Just in time for St. Valentine’s festivities, Joy Chocolate has opened its doors in Essex. This sweet spot (imaginatively designed by Caryn Paradis Interior Design) presented a problem for me during my “no sugar” January. No matter, what’s a tiny piece of deliciousness? I can resist plenty, but a shop full of freshly made treats and the heavenly scent got the best of me. Owners Claire and Steve Ariyan encourage you to “Indulge Your Happy” here, and I complied!

Of course, you must have a salted caramel or three and perhaps bring home a few bars of their exquisite housemade chocolate (milk or dark), but do not turn down a cup of the most decadent, thick, and rich single-origin cocoa. Yes, it’s that good. And for even more JOY, a wall of nostalgic candies will give you a hankering for a Charleston Chew, Mary Jane, or giant Tootsie Roll. I grabbed a bag of S’mores Bark for a gift, but only after I had a nibble. Nothing is better than just a bite of chocolate for dessert, and I know my future dinner guests would be thrilled with a platter of various barks, some chocolate-dipped figs, and the charming hazel-nut stuffed hedgehogs!

Open only on weekends at the moment, but expanding their hours to include the 13th and 14th of February.

5 North Main Street
Essex
https://www.joychocolateco.com/