If you are the proud owner of a crazed sweet tooth, then know that we understand your plight. It's quite the weight, we're sure, but a weight that must be carried and sated by consistent exposure to cakes, cookies, and chocolate treats. For folks salivating over the latter, we put together a delicious road trip that will take you to some of the best chocolate in Tennessee. So prepare your taste buds for one of the sweetest road trips you take this year and make sure to leave your favorite experiences in the comments below!

We have even given you a road trip map that you can customize no matter where you find yourself in our wonderful state.

1. Dinstuhl's Fine Candies - Memphis

Dinstuhl's Fine Candies now has multiple locations around the city, but it was originally started in 1902 by Charles Martin Dinstuhl, Sr. The shop has since stolen the hearts of Memphis with its delicious chocolate and hard candy treats, and boasts a staff that spans five generations of candy makers. That's a Tennessee legacy if we've ever heard one. (Various Locations)

Check out this Tennessee Crossroads video to get a much more in-depth feel for this sweet shop before you go.

2. Schakolad Chocolate Factory - Franklin

Schakolad Chocolate Factory is a chain, sure, but there are multiple locations in Franklin that still give you that old-fashioned, decadent experience with the ease of consistent location. The European-style chocolates run the flavor gamut, and there are even vegan options available if you're in the market. They have locations in both Franklin and Knoxville so pick a location and make it one of your stops on this sweet road trip.

3. Olive & Sinclair Chocolate Co - East Nashville

Olive & Sinclair is the only "bean-to-bar" chocolate shop in the city, and the resulting treats are fresh, delicious and unforgettable. Their duck fat caramels are also an insane explosion of flavor, and you can even find their bars tucked away in grocery stores and local shops around town. This is one from-start-to-finish chocolate shop that you won't want to miss and you can taste the difference. Check out this video from Tennessee Valley Uncharted for a behind-the-scenes look at the process that makes this chocolate so great.

4. Laura's Specialty - Old Hickory

Editor's note: This addition to our list is bittersweet because this chocolate shop is now permanently closed.

Laura's Specialty is a sweet specialty chocolate shop in Old Hickory, an intimate, family-owned shop that's perfect for fun and quirky gifts and treats. Come for stocking stuffers or birthday gifts, this darling place is sure to find you the unique chocolate, cookie or sweet you've been looking for. (14862 Lebanon Road)

5. The Hot Chocolatier - Chattanooga

Is there anything dreamier than a toasty hot chocolate on a chilly day? The Hot Chocolatier serves up gourmet chocolates and sweets as well, but their hot cocoa certainly takes the prize. This specialty shop is inspired by European chocolate flair, and has deftly brought trans-Atlantic indulgences to Tennessee. (1437 Market Street)

6. Knoxville Chocolate Company - Knoxville

Editor's note: Unfortunately this location is closed but if you want to get some chocolates or seasonal gifts you can always visit the owner's new business adventure by visiting Bradley's.

This homey little spot offers up to 100 different flavors and types of chocolate treats, everything made from scratch on-site in their Knoxville shop. It's a true local legend, the kind of spot you visit when the going gets tough or you're simply craving a bite of something sweet. It's a great spot for fun gifts, too! (29 Market Square Suite 100)

7. Downtown Sweet - Jonesborough

Editor's note: This business is also unfortunately closed but Jonesborough is not without its candy shop. Make sure to visit The Lollipop Shop downtown for some good old-fashioned candies and even a retro '80s-themed arcade upstairs.

If you're looking for a Louisiana praline, Downtown Sweet has a family recipe that will give even New Orleans a run for its money. This locally owned sweet shop is great for all ages, offering everything from truffles to homemade ice cream sandwiches. (137 East Main Street)

From the west side of the state all the way to the east we have some amazing chocolate shops and sweet stores. It is always hard to pinpoint the best chocolate in Tennessee, when there are so many great places to choose from, but this road trip is sure to be one delicious trip.

You can continue to experience all the delicious eats that Tennessee has to offer with a visit to this historic food hall in Memphis.