dessert for the week. Then we head to the Omni Parker House Hotel to taste the famous Boston crème pie where it was original created. The last stop was at Langham Hotel. The Langham's Chocolate Bar is a chocolate lover's paradise. The chocolate bar hosts a spectacular assortment of mousses, crepes, ice creams, cookies, and tarts.

Since this last chocolate vacation, I have discovered other places and tours where I can indulge my chocolate passion. Such tours included the New York's Chocolate Tour in New York City or the Rebecca Ruth Candy Factory in Frankfort KY. My latest find is the Regent's 11day Chocolate Cruise. I've heard these trips are a splendid way to indulge one their hearts desire with every possible chocolate and pastry creation. I can't wait to take these trips and discover other ways to turn my chocolate passion into yummy vacations. These trips are so sinfully wonderful.

These cookies differ very much from other cookies. First off, they are 2 cm in size, and they have little pictures of pandas playing sports. These biscuits are made with Choco Cream inside. One serving or eight cookies are 138 calories.

They are very tasty with tea. A good place to look for them is at the Asian Food Grocer. One serving or one box should cost around 89 cents. A box like the one above goes for $4.50. It holds ten individual servings. This is perfect to pack in a child's lunch, or to pack in your own lunch.

If international cuisine is your thing, you may find these an utter delight. The Choco Cream melts in your mouth and the biscuits are light and fluffy in flavor. If you are like me, these may be the next treasure you add to your food pantry.

Amedei's Porcelana chocolate was first produced in Tuscany, Italy in 1990. It won three World Chocolate Awards. It is so exclusive that each bar has a number on it.

Malagasy Mora Mora is grown, processed and packaged in Madagascar. It is a blend of three different types of cocoa bean and has a light texture and an almost floral scent. It is not as rich as some other dark chocolates.

Valrhona Cao Grande is made by a French company that blends a mixture of beans from Venezuela, Madagascar and Trinidad. Cao Grande has a unique flavour more suited to the connoisseur.

Green and Black organic dark chocolate is 85% cocoa. It is very strong with a slightly bitter after taste and a strong smell. This is not a chocolate bar that even the most dedicated addict could eat a lot of.

Dark chocolate is thought to be healthier than milk chocolate. It has higher anti-oxidant properties and can help protect the heart and blood vessels from oxidative damage. Tests have also suggested that dark chocolate may have a positive affect on depression.

Although there may be benefits to be had from eating this highly addictive confection, chocolate is high in fat and sugar, so too much of it can counteract any beneficial effects it might have.

Those Who Cook Together Stay Together

Cook up the perfect meal at The Wooden Spoon (5047 N. Clark; 773-293-3190). Try their special couples cooking class where you'll prepare the meal together and share the romantic meal afterwards. Talk about some real bonding time. On the menu is Clams Casino, Osso Bucco with Red Wine Cabbage and Oven-Roasted Root Vegetables and Mango Soufflé with Tropical Fruit Coulis. You'll score huge points for this one (hint, hint guys).

Wine Me, Dine Me

If you're really looking to impress, take that special person to The Signature Room (875 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-878-9596). Located on the 95th floor of the Hancock Building, you'll let them know that they are as special as their surroundings. Say “I love you” Italian style at Via Due Enoteca (1417 W. Fullerton Ave; 773-348-9463). Enjoy their fabulous wine bar and share some spaghetti and you'll both be screaming “Mama Mia.” Café Iberico (739 N. Lasalle Dr; 312-573-1510) will please your palate. Most of their dishes are small and meant to share. Feed your dearest dishes like Champinones A La Plancha; Grilled mushrooms with garlic and olive oil and Calamares A La Plancha; Grilled squid with olive oil, garlic and lemon juice and you'll be closer than ever.

Sky Write Your Love

The Schaumburg Airport, just a short drive from the city offers scenic tours of Chicago. This one will really surprise them. It's a little pricey ($262 per couple) but it will be worth every penny when you see the look on their face when they find out they will be taking a helicopter tour of Chicago. You'll see the Loop in a way you've never seen it before (905 W. Irving Park Rd, Schaumburg; 877-474-3127).

Ride Old Fashioned Style

Chicago is a beautiful city. What better way to see it than by taking a horse and carriage ride with your loved one. JC Cutter's (1-888-664-6014) offers 30 minute, 45 minute and one hour tours. Prices range from $40-$100. It doesn't matter how long you've been with your significant other; it'll be perfect as you stroll through the city in a classy carriage and visit the best highlights of downtown Chicago such as Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park and fabulous lakefront views. This could be a great way to propose and something you'll never forget.

