Munson's Chocolate By Susan McLean

I've lived my entire life in Connecticut and when I transferred to Eastern Connecticut State University, my roommates were astounded when I'd never tried or heard about Munson's chocolate. Madison, my mildly chocolate-obsessed roommate quickly whipped out a piece for me to try. It was a solid milk chocolate star wrapped in foil, a bit smaller than the size of a box of tic-tacs. After a bite, I quickly realized what the fuss was about. It was like the center of a Lindt truffle, (ie, the good part.) Since then, I have become a Munson's convert, buying my mom some for Mother's Day, and keeping a secret stash. (I swear I'm not addicted...........) 

When Allison and Anna came to Connecticut to visit, I knew that Munson's had to be on the itinerary. The store in Bolton had just opened back up after major renovations, and everything looked pristine. We were welcomed by a girl with a tray of samples, and Anna and Allison fell quickly in love. 

All the fall decorations were already out, plus halloween themed chocolate on display. I bought a few bars to add to my stash and Allison and Anna each picked out some treats. 

Munson's was founded in 1946 in Manchester CT. The founders were Josephine and Ben Munson. From the Munson's history: "Ben would start each day by mixing up batches of creams and caramels from his 'secret recipes.' By late morning he would hand dip each and every piece in chocolate. Finally, they would make their way to Josephine who carefully packaged the assortments and prepared them for sale." 

Since, Munson's has become a third generation candy family and CT's largest retail chocolate manufacturer, With stores in Bolton, West Simsbury, Newington, Mystic, Orange, South Windsor, Glastonbury, Farmington, West Hartford, and Mashantucket CT, plus an online shop here, you can get your Munson's fix easily.

If you're out and about in CT and are craving chocolate, or if you like to support family owned and operated businesses, try Munson's.