Have a sweet tooth or really enjoy hot chocolate? Are you looking for something fun that a group of friends, significant other, or family can enjoy without breaking the bank? Instead of a bar crawl, have a hot chocolate crawl! Create your own or follow the three stops that I created. This is a great activity for one of these upcoming chilly, winter days in Erie. Best of all, a hot chocolate crawl can cost less than $15 a person (excluding tips)! This might be an ongoing series – let me know if you want more things like this! As of November 2021, cow milk alternatives are available at each location, such as almond milk.
Hot Chocolate Crawl Stop 1: Ember + Forge
For the first stop of the Erie hot chocolate crawl, you will find yourself at Ember + Forge. It is the newest of the three spots, but it has a fun vibe and feels like it has been a State Street staple for years. It has a great lounge area for catching up. A small hot chocolate will run you less than $5. For a twist, try adding vanilla with cinnamon on top!
Heads up: bring coins in case you need to park at a parking meter.
Address
Ember + Forge
401 State Street
Erie, PA 16501
Website: www.emberandforge.com
Check their website for updated hours; current hours as of December 2021 are:
- Monday-Saturday 8:00am-4:00pm
- Sunday 8:00am-2:00pm
Hot Chocolate Crawl Stop 2: Pressed
After you’ve finished sipping your drink, drink up the beautiful scenes of the Bayfront as you take a quick jaunt over to Pressed, Stop 2.
Coffee and a bookstore? Pressed has both. Sip hot cocoa and peruse a bookstore, if you so choose! The book and gift selection here are top-notch, especially for a locally owned business. Additionally, if you can’t find the page-turner you’re looking for, there is an option to have it ordered for you! The ambiance is trendy yet cozy. A small hot chocolate will cost less than $5.
Address
Pressed
1535 W 8th St
Erie, PA 16505
Website: www.pressedbooks.com
Check their website for updated hours; current hours as of December 2021 are:
Coffee shop
- Monday-Friday 8:00am-6:00pm
- Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm
- Sunday 10:00am-3:00pm
Bookstore
- Monday-Friday 10:00am-6:00pm
- Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm
- Sunday 10:00am-3:00pm
Hot Chocolate Crawl Stop 3: Romolo Chocolates
One parking lot over is Romolo Chocolates, the final stop of this hot chocolate crawl. During the holiday season, their seasonal decor will definitely fill you with holiday cheer. Romolo’s has won many an award for their delicious chocolates and most recently was voted Best Dessert in the 2021 Erie’s Choice Awards. While grabbing a hot chocolate, their numerous gift and chocolate options might find their way into your purchases. A small Signature Cocoa will run you less than $5.
Address
Romolo Chocolates
1525 West 8 Street
Erie, PA 16505
Website: https://romolochocolates.com
Check the website for updated hours; current hours as of December 2021 are:
- Monday-Friday 8:00am-8:00pm
- Saturday 9:00am-8:00pm
- Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm
Great idea for getting out of the house in the winter! Love it and love your pictures!