Take A Trip to Candyland For Valentine’s Day

There’s no doubt about it: Valentine’s Day and chocolates go hand-in-hand, just like sweethearts on a stroll. And if you’re looking for something fun to do with your sweetheart – or your circle of friends – we have a sweet idea for you.

You may not be able to tour Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, but you can still take a “Wonka” walk of sorts with a sweet stroll through some special shops in Odessa, Mo. On Thursday, February 9 from 4-9 pm, the town is hosting its Love on the Block Chocolate Walk. You can treat yourself or the one you love to a few choice chocolate confections. Come sink your teeth into this annual event when downtown shops stay open late. Bring your sweetheart or a fellow chocolate lover to walk Odessa’s historic downtown while strolling, shopping, and tasting delectable melt-in-your-mouth chocolate treats from local stores. Marmee’s will have a chocolate fountain and other shops will have different chocolate surprises. The Broken Dollar Saloon, 3 Women and an Oven bakery, 2nd Street Nutrition, Farmstead Store, and Creamery will all have chocolate specials that night.

Enjoy sampling sweet cocoa-coated treats, delicious dipped delights, and more while walking and checking out Odessa’s assortment of warm and welcoming shops filled with handcrafts, antiques, and more. So don’t miss it. Milk (chocolate) this event for all it’s worth! Something else to chew on: Odessa was founded in 1878 by the region’s first inhabitants who were primarily Eastern European. They named the town after the Ukrainian city of Odessa – a region that’s often been in the news lately – sadly for tragic reasons.