The List >> Ideas for a `Wonka' dream vacation this winter
As the winter chill descends, homebodies might cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate. Travelers, meanwhile, may choose to indulge their sweet tooth with a full-fledged, chocolate-inspired vacation.
With the the movie “Wonka” opening this Friday, candy might be on America's mind. Happily, you don't need to win a golden ticket to experience one of America's myriad chocolate factories, chocolate restaurants and even chocolate theme parks.
Here are six ways to have a zany, chocolate-inspired vacation in the U.S. this winter that are enough to impress Wonka himself.
1
Nestled on the waterfront in San Francisco`s Fisherman's Wharf, Ghirardelli Square originally housed a chocolate factory established by Domenico “Domingo” Ghirardelli. Today, you'll find shops and restaurants, as well as the original ice cream and chocolate shop, a larger, more elaborate Chocolate Experience and a quick, to-go shop.
Visit one of three chocolate locations at Ghirardelli Square:
2
Dine on savory chocolate meals at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium: This steampunk-inspired spot at Universal CityWalk Orlando and Universal CityWalk Hollywood looks like it was designed by Willy Wonka himself and a menu that includes chicken wings coated in a chocolate stout glaze.
3
Take sweet selfies at interactive museums: Museums of Ice Cream have popped up across the country, from Austin, Texas to New York — and soon Boston and Miami.
4
Experience a chocolate theme park at Hersheypark: Pennsylvania's 121-acre amusement park was originally created by Milton S. Hershey as leisure grounds for employees of Hershey's Chocolate Factory. The park closes from January through March for off-season maintenance, but Hershey's Chocolate World next door is open year round.
5
Drink a candy cocktail at Sugar Factory: With locations from Las Vegas to Miami, Atlanta and Boston, this brasserie and bar makes giant candy-infused cocktails.
6
Enter a hot chocolate race: Hot Chocolate Runs are held in more than 20 cities nationwide, including San Francisco on Jan. 7.