Chocolate Walk back for second year on Feb. 8

By Sherry Lucas

Main Street Clinton’s Chocolate Walk makes a sweet return to Olde Towne on Saturday, February 8, with a second annual tasting tour of downtown businesses and merchants.

The event’s inaugural run was a hit from the start last year, with the participation of more than 130 people and more than a dozen businesses in downtown Clinton. Organizers hope for the same enthusiasm this time around. In addition to eateries, Olde Towne gift shops, boutiques, a hair salon and more will join in the fun.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children, and the appeal is across the board. Tickets are limited, so those who wish to participate are encouraged to register online through links provided in Main Street Clinton’s social media and website.

Chocolate Walk participants get a passport that they carry from one business to another on this sweet stroll, collecting passport stamps and tasty chocolate treats, served numerous ways, as they meet and visit with business owners, shop offerings and embrace the community spirit of Clinton. Also expected are a yummy array of chocolate baked goods, drinks and candies to sample along the way.

“They can enjoy them onsite, or put them in a commemorative bag [included in the ticket] to enjoy later,” said Main Street Clinton Assistant Jackie Massey.

The event is designed to appeal to all ages and groups.

“It can be friends, it can be sweethearts, sometimes participants are parents and children…It fits everybody,” Massey said. “It certainly is fun in that it’s a walkable event, and, in some ways, there’s always a surprise. You don’t know what the treat is, but it’s always chocolate, and what could be better?”

Though not specifically promoted as a Valentine’s Day event, the proximity of that holiday does bring it to mind. But, more than that, it’s an outing to take advantage of the typically mild February weather and enjoy a day out and about. Participants turn in their passports for a drawing at the end of the event, with the winner receiving $100 in Main Street Money that can be spent at any of the Main Street businesses.

“It’s an adventure,” Massey said.

Ella and Audrey Harding at the 2024 inaugural Chocolate Walk

Meme’s Bakery’s Allison Reno had yet to nail down the treat she’ll share, but promised a fun surprise.

“We’re still testing recipes,” she said. “We always make sure they’re perfect before we put them out.”

Last year’s event was great from the get-go, with excellent participation, Reno recalled.

“Honestly, it was just a lot of fun…Sometimes when you’re coming out of that January lull, people are wanting something active to do, and what could be better than walking around and getting people to hand you chocolate — who wouldn’t want that?”

“It’s kind of a reentry into the world. People get in their nests in January and hibernate a little bit and rest,” Reno said. This enticement can coax them back into the social scene.

Wyatt Waters Gallery, too, is delighted to participate, Kristi Waters said. Such events provide a unique opportunity to connect with the community, share Waters’ art and celebrate Olde Towne charm.

“Events not only bring people together, but also highlight the importance of supporting small businesses, which are the heartbeat of our community,” Waters said. “For this year’s Chocolate Walk, Wyatt will be in the gallery working on a Valentine’s painting, and we will have a chocolate treat or two for our guests.”