Although we're firm believers that chocolate doesn't need a season, it is the right time of year to peruse your favorite candy store. Skip the cheap little peanut butter trees and treat yourself to the most scrumptious chocolate Arkansas has to offer. In no particular order, let's explore the truffles worth the trouble in our naturally delicious state.

1. Cocoa Belle Chocolates - Byrant

Chocolate is a delicious art form at Cocoa Belle Chocolates. Feel en vogue as you nibble on the exquisite truffles, bon-bons, bars and barks. Speaking of which, Cocoa Belle was recently featured in Vogue Magazine! Cocoa Belle is located at 3614 Market Place Ave. in Bryant.

2. Kopper Kettle Candies - Van Buren

Founded in 1925, Kopper Kettle has been using the same time-tested formulas for four generations. It's hard to pick a favorite between their signature "karamel" apples, mouth-watering fudge, or chocolate-covered strawberries. It's best to play it safe and try all three. Kopper Kettle has two locations. The Van Buren address is 6300 Alma Hwy. The Fort Smith store is at 4300 Rogers Ave. in the Greenpointe Shopping Center.

3. Markham & Fitz Chocolate - Fayetteville

Markham & Fitz invite you to come see the "bean to bar" process at their chocolate factory. Starting with cocoa beans, the creations of bars and truffles are a sweet finish. What's even sweeter, Markham & Fitz are opening a chocolate dessert bar & Cafe at the 8th Street Market in Bentonville this month! No need to wait though, you can get a taste at their Fayetteville store on 4170 W Martin Luther King Blvd.

4. Country Chic Chocolate Company - Pine Bluff

Country Chic is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Besides the delicious homemade cheesecakes and chocolate dipped everything, you can also grab a plate lunch. Add one of their fruit kabobs so your meal instantly becomes healthy.Fill up at the Country Chic Chocolate Company at 1522 S Main Street in Pine Bluff.

5. Kyya Chocolate - Springdale

Voted Best Chocolate in Arkansas, Kyya is definitely worth a visit or three. They implement a "bean to bar" process and create bars, spreads, syrups, and even muffins. Classes and tours are available upon request. Kyya Chocolate is located at

278 North Elm Street in Springdale.

6. Martin Greer's Candies - Gateway

It's impossible to not stop at the "Gateway to the Ozarks" when you're on your way to visit the mountains or heading to Eureka Springs. Greer's is the perfect place to stop for supplies; you know, truffles, bark, fudge, the essentials for any mountain hike. Taste the old world recipes for yourself at 22151 Highway 62 in Gateway.

7. Two Dumb Dames Fudge Factory - Eureka Springs

The story behind the name is that the husband said "No wifey, don't open up a fudge shop. Our daughter is better off doing something else. And so are you. A store like that would never work. Oh, you silly dumb dames." Five generations and a successful store later, the "dumb dames" are smart about their fudge. Come in for the fudge and try the caramels or divinity. The Two Dumb Dames are located at 33 S Main Street in Eureka Springs.

We're not saying you should make a road trip to visit every chocolate store we just toured...

...but here's a handy map if you find yourself needing it!

For directional details, click here.

Did we accidentally glaze over your favorite chocolate shop? Share the sweets with us in the comments below!

If you need a meal before your dessert tour, try one of the oldest restaurants in Arkansas.