Escape on a Tropical Getaway

Stop by the trendy Lincoln Park Massage Spa (630 W Webster; 773-296-6300) and have a sweet massage with your sweetie. Upon entering you'll be pampered with a warming herbal neck wrap, flavored tea of your choice and a warming towel to refresh your hands. You may not have the time to take a tropical vacation but you'll sure feel like your on one when you step into one of their themed rooms and feel like your laying on the beach in the Caribbean as you hear the tranquil sound of waves softly crashing. Choose from massages like Swedish, deep tissue, sports, Thai and hot stone therapy. You'll both be oohing and aahing after this splendid treat.

Call it a Night

Early to Bed (5232 N. Sheridan Rd; 773-271-1219) offers everything you can think of that will make you and your darling want to hit the hay as soon as possible. Here you will find great treasures that will make your evening extra special. From fun toys to sweet smelling massage oils, you'll be sure to score. As a bonus, this classy shop offers workshops on how-to be a better flirter and teaches couples tickling techniques.

Sparkle and Shimmer

Everyone knows that the ladies love jewelry. Francesca's (2012 N. Halsted Ave; 773- 244-4075) offers reasonably priced twinkling jewelry that's sure to please. Choose from cute earrings, bracelets and necklaces. They also have a great line of clothing and accessories to match. You can't go wrong with this perky boutique. Arts and Artisans (321 N. Michigan Ave; 312-855-9220) is an elegant shop to find the perfect gift for him or her. For her, you might choose their Belladonna perfume bottle adorned with brightly colored flowers. And for him you might consider their beautifully crafted jewelry chest made of natural woods. Or make it a gift you can share together and pick up some of their beautiful stemware. Macy's (111 N. State St; 312-781-5000) is a classic store with endless ideas. Whether it's jewelry, fragrance or candy you're looking for, you can definitely make this a one stop shop.

For the Thrill Seekers

Okay, so you want something a little more exciting? Something that will literally make your heart beat faster? Oldtown Fitplex (1235 N. LaSalle; 312-640-1235) will give you daredevils a boost of excitement. Try indoor rock climbing on any of their challenging routes. You and your loved one will take your relationship to new heights. Private lessons start at $35. Get a great work out at Fleetwood Skating Rink (7321 W. Archer Ave; 708-458-0300) as you and your skate date go back in time and roll around the rink to some groovy tunes and hip fluorescent lights.
Phone: 312-541-1951

The town has often been described as the Western Venice. There are two main truths in this: It has winding streets and waterways creeping throughout the historical city; secondly it contains the same hoards of middle-class tourists sipping their Americano coffees.

However, Bruges is like Venice's younger sister, a little more innocent and cheerful in character. Tourists have not yet infiltrated all its corners, and its beer is undoubtedly of higher quality at less exorbitant prices than Venice. The town is also a refreshing break to the souvenir-ridden virus that sweeps most European tourist hubs. Instead you will find home-made chocolate delicatessen shops spread along the streets - the divine selection of hand crafted treats is enough to send a chocoholic plump with choice.

An Historical Insight

Wander down the narrow lanes for a glimpse back through Bruges' history. Notable sights include the 13th century Belfry, the Beguinage (c1245) and the Groeningemuseum. Most spectacular is the Church of Our Lady, one of the world's highest brick buildings (122 meters) and containing Michelangelo's famous Madonna and Child. This is a must for any cultural buff.

The medieval buildings highlight Bruges' textured past. It rose as an important port and centre of trade within Europe, however struggles with revolts, poverty and war throughout the 13-14 Century saw the downfall of its trade and prosperity. It was not until the 19th Century that Bruges once again saw a rise in wealth by trading in on its art and culture, ultimately capturing the tourist hearts and dollar.

From Diamonds to Dancing

Belgium is world renowned for its diamond trade, with the art of diamond polishing originating within Bruges in the 15th Century. The town contains various jewellery and diamond shops, however if this does not satisfy all your needs, only one hour train ride away is the major centre of the global diamond trade: Antwerp. This town devotes an entire district to diamond shops, and also has "Diamondland," a store that also offers a short tour on the process of transforming a rough cut diamond to a gem.

There is no better way to unwind after an indulging day of chocolate, diamonds and history lessons than settling in for a beer within Bruges' remarkable night scene. You will discover live jazz bars, dance bars, smoky clubs, traditional Belgium pubs, as well the occasional outdoor music concert or festival within the town centre.

The restaurants and bars resting on the water's edge light up the canals and streets, while the walkways become packed with tourists, teens, couples and numerous camera tripods attempting to capture the enticing scenes. Restaurants serve a feast of food, including fresh seafood, Spanish tapas, or my personal favourite: chips, mayonnaise and beer (the Belgium staple).

The Art of Beer

Beer is taken extremely seriously in Belgium, with many restaurants devoting the majority of its menu to in-depth coverage of various local beer varieties. Each brew is served in a specialised glass, at the precise temperature to ensure optimal taste.

I recommend the various cherry and strawberry beers, such as Bellevue and Framboos. A more masculine beer on offer is the Chimay Bleue. This distinctive dark ale was developed by local monks who were dedicated to finding the perfect brew. One should be wary though, at 9% alcohol volume it is better to savour the full flavoured taste, rather than gulp it back like you may a regular beer.

On the whole the locals are friendly and happy to lend their expertise to recommend particular brews. However, is it not always easy to share their jokes as English comes in third after French and Dutch in the national language stakes.

Bruges is a gem within Europe, offering culture, good food and drink all within the realms of every traveller's budget and tastes. The art and culture junkie will get their fix here, as will lovers of beer, chips and live music. The downside of this popular town is the rush of tourists filling the centre squares and restaurants during the popular summer months of July - August. Worse still, is the the inability to trial all the delectable beer varieties in just one weekend.

The Essential Facts:

Getting there: Bruges is a great add-on to any European trip and is well connected by train, plane and bus to all major European capitals. From London the Eurostar has great deals on accommodation and return train fares starting at ₤100 per person.

Getting around: Bruges is small enough to wander around, with numerous cafes, bars and restaurants available for a rest if the walking gets too much. Alternatively, There are taxis and local buses for travel around the city.

Eat: The ultimate Belgium experience is traditional chips and mayonnaise served fresh from the deep fryer

Events:

• Canalside Festival (September 2008): Dancing, music and historical theatrics light up the canal's for this colorful festival.
• Procession of Holy Blood (May 2008): A festival that began in 1150, where a sacred cloth that was stained with the blood of Christ's wounds is paraded through the town.
• Christmas Market (November 2007 - January 2008): An large open-air ice-rink, festive lights, market stalls and plenty of chocolate take over the Central Market Square.
• Jazz Bruges (September 2008): Jazz artists from across Europe put on day and evening Jazz shows
• Coco Laté Festival (April 2008): A town famed for its chocolate puts on a divine show of chocolate sculptures, tasting presentations, walking tours and cocoa massages.

Further Information:

• Official tourist website
• Belgium for Beer Lovers
• Diamond Lovers
• Chimay breweries
• Hotel Accommodation

"BILK" basically means Beer plus Milk. The idea to produce BILK (which is 30% milk and 70% beer) came from a liquor shop owner in Hokkaido, Japan. In order to solve the problem of overproduction of local milk and to help out his fellow friends and family members (mostly dairy farmers), he proposed to add the milk to beer. BILK also contains hops and the process of making it does not differ much from the normal brewery process. It looks and tastes like ordinary beer with a strong scent of milk and hints of sweet fruity flavor. Currently, BILK is sold only in Japan. However, due to heavy media attention and high local demand, the product is normally out of stock.

2. CHOCOLATE BEER

This limited edition of the "Imperial Chocolate Stout"” is produced by Atsugi, Japan Brewery just before the Valentines Day celebration. What's unusual about this product is it doesn't even contain any cocoa even though the beverage tastes chocolatey and there is a word "Chocolate" in its name. To produce this beer, the malt is roasted at a very high temperature to create the chocolate flavor and darker body. It has an alcohol content of 8.9 percent. The beer costs around 630 yen per bottle and is available only in Japan.

3. CHAMPAGNE BEER

Cobra Beer Inc USA launched the "Krait Prestige Champagne Lager" in 2006. This beverage is a combination of champagne and lager or beer in one bottle. The term "Champagne" actually describes the process of making this product. Once the beverage is packed into 750ml bottles, they will be injected with ale yeast and it is cork conditioned for 2 weeks. The retail price of this product is about $13 per bottle.

4. DOG'S BEER

A pet shop owner in The Netherlands came up with an idea to create beer for her pet dog. The non-alcoholic beverage is made of beef extract and malt. A small local brewery helped her to make her dream come true by producing the beverage, labeled as "Kwispelbier", which basically means beer for the wagging tail. It costs about $2.15 per bottle or equivalent to Euro 1.65.

5. PIZZA BEER

The "Mamma Mia Pizza Beer" was created by Tom and Athena Seefurth of Campton Township, Illinois, USA in 2006. The beer is now sold in their local restaurant and it claims to be the world's first culinary beer. The ingredients to produce this beverage include tomatoes, onions, garlics and spices such as oregano and basil. Obviously, "the beer tastes of the ingredients mentioned above" as claimed by the locals who have tasted it.

6. BEER-SICLES

A restaurant in Alexandria, Virginia came up with the idea of creating the beer-sicles or frozen beer popsicles-look-alike made from 99 percent beer quite recently. However, due to controversy and possible violation of the local alcohol law, the production of the said beer-sicles was put to a temporary stop until further notice.

7. LAUGHING BEER

Israeli chemical engineers came up with the idea of infusing beer with a small amount of laughing gas or nitrous oxide, nitrous oxide, a controlled substance in Israel. It is said that the beer may cause the drinker to laugh. It might be a good way to have some fun and relieve some stress too. However,this product is not in the market yet, pending the approval from the local Health Ministry and patenting procedures.