Southern Ocean County’s Chocolate Week

If you plan on heading to southern Ocean County (in the Long Beach Island region of New Jersey) within February 11 to February 20, 2012, and happen to love chocolate, then you're in for a treat.

Southern Ocean County's Chocolate Week, which is taking place on the dates mentioned above, was developed with that premise, according to Lori Pepenella who is the destination marketing manager for the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce.

The region's Chocolate Week is being celebrated annually and it is now on its fourth year. Local bakeries, restaurants, florists, inns, real estate offices, retailers and nonprofits are all taking part in this chocolaty feast.

Pepenella said: "It has the element of fun, and it's also to plan for your summer... to get people down to visit us mid-winter, meet with Realtors to talk about vacation rentals, do open houses, and offer chocolate candy."

Chocolate Week serves as a promotional tactic to encourage visitors to come over during the winter and then come back by summer.

"In the winter you need something to warm you up and certainly with Valentine's Day and winter break and wanting to go out for dinner, February was a good month for that," Pepenella added.

Chocolate Week is packed with all sorts of exciting and exceptional events in which you and your sweethearts can treat yourself, from chocolate-covered pretzels making and chocolate tasting to fashion shows. Plus, you can also enjoy a Lighthouse International Film Festival Society viewing of an independent romantic comedy. There will be chocolate snacks provided as well, and it's all happening at the Long Beach Island Foundation for the Arts and Sciences.

Camille McKenna, the owner of Camille's Floral Designs on East Bay Avenue in Manahawkin, is taking part by providing a box of chocolates for certain Valentine's Day orders. "It's a good pairing. Our chamber has been doing this for a while and coming up with ideas to bring people to what is usually a resort area," she said. "And it's a great promotion for us as well."

Thrilled? Go ahead and spoil yourself. After all, it's not everyday that you get to celebrate Valentine's Day.

For more information see the official chocolate week website at the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce.

Joanna Maligaya
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