Turns out this weekend's all about chocolate festivals -- there are two going on in the region, because obviously, one chocolate festival is JUST. NOT. ENOUGH. (This could call for some kind of delicious but deadly showdown.)
First, the 11th annual Chocolate and Candy Festival is returning to Bel Air, Md. Go here for all the details on that one. And not to be outdone by Maryland, though, the Commonwealth is getting in on the fun as well. The Chocolate Lover's Festival runs Saturday and Sunday, March 3-4.
You'll find chocolate vendors; the Chocolate Challenge, an arts extravaganza where the medium is chocolate, and a pancake breakfast featuring, of course, chocolate chip pancakes (March 3; 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Fire Station 3, 4081 University Drive, Fairfax, Va.). Rounding out the activites are historic re-enactments, kids' activities, and open houses at historic buildings.
The Kiwanis Club of Fairfax is accepting donations of non-perishable, nutritious food for its Meals for Young Minds during the festival. See drop-off locations and suggestions here by clicking "News."
Taste of Chocolate (the vendor market at Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive, Fairfax, Va.) runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Vendors include Capitol Chocolate Fountains, Fluffy Thoughts Cakes, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and the Watergate Pastry Shop.
See the complete schedule of events here by clicking "Events."