Chocolate Festival returns

ROCK ISLAND – Winter wears a dreary coat some days, however, there’s a surefire way to make it sparkle – chocolate.

There is nothing like a Chocolate Festival to bring smiles to both young and old. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 29, a visit to the Quad City Botanical Center, 2525 Fourth Ave., will reap benefits and maybe a pound or two.

The festival attracts representatives from bakeries, chocolatiers and candy shops, who will offer free samples. Chocolate is the key ingredient for cooking demonstrations, and spas will be present offering free beauty tips, facials and massages. There’s even something for the kids. A new chocolate activity area will feature Willy Wonka of chocolate factory fame. And even better, chocolate will be sold during the event.

In addition to the chocolate, the center entices with a sun garden full of tropical plants and warmth. Visitors can pretend they’re in the garden to view the “chocolate” trees, when they really just want to be warm and dream of those tropical breezes.

One of the highlights of the festival will be the “Food of the Gods Chocolate” tour. Guides in the sun garden will point out the cocoa tree and other tropical plants in the food chain that provide coconut, vanilla, coffee and bananas.

There’s also a children’s greenhouse garden that has an excursion just right for families.

While at the center, visitors can take in a special art exhibit called Artists Unlimited. The work of Artists Unlimited, a regional group, will be on display. The exhibit is included with the general admission price of $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for kids 5 to 12 and $1 for kids 2 to 4. Children younger than 2 get in free.

Besides the indoor offerings at the center, there are a number of seasonal gardens not open in the winter. Among them are a perennial garden and a secret garden. Catch these and more when the weather turns warmer.

If chocolate isn’t of interest, visitors might want to consider a 1 p.m. tropical garden walk on Sunday. Participants will learn about products from the tropics. There will be samples of fruit and food demonstrating tropical spices. This walk is free with general admission.