If you like chocolate and festivals, then the Long Grove Chocolate Festival is for you. Of course, the festival looked differently in 2021. You had to register, purchase tickets for general admission or a weekend pass, and snag your workshop tickets in advance online. Yes, we opted for the weekend pass. We selected two workshops: Booze & Cakes and Cocktails & Chocolate. If you drive in from Chicago, be prepared. It started raining on my way to the event, and traffic on a Saturday was at a standstill. The drive to Long Grove, Illinois, took one hour and 21 minutes, but free parking is available. I headed to the chocolate tent to check in. The Booze & Cakes workshop started at 1:00PM at the Chocolate Expo Tent.

Day One Chocolate Festival: Chocolate Row

I did not know what to expect, but I thought there would be more to the Booze & Cakes workshop. Even though I received a pre-made cocoa bomb, the workshop was not interactive. However, the presenter explained it was impossible to make cocoa bombs in 30 minutes. After the Booze & Cakes workshop, we walked Chocolate Row. A live band played in the background as we visited each tent. I purchased a Hershey Kisses candle, organic lemon cookies, alcohol-infused cupcakes, and mini donuts topped with chocolate and toffee. At The Gents Place tent, I received a complimentary pass for a 3 Course Grooming Service. The last stop for the day was Ma and Pa’s Candy in the Village Tavern Area. You will not be disappointed by the nostalgic treats. Because we purchased tickets for Sunday, I booked a room at The Forester A Hyatt Place Hotel in Lake Forest, Illinois.

The Forester a Hyatt Place Hotel

If you have read a post or two, you know that I encourage you to sign up for a hotel rewards program. I am a member of Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, and World of Hyatt. Even though the Forester was running a promotion for their Grand Opening ($166.54), I applied 4,000 World of Hyatt points and $99.00 to cover the cost. Believe it or not, a standard free night is only 8,000 points. Of course, I only had 4,004 points in my account because I used points for a reservation at the Forester in August. Remember, the World of Hyatt program is free to join. When I  checked my account, I noticed an additional credit. I will receive a free night after I visit five Hyatt brands in a calendar year. By the way, I earned 3,685 points for my stay. Become a member today.

Oaken Bistro + Bar

We dined at the restaurant on the property. Even though I received a discount card for 16% off, we took advantage of the 50% off (cocktails not included) promotion for Lake Forest Restaurant Week. Although the cocktail menu was interesting, I opted for a lemon drop martini. The bartender crafted the drink perfectly. Do not let the small glass fool you. If you like cauliflower, you will enjoy the Fried Chicken Cauliflower. The coating was seasoned well, and the cauliflower was tender. Try the Lobster Roll when it is in season. Lobster spilled onto the plate, and the French fries were tasty. I enjoyed every bite of my food at Oaken Bistro + Bar. If you are in Lake Forest, stop by, enjoy a cocktail, and check out the appetizers.

Day Two Chocolate Festival

During check-in, we opted for the complimentary grab-and-go breakfast Sunday. The Cocktails & Chocolate workshop was at 1:00PM. After waiting 15 minutes, we learned the presenter was not available. Although the organizers offered ticket holders a refund, we were pleasantly surprised by an impromptu wine and tequila tasting. Meanwhile, the owner of The Pink Cupcake Creations provided the audience with mini chocolate cupcakes. After we left the chocolate expo tent, we purchased kettle corn from Signature Popcorn, cigars from Neumann’s Cigars and More, and dark chocolate balsamic vinegar from The Olive Tap. We also enjoyed a beer at Buffalo Creek Brewing. I do not know about you, but I always make my way to the Visitors Center. Stop by. You may be pleasantly surprised.

I Like Chocolate and Festivals

 If you are looking for something different to do, you should try one of the many annual events and activities in Long Grove. These include Strawberry Fest, Apple Fest, Cocoa Crawl, Vintage Days, and Irish Days. Visit longgrove.org/events-festivals.