The "Little Europe" Of North Carolina Is Hiding 5 Amazing Chocolate Havens In One Charming Town

An Asheville staple since 2002, this award-winning mom and pop chocolate shop mixes up delightfully decadent small-batch chocolates, inspired by the owners' travels around the world. The extensive variety of artisan truffles, caramels, chocolate-covered fruits, and chocolate rounds often have a touch of true Belgian influence, but you won't be surprised to find French, American, and local North Carolinian influences as well.

Gracing the Chocolate Fetish lineup are swoon-worthy combos like the romantic Wine and Roses truffle - delicately infused with red wine and rose petal, the delightfully complex Blossom truffle (dark chocolate flavored with lemon, ginger and saffron and garnished with violet), the refreshing Marbled Mint chocolate rounds, and everything in between! Bonus: the creative sculptures, shapes, and concoctions that make perfect gifts. It's truly a chocolate (and chocolate art)-lover's dream!

Visit the Chocolate Fetish website for the full menu, but definitely pay a visit to see the incredible creations in person!

While not a chocolate shop like many of the other entries on this list, there's no denying that Biltmore Estate is pretty sweet. That's why for the ultimate royal treatment, fit for the most discerning of chocolate connoisseurs, a visit to the America's largest home is an absolute must-do! Built by George Washington Vanderbilt in 1895, the 8,000-acre estate is nothing short of stunning, complete with 250 lavish rooms inside the mansion, 75 acres of gardens, an incredible winery, trails, experiences, shops, and more.

But you'll want to pay a visit for more than just the exquisite surroundings. In addition to all of the royal offerings available, Biltmore also offers dreamy wine and chocolate tasting tours. Delectable chocolates straight from French Broad (above), combined with wine that's barreled and aged just yards away in the on-site vineyard equals the perfect date idea, girls' day trip, or luxurious special treat.

You can learn more about visiting, touring, vacationing, and special events at Biltmore by checking out the Biltmore Estate website.

The perfect shells on the hand-dipped chocolates at Asheville Chocolate have earned them a special place in Asheville's dessert scene. Truffles, chocolate bars, and homemade ganaches are only a small bite of what they have to offer (their affogatos and house gelatos are divine!), but every piece is crafted to perfection in a cozy, artistic space.

"Get Chocolate Sauced" with their Pecan Bourbon, Irish Cream, or Champagne truffles, kick your chocolate obsession up a notch with a spicy Pink Peppercorn or Carolina Reaper truffle, or find something new to love, like the delectable Honey truffle. Or, just try them all!

View the full menu of chocolate offerings on Asheville Chocolate's website.

You could walk around Asheville's charming and historic downtown for hours, sampling sweets and exploring the city's culinary magic. But Old Europe Pastries is definitely a sweet surprise worth returning to time and time again. Asheville's oldest café serves far more than just fine European and Italian drinks (although we'll be honest - those espresso shots are truly eccellente!), Old Europe also bakes authentic European sweets, danishes, cakes, macarons, and more.

Owner and native Hungarian Melinda Vetro works absolute magic in the kitchen, which includes baking up tantalizingly light and fluffy chocolate drizzled confections - and the options are always changing. One day you might find a beautifully light Peanut Butter Chocolate Sponge Cake, layered with chocolate mousse and chocolate ganache, a decadent German Chocolate Cake with blissfully sweet coconut pecan filling, or maybe it's a new and unexpected Old World treat like the Ishler or a classic chocolate drizzled eclair. Whatever your temptation, Old Europe Pastries is an absolute must-visit for chocolate-lovers and dessert aficionados alike.

Follow Old Europe Pastries on Facebook for the ultimate chocolate sweets inspo.