PHOTOS by Matt DeRitter / CLICK to enlarge gallery

By Olivia Maag

Bundled-up chocolate lovers trooped down Bluffton’s Main St. with bright red Explore Bluffton tote bags to participate in a Valentine’s trick-or-treat. All 150 event tickets sold, allowing individuals to pop into 21 participating locations to do a little shopping or visiting and enjoy a unique piece of chocolate along the way.

Participants had the afternoon and evening, between noon and 7 p.m.,, to enjoy the sweet community tradition coordinated by the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce.

Many walkers made their rounds earlier in the day, with activity slowing around 2:00 p.m. Once the high school let out, however, groups of people filled the streets again for an exciting evening out. The Bluffton Public Library saw an increase in visitors, with dozens of families stopping in after school as part of their Chocolate Walk route.

The Chocolate Walk is a way to support Bluffton’s local business community. It gives people the chance to step into stores they may never have visited. Smiling faces could be seen at Roots by Stratton, Shirley’s Popcorn, Polished / Boutique 415, Town and Country Flowers, CCR Realtors and more, as participants collected a variety of chocolate treats. Ticket holders warmed up with hot drinks at Twisted Whisk, browsed plants at Roots by Strattons, visited the Bluffton Public Library, and adults had the option to wrap up the night with a glass of wine at Bluffton’s 1861 Wine Lounge.

Some businesses decided to get a little more daring with their setup. Zac Kohli of Superior Realty took the Chocolate Walk outside, greeting participants from a table on S. Main St. Participating businesses were:

Along the route, chocolate walkers enjoyed artwork created by Bluffton Elementary students. Pieces from several classes were displayed in participating storefronts, featuring red, white and blue designs to celebrate America 250. The artwork added an extra touch of local pride and creativity to the walk.

For more information on Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce events and opportunities, visit https://blufftonareachamber.com/