The Story Behind the Chocolate Tour
The Story Behind the Chocolate Tour
What began as a spark of inspiration—30,000 feet in the air—has grown into one of Newburyport’s sweetest traditions.
HOW IT STARTED
On a flight home from Alaska, a Red Cross volunteer discovered an article about a small-town chocolate tour. With Newburyport’s walkable downtown, vibrant shop scene, and strong volunteer spirit, the idea felt like a perfect fit.
Back home, the first tour came to life with 15 local shops offering chocolate treats to ticket holders. Volunteers greeted guests, chocolates were hidden at the back of each store to encourage exploration, and balloons marked participating shops (though the wind had other plans!).
A Sweet Tradition With Purpose
From the start, the goal was simple: create a joyful experience for the community and donate 100% of the proceeds to local nonprofits. Over the years, the Tour has weathered rain, sun, and even a few melty chocolates—but it has never lost its heart.
Growing the Impact
When the Red Cross stepped back, longtime volunteer Diane Hawkins-Clark partnered with Central Congregational Church to continue the tradition. Under their leadership, the Chocolate Tour has grown stronger every year.
In 2024, the sweetness spread to Amesbury, giving even more of the North Shore a chance to enjoy this community celebration.
Over the years, the Tour has weathered rain, sun, and even a few melty chocolates—but it has never lost its heart. Since 2003, the event has:
- Raised over $140,000
- Brought thousands of neighbors together for a day of fun
- Supported 25+ local nonprofits
In 2024, the sweetness spread to Amesbury, giving even more of the North Shore a chance to enjoy this community celebration.
A Note from the Chair
Danielle Levy
Chair, The Chocolate Tour
It is a joy to serve as Chair of the Chocolate Tour and to be part of the team that brings this beloved tradition to life. Each year, I’m inspired by the way our community comes together—businesses, volunteers, and neighbors—united by a love of chocolate and a commitment to making a difference. In 2025, we honored this tradition by formally establishing Vera’s Chocolate Wishes, the foundation behind the Tour, named after my grandmother Vera. Vera was selfless in every way—except when it came to sharing her chocolates, ice cream, and cookies. With deep roots in family and community, she had a quiet presence but left a profound impact through her generosity and dedication to grassroots efforts. By naming the foundation after her, we carry forward her spirit of kindness, joy, and giving. I have personally attended the Chocolate Tour for more than 15 years, long before stepping into the role of Chair. My goal is to preserve what makes this event so meaningful while expanding its reach—embracing chocolate not only as a beloved indulgence, but also as a powerful way to spark connection, celebrate community, and fuel positive change. Thank you for walking alongside us—whether you joined the Tour, volunteered your time, or supported our nonprofit partners. Together, we live our motto: Eat Chocolate. Be Happy. Do Good.
A Tradition of Chocolate & Community
