No other holiday has a reputation for sweetness rivaling that of Valentine’s Day. I mean, chocolate is practically de rigueur when the 14th of February rolls around: flowers, dinner, chocolate. But when you’re attempting to demonstrate your affection for your favorite person (or people), you can’t just pick up any old candy heart or bon bon and hope it will do. You need special chocolate for your special someone. Fortunately, we in the Land of 10,000 Lakes are blessed with many fine, local chocolatiers (some are even nationally-recognized). One of my favorite chocolate shops in Minnesota is Truffle Hill Chocolates in Excelsior. It’s my go-to spot when I’m looking for just the right sweet treat for my sweetheart.
Truffle Hill was a Tonka Bay institution in its iconic, Tudor-style house for more than a quarter century. In December 2022, however, vandals broke into the building, destroying much of the shop’s inventory and equipment. It took almost a year for the shop to bounce back, but in December 2023, Truffle Hill Chocolates’ new space on Water Street in Excelsior – a mile or so from its previous location – opened its doors to the public.
While it lacks some of the charm that made the chocolatier’s old spot so beloved, the Excelsior shop is bright and welcoming, with plenty of room for plenty of customers and inventory. Best of all? The chocolate is as delicious as ever!
The shop’s truffles, turtles, caramels, and popcorn – along with its other delights – are made in small, hand-crafted batches right on premises. And of course, around Valentine’s Day, you’ll find plenty of special offerings, including heart-shaped boxes of truffles in a variety of quantities and flavors – or pick out your own. While there, be sure to check out the shop’s homage to its previous location, made entirely from chocolate by the Truffle Hills expert chocolatiers.
Have you tried the treats from Truffle Hill Chocolates in Excelsior? We’d love to hear all about your favorite chocolate shops in Minnesota, as well. If you’re more into discovering new things, try out our new Travel Planner!…