South Carolina Smiles and Places 2008 Official Vacation Guide - (Page 38) By Liz Mitchell Marshmallows, peanut butter, caramel, coconut, cashews, molasses, jellies, fresh strawberries, more nuts, maybe some other delicious tastes…plus chocolate…and it all adds up to one aromatic chocolate factory. Right here in the lovely Lowcountry town of Beaufort, SC, The Chocolate Tree boils and stirs and dips and creates luscious confections in front of thousands of visitors each year. On the 27th anniversary of the candy manufactory, Pat Green reminisces about the beginnings of this flavorfilled adventure she and her family now share with the world. Pat and a friend were military wives who made crafts and candy at home for their children and teachers. She worked in a civil service job at Parris Island, and her partner worked part-time. They first taught candy-making classes for wives’ groups at night in their homes. Then they expanded to open a small shop. Soon they needed a larger space for cooking and bought the building where they still operate on Carteret Street. “We mortgaged everything, including the cat, ” Green said. “God looked out for us, and we opened that store. Now the super successful business ” employs 17 including the husband, sister, son and granddaughter of Pat Green, the original owner. Where do the recipes come from for 60 chocolate choices, four brittles, nine fudges, 19 truffles, pecan logs and more? Some come from trial and error. However, the family listens to customers and watches trends for colors and flavors. This allows them to offer whatever is “hot, such as the current love of dark chocolate. ” The most popular of the candies is the Tiger Paws, followed closely by the English Toffees. What does the owner eat? “The boo boos, she admits. It’s easy to understand ” her fondness for the vanilla and raspberry marshmallow treats as she picks up a half-eaten chocolate covered “boo boo” from her desk. Beginning as a hobby and growing into a Lowcountry phenomenon open 361 days a year, The Chocolate Tree is a feel good stop to savor during any visit to Beaufort. And it’s great to know that The Chocolate Tree ships all over the world because you’ll want more after you return home. Find out more… The Chocolate Tree 507 Carteret St., Beaufort, SC 29902 843-524-7980 www.thechocolatetree.us 38 South Carolina Smiles 2008 http://www.thechocolatetree.us
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.