A few days ago, I decided to surprise my great-grandmother and her boyfriend on my way to their apartment. I drove out of my way into Downtown Anderson, which is, compared to most other downtown areas, relatively miniscule. It does, however, make up for the size with high-quality stores in the area. I chose to take a look at CocoBon, the only non-franchised chocolatier in town.

Walking up to the storefront, I expected for CocoBon to be the typical snooty upper-class shop that only college students from Anderson University would visit. For the first time in a blue moon, I had judged the cover of the book erroneously. Opening the door, I ran into the owner. He promptly asked me how I was doing before I was able to notice his attire. I talked about how the weather was practically making me melt (which has been said so much it annoys my grandma now), and then I noticed his outfit. The owner was dressed in a striped button-up shirt with suspenders. There was a bowtie wrapped snugly around his collar. He also wore a cute straw colored boater hat. In the background, old ragtime music played from the speakers. All of the walls and shelves were organized to mimic the appearance of general stores that my grandfather always prattles on about. I walked around, mesmerized by how cute and welcoming the store looked.

Now, I know I mentioned chocolate, and most readers at this point are probably yelling "get on with it!" at their screens. There's not just chocolate available in the store, but also rock candy and hard candies. All of the goods are made in the behind a set of saloon doors. The owner told me that all of his products are made in the back, usually by him. He did state, however, that he occasionally needs help from his employees to create larger batches of chocolate and candy. Interested in eating some chocolate for myself and for my family, I decided to buy a 24-piece box of bonbons. I got three piece groups of chocolates for the most part. I also purchased a bag of Millie B's Chocolate Bark for my great-grandma and her boyfriend. The total was a little expensive compared to the rest of my usual shopping, but it was honestly worth it. Going home after helping my great-grandma with various tasks, I surprised the rest of the family with the box of chocolates. They were all very impressed with how the chocolate tasted, so I tried a cordial cherry for myself. I spilled juice all over my shirt when I busted the shell open. Nevertheless, the chocolate was incredibly smooth rather than gritty like most mass produced candy. The juice in surrounding the cherry tasted like actual juice instead of corn syrup. I finished the rest of the box the other day, and all of the chocolate tasted so great I can't choose a favorite.

If you find yourself in Downtown Anderson, try and visit CocoBon. The atmosphere is calming and the service is spot-on. If I rated places based on the star system, I'd most likely give CocoBon a five star rating. Try it one day; not only are you buying chocolate, you're also supporting a local business with a passion for its products.