Try strolling for chocolate on Valentine's Day

Sometimes I’m a bit snobby.

Actually, I am particularly snobby right around Valentine’s Day when I see those frilly, heart-shaped boxes of mass-produced chocolates in the drug store.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not a total food snob. I love a big ‘ol pile of Fritos as much as the next gal. I prefer cheap champagne. And I’m totally excited to learn that microwave pork rinds have just been invented. (More on that later!)

Specifically, I am a chocolate snob. OK. I said it. And being a chocolate snob, I’m inclined to drive on over to Smithfield on Friday night to check out the “Chocolate Lover’s Evening.”

This is where you stroll through the shops, art galleries and eateries along Smithfield’s charming Main Street and stop at each to sample home-made chocolates – for free! – and then make a $1 donation to vote for your favorite (and you can have as many favorites as you like).

I just spoke with Collin Norman over at the visitor’s bureau and he said that mass-produced chocolates are not allowed in the fundraiser, which benefits American Cancer Society’s Isle of Wight/Surry Relay for Life.

Expect greatness. “The creativity never ceases to amaze me,” said Collin, a veteran chocolate stroller. “There are things dripping and gooey. There are chocolates coated in fruit. There are things you cannot describe.”

On a reconnaissance mission a week or so ago we found lots of cool shops selling all kinds of art, home décor, and such and thought we’d return even without the lure of home-made chocolates. It’s where we met Susan McDonald in her shop, Perspectives, which has lots of cool gifts and home décor. That’s her in the picture holding one of the pretty coffee mugs she sells.

Anyhooooo, Smithfield is about a half-hour from downtown Norfolk. The gig is from 5 to 8 p.m.

And while you are in downtown Smithfield, check out the world’s oldest ham. It’s 108-years-old and Guinness-certified and will be on view at the town’s museum. For more information on all things Smithfield including the ham and the chocolate, click here.

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