St. Augustine is known for its centuries-old architecture, coastal beauty, and cobblestone streets, but it also has a sweet side. Among the many things to do in St. Augustine, one special experience combines both fun and flavor: the Whetstone Chocolate Tour.
The Whetstone Chocolate guided tour takes you inside the world of chocolate, sharing its history, how it’s made, and of course, plenty of tastings. For guests staying in a St. Augustine resort or one of our St. Augustine condo rentals, this tour is a sweet way to add a unique experience to your trip.
All About Whetstone Chocolates
The story of Whetstone Chocolates started in northeast Florida with Henry and Esther Whetstone. After Henry’s time in the U.S. Air Force and working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, he and Esther began making candy in their home kitchen. With a simple recipe for fudge, long nights, and a lot of hard work, the couple slowly built a name for themselves.
Henry even carved candy molds by hand, creating chocolates shaped like dolphins and alligators, fun designs that celebrated Florida culture. Esther worked on recipes, making each batch better.
By the mid-1960s, their small home project had grown into a business. The Whetstones expanded from fudge to hand-dipped chocolates filled with nuts, caramel, toffee, and cherries. Word spread quickly, and soon customers were lining up for their sweets. By 1967, the company offered 13 flavors of fudge plus many chocolate creations.
When their daughter, Virginia, joined the business after graduating from college, she helped take it further. In the 1990s, Whetstone Chocolates began offering tours, giving visitors a chance to see how their treats were made. Today, it’s not only a chocolate shop but also a significant attraction, welcoming guests from across the country.
Chocolate Factory Tours at Whetstone Chocolates
Of all the things to do in St. Augustine, the Original Whetstone Chocolate Tour is a must for visitors of every age. The tour introduces you to the world of chocolate, showing how cacao beans are turned into the sweets we all love.
Led by friendly chocolatiers, the tour includes a guided tasting with dark, milk, and white chocolates, as well as cocoa nibs and other samples. Along the way, you’ll learn how flavor, texture, and technique all come together in the finished product.
The tour is designed for all ages. The tour guides and samples are engaging for the kids, while adults will learn (and taste) something new. Groups are kept small so everyone can ask questions and talk with the guides. At the end, guests receive coupons for the King Street shop, perfect for picking up chocolates to take home or to enjoy back at your St. Augustine condo rental.
How is Chocolate Made?
In its most basic form, chocolate starts with cacao pods, which grow in tropical regions. Inside the pods are cacao beans covered in a sweet pulp. These beans are fermented and dried, an essential step for flavor. After that, the beans are roasted, which brings out the rich chocolate aroma.
Next, the roasted beans are cracked open to reveal cocoa nibs. These nibs are ground into a paste called chocolate liquor, which is then separated into cocoa butter and cocoa solids. From there, chocolatiers mix, refine, and “conch” the chocolate, a process that stirs and smooths it to improve taste and texture.
The final step is tempering, which involves heating and cooling the chocolate to achieve a shiny look and a crisp snap. At Whetstone Chocolates, every step is done with care and artistry, creating chocolates that are both delicious and beautiful. And, just like the Whetstone family, the chocolatiers are constantly adding new flavors and techniques to this basic process, creating a new experience with every visit. Visitors leave with a new appreciation for just how much work goes into every piece.
Whetstone Chocolate Shops in St. Augustine
While the tour is the best way to see chocolate-making in action, you can also stop by one of the Whetstone Chocolates shops around St. Augustine. Locations on Anastasia Island, St. George Street, and King Street make it easy to find their famous treats wherever you’re staying.
The shops offer everything from classic hand-dipped chocolates to fun Florida-inspired shapes and snacks. If you’re staying in a St. Augustine oceanfront condo, the Anastasia Island shop is a convenient stop before heading back to enjoy the beach. Visitors near the historic district can explore the St. George Street or King Street locations, both stocked with the same sweet favorites.
No matter which shop you visit, you’ll find chocolates made with the same dedication to quality that started in a small St. Augustine kitchen decades ago.
Plan Your Visit
Ready to experience the best of St. Augustine? Browse our full inventory of vacation condo rentals in St. Augustine for the ideal accommodations for your stay!
Book Your St. Augustine Condo Rental with St. Augustine Ocean & Racquet Resort
The Whetstone Chocolate Tour is just one of the many fun things to do in St. Augustine. Pairing your adventures with the right accommodations makes your vacation even better. At St. Augustine Ocean & Racquet Resort, guests enjoy the comfort of a private St. Augustine condo rental, plus easy beach access and the best resort amenities on the beach.
Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a group trip, our condos provide the space and comfort you need. Many guests choose a St. Augustine oceanfront condo for the best views and the perfect spot to relax after exploring.
After a day of touring downtown, tasting chocolates, or strolling along the shore, returning to your own condo makes the experience even more enjoyable. By booking a St Augustine vacation rental with St. Augustine Ocean & Racquet, you get more than just a place to stay. You’ll have a welcoming home base close to the city’s history, culture, and sweet treats.
