The Chocolate Tour is a week away – here’s what you need to know

The 8th annual Chocolate Tour is back and better than ever before.

The annual event, hosted by the Covington Economic Development Corporation, has more stops this year and offers more to event-goers.

It will now begin at the Liberty Vintage Marketplace, near the One Way Cafe in the city’s Depot District (at Union and E. Pleasant) and travel up East Liberty to the square.

“The expanded footprint will mean some extra walking, but King Cotton will help us will transportation for those who have a difficult time walking,” said Covington-Tipton County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lauren Fletcher.

The route

Last year, stops at Liberty Hall, at E. Liberty and N. Maple, were added for vendors who don’t have a storefront. The event center will again be included for this purpose, as will Gateway on the Square and the former PastTimes Antiques building at S. Main and E. Pleasant.

The tour continues up to Buff City Soap, then along the east side of the square, takes a turn east on Pleasant to include the boutique Charmingly Southern, then returns to the square with Upscale Resale, west on Pleasant, then north on W. Court Square and back to Rustic Meadows at the corner of N. Main and Liberty.

Fun things to do

Hollywood Feed, a first-time vendor, will be located at the decor store with dog treats.

Jacki Land Photography will have a photo booth set up on the square where you and your tour group can leave with a tangible memory from the event.

Additionally, the Tipton County Community Chorus will be performing at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on the west side of the square.

Where to buy tickets

Advanced tickets are available for $8 and can be purchased from any retailer on the square, the chamber office or at city hall in both Munford and Atoka.

The ticket comes with a map, which also shows parking and restrooms, as well as places for punches from vendors showing you made a stop.

Event-goers vote for the best chocolate by dropping their tickets with any merchant when they’ve completed the tour.

AireServ won the honor last year with peanut butter balls.

What should I bring?

“Make sure you bring your walking shoes,” Fletcher joked. The entire tour may be right at a mile in distance.

As always, patrons are encouraged to bring containers, because many people take the sweet treats home to enjoy later.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, call 901-476-9727